Novation Take the A-Station to Poly Heaven

US Low cost polyphonic synth re-invents classic Bass Station sounds 07/08/01

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Novation has launched a new polyphonic synthesizer. Market demand from the Bass Station users resulted in the development of the A-Station, using proprietary technology developed for the Nova and Supernova II. It carries a recommended price tag of just £399. (+/- $550). The A-Station employs what Novation describes as “Liquid Analogue” filter technology, enabling the creation of analogue sounds of “an unprecedented richness.” Novation are aiming to satisfy widespread demand for authentic analogue sounds that benefit from the precision of digital control. All 25 knobs transmit MIDI and provide quick and intuitive selection and adjustment of the bank of 200 preset patches. Key features

Oscillators
The three Oscillator sound engine incorporates all the classic waveforms including sine, tri-angle, sawtooth and variable pulse/square. Oscillators may be synchronised or utilise FM for the generation of metallic or percussive timbres. A Noise Source completes the waveform engine. External audio can also be input and used as an Oscillator source waveform, or routed through the Mixer, Filter and Envelope sections.

Liquid Analogue Filters
The A-Station filters take full advantage of the massive processing power built-in to the synthesiser to give unprecedented richness, smoothness and precision. Selectable low-pass, 12dB or 24dB cut-off curves, with resonance and overdrive, make it easy to recreate faithfully anything from a distorted TB303 to a tightly rounded Bass patch.

Fingertip control
Novation is famed for its control over synthesised sound. The A-Station front panel is immediately satisfying, with every sound-shaping control clearly visible. The A-Station also has a comprehensive MIDI specification, with all knobs transmitting MIDI controllers for easy recording of any movements in real-time on a sequencer.

Effects and Vocoder
The A-Station features a powerful built in effects processor section. Effects include a Stereo Delay unit, Distortion, Stereo Chorus and Reverb, with a full range of controls. Stereo Panning can be assigned to LFOs and envelopes to allow enhanced dynamic control of the stereo image. In addition, the Delay engine can add remarkable time-synchronised repeats to the performance. Unusually for a synthesiser in this price-bracket, a 12-band Vocoder is also included.

Arpeggiator
The two LFOs on the A-Station feature Sample & Hold, Tri, Saw and Square waveforms, with Speed and Delay parameters. The built in Arpeggiator’s Speed, Synchronisation, Sweep Range and Pattern parameters are stored with the program for instant recall. The Arpeggiator and both of the LFOs can be individually synchronised to MIDI Clock in different time signatures, while the Arpeggiator and LFO 2 can be synchronised to LFO 1 in different time signatures. Both these possibilities allow the creation of highly complex audio motion effects. Trigger signals may also be generated from the External Audio Input, allowing the external signal to be processed automatically by the internal Filters and Envelope generators without the need for MIDI note or Gate signals. Available September 2001

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