Novation KS5 61-Key Synthesizer
No longer available at zZounds
zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Semi-weighted. Aftertouch. 16-voice polyphony.
Overview
The new Liquid Analog Sound synthesizers from Novation are simply the best sounding, best value, coolest looking, and downright easiest to use synths in their class.
Features
Semi-weighted with aftertouch keyboard
Superb Liquid Analog sound based on enhanced K-Station engine
Unique Hypersync editing for instant sync and effects settings
4 part multi-timbral with 4 individual outs
16-voice polyphony
16-band vocoder and 4 arpeggiators
All 33 Knobs, sliders, and buttons transmit MIDI for instant control
Audio Input for processing of External Signals
400 memories (200 pre-programmed) and 100 performance memories (50 pre-programmed)
6 high quality simultaneous FX on each part: Reverb, Chorus, Phaser Delay, Panning and Distortion, EQ Filter
Sustain and Expression pedal inputs
Awesome Sonic Performance
Being the pure pleasure seeker that you are, you'll appreciate that both these instruments feature Novation's chilled and unique Liquid Analog Sound. Phatt Oh yes. Gut-wrenching bass? And then some.
Three powerful oscillators combine with waveform "doubling" and clever single cycle wave replay for mega phatt sounds with no loss of polyphony, while FM algorithms take care of the metallic and percussive sounds.
Want more? — You've got it, as these superb synths are also capable of producing classy electric pianos, organs, basses, and leads, plus, you can use an external audio source as an oscillator waveform or route it through the mixer, filter, and envelope… read more sections. Cool.
Awesome Sound Modeling
When it's pumpin' the last thing you need is a user interface that gets in the way. Slows you down. Turns you off. No fear of any of that here. Thirty-three knobs and sliders get you immediate access to where the action is, plus the large, blue and silver 2 x 20 character backlit LCD screen accepts full descriptions for program and parameter naming. That's right — no more cryptic messages. Recall a named factory preset, tweak, pull it, bend it to get "your sound" and instantly save it in any of the 400 program or 100 performance locations.
But a great sound and easy to use nature are only the start as the KS4 and KS5, with typical Novation flair and genius, have other real cute tricks under the hood.
Hypersync™ to the Beat
Taking a staring role is Hypersync. Another unique Novation technology, Hypersync means no more individually selecting and adjusting multiple parameters to create MIDI clock/tempo synchronized effects.
Just grab and turn the powerful Hypersync edit control to apply templates (either factory stored or user created), of musically inspiring synchronization and effects settings. Within minutes, you'll be using Hypersync to create complex audio motion effects that are perfectly locked to the tempo of your composition. It sounds great. It is time saving. It works.
Simultaneous Effects and More
You want more? How about 24 simultaneous effects with a distortion that will make your ears bleed? A flexible reverb and a synchronized stereo chorus with incredible depth, are just a few of the effects available.
Add to this the 4 stellar arpeggiators, which can be combined with the 2 LFOs to create jaw-dropping audio motion effects, a funky 16-band Vocoder for robot and talky effects, handy drum maps plus the superb semi-weighted with aftertouch keyboards, and you've got 2 of the the slickest, highest quality synths available today. read less
Features
Semi-weighted with aftertouch keyboard
Superb Liquid Analog sound based on enhanced K-Station engine
Unique Hypersync editing for instant sync and effects settings
4 part multi-timbral with 4 individual outs
16-voice polyphony
16-band vocoder and 4 arpeggiators
All 33 Knobs, sliders, and buttons transmit MIDI for instant control
Audio Input for processing of External Signals
400 memories (200 pre-programmed) and 100 performance memories (50 pre-programmed)
6 high quality simultaneous FX on each part: Reverb, Chorus, Phaser Delay, Panning and Distortion, EQ Filter
Sustain and Expression pedal inputs
Awesome Sonic Performance
Being the pure pleasure seeker that you are, you'll appreciate that both these instruments feature Novation's chilled and unique Liquid Analog Sound. Phatt Oh yes. Gut-wrenching bass? And then some.
Three powerful oscillators combine with waveform "doubling" and clever single cycle wave replay for mega phatt sounds with no loss of polyphony, while FM algorithms take care of the metallic and percussive sounds.
Want more? — You've got it, as these superb synths are also capable of producing classy electric pianos, organs, basses, and leads, plus, you can use an external audio source as an oscillator waveform or route it through the mixer, filter, and envelope… read more sections. Cool.
Awesome Sound Modeling
When it's pumpin' the last thing you need is a user interface that gets in the way. Slows you down. Turns you off. No fear of any of that here. Thirty-three knobs and sliders get you immediate access to where the action is, plus the large, blue and silver 2 x 20 character backlit LCD screen accepts full descriptions for program and parameter naming. That's right — no more cryptic messages. Recall a named factory preset, tweak, pull it, bend it to get "your sound" and instantly save it in any of the 400 program or 100 performance locations.
But a great sound and easy to use nature are only the start as the KS4 and KS5, with typical Novation flair and genius, have other real cute tricks under the hood.
Hypersync™ to the Beat
Taking a staring role is Hypersync. Another unique Novation technology, Hypersync means no more individually selecting and adjusting multiple parameters to create MIDI clock/tempo synchronized effects.
Just grab and turn the powerful Hypersync edit control to apply templates (either factory stored or user created), of musically inspiring synchronization and effects settings. Within minutes, you'll be using Hypersync to create complex audio motion effects that are perfectly locked to the tempo of your composition. It sounds great. It is time saving. It works.
Simultaneous Effects and More
You want more? How about 24 simultaneous effects with a distortion that will make your ears bleed? A flexible reverb and a synchronized stereo chorus with incredible depth, are just a few of the effects available.
Add to this the 4 stellar arpeggiators, which can be combined with the 2 LFOs to create jaw-dropping audio motion effects, a funky 16-band Vocoder for robot and talky effects, handy drum maps plus the superb semi-weighted with aftertouch keyboards, and you've got 2 of the the slickest, highest quality synths available today. read less
Specs
Keyboard: 61-note with velocity, sensitivity, and aftertouch
Wheels: Pitch and Modulation
Voices: 16
Modes: Program (Mono Timbral) Performance (4 Part multi-timbral)
Part Edit: Note range/Fine/semi-tone detune/On-Off/Output select/MIDI channel
Audio Input: 1 x 20 Bit A/D
Audio Outputs: 4 x 24 Bit D/A
Oscillators 1, 2, and 3
Waveforms: Square/Saw/Variable Pulse/Tri/Sine/Double Saw/Double Tri/Double Sine/16 Complex Cycle Waveforms
Noise Sources: White/Crack/Metal 1/Metal 2
Octave Range: Shift -1 / 0 /+1 / +2
Mod Env Depth: -64 to +63
LFO1 Depth: -64 to +63
PWM Source: Mod Env/Manual/LFO2
Ring Mod: 1 * 2
FM: 2 * 3
2 * 3 FM Level: 0 - 127
2 * 3 FM Mod Level: 0 - 127
FM Env Attack Rate: 250uS-20 Seconds
FM Env Decay Rate: 1mS-20 Seconds
Comprehensive Aftertouch, Breath and Pitch/Mod Wheel control of both static pitch and modulation of pitch
Mixer
Osc 1 Static Level: 0 - 127
Osc 1 Mod Level/LFO1: -64 to +63
Osc 2 Static Level: 0 - 127
Osc 2 Mod Level/LFO2: -64 to +63
Osc 3 Static Level: 0 - 127
Osc 3 Mod Level/AD Env: -64 to +63
Noise Static Level: 0 - 127
Noise Mod Level/LFO1: -64 to +63
FM StaticLevel: 0 - 127
FM Mod Level/AD Env: -64 to +63
Ext Input Static Level: 0 - 127
Ext Input Mod Level/AD Env: -64 to +63
Filter
Frequency: 5Hz-24kHz
Slope: 12dB/24dB
Modes: Low Pass High Pass Band Pass
Resonance: 0-Self Oscillation (24dB mode)
Mod Env Depth: -64 to +63
LFO 2 Depth: -64 to +63
Cut Off: 0 - 127
Keyboard Tracking: 0 - 127
Velocity: 0 - 127
Overdrive: 0 - 127
Q normalize: 0 - 127
Comprehensive Aftertouch, Breath and Pitch/Mod Wheel control of both static filter frequency and modulation of filter frequency
Amplifier and Modulation Envelopes
Velocity: -64 to +63
Attack: 250uS-20 Seconds
Decay: 1mS-20 Seconds
Sustain: 0 - 127
Release: 1mS - 20 Seconds
Delay (Mod Env): 1mS-20 Seconds
LFO1 - LFO2
Modes: Cyclic/One-shot
Waveforms: Sine/Tri/Saw/Squ/Sample & Hold/Sample & Hold/Quantize/Random 12 Intricate Wavetables
Speed: 0 Hz - 1Khz
Delay Fade In: 0 - 5 Seconds
LFO Sync: Internal - MIDI Clock
Arpeggiator
Arpeggiators: 4 Independent
Controls: Speed/Range/Gate Time MIDI Clock/Sync/Keysync
Modes: Up/Down/Rand/Chord
Patterns: 16 Rhythmic
Interfacing
MIDI Sockets: In/Out/Thru
Audio Input: Line Level 1 x Mono 1/4 in. Jack
Audio Outputs: Line Level 1 x Mono 1/4 in. Jack
Pedals: Sustain/Expression 1/4 in. Jack
Effects
Reverb: Level/Echo Chamber, Small Room, Large Room, Small Hall, Large Hall, Grand hall/Decay/Wheel Level
Chorus - Phaser: Level/Rate/Type/MIDI Clock Sync/Feedback/Mod Depth/Centre/MIDI clock sync initial Position, Wheel Level
Distortion: Drive/Compensation/Wheel Level
Panning: Position/Mod Depth/Speed/MIDI clock Sync, Initial Position
Delay: Depth/Time/Feedback/MIDI Clock Sync/Stereo Width/Ratio/Wheel Level
16 Band Vocoder: On-Off/Sibilance Level/Sibilance Type
EQ/Filter: Depth/Freq/Mod Depth/Mod Speed. MIDI clock sync/MIDI clock sync Initial position
Power (AC Mains) 85 - 270 V.A.C 250mA
Dimensions (W x H x D): 1018 x 94 x 300 mm
Weights: 9.5 kg
Wheels: Pitch and Modulation
Voices: 16
Modes: Program (Mono Timbral) Performance (4 Part multi-timbral)
Part Edit: Note range/Fine/semi-tone detune/On-Off/Output select/MIDI channel
Audio Input: 1 x 20 Bit A/D
Audio Outputs: 4 x 24 Bit D/A
Oscillators 1, 2, and 3
Waveforms: Square/Saw/Variable Pulse/Tri/Sine/Double Saw/Double Tri/Double Sine/16 Complex Cycle Waveforms
Noise Sources: White/Crack/Metal 1/Metal 2
Octave Range: Shift -1 / 0 /+1 / +2
Mod Env Depth: -64 to +63
LFO1 Depth: -64 to +63
PWM Source: Mod Env/Manual/LFO2
Ring Mod: 1 * 2
FM: 2 * 3
2 * 3 FM Level: 0 - 127
2 * 3 FM Mod Level: 0 - 127
FM Env Attack Rate: 250uS-20 Seconds
FM Env Decay Rate: 1mS-20 Seconds
Comprehensive Aftertouch, Breath and Pitch/Mod Wheel control of both static pitch and modulation of pitch
Mixer
Osc 1 Static Level: 0 - 127
Osc 1 Mod Level/LFO1: -64 to +63
Osc 2 Static Level: 0 - 127
Osc 2 Mod Level/LFO2: -64 to +63
Osc 3 Static Level: 0 - 127
Osc 3 Mod Level/AD Env: -64 to +63
Noise Static Level: 0 - 127
Noise Mod Level/LFO1: -64 to +63
FM StaticLevel: 0 - 127
FM Mod Level/AD Env: -64 to +63
Ext Input Static Level: 0 - 127
Ext Input Mod Level/AD Env: -64 to +63
Filter
Frequency: 5Hz-24kHz
Slope: 12dB/24dB
Modes: Low Pass High Pass Band Pass
Resonance: 0-Self Oscillation (24dB mode)
Mod Env Depth: -64 to +63
LFO 2 Depth: -64 to +63
Cut Off: 0 - 127
Keyboard Tracking: 0 - 127
Velocity: 0 - 127
Overdrive: 0 - 127
Q normalize: 0 - 127
Comprehensive Aftertouch, Breath and Pitch/Mod Wheel control of both static filter frequency and modulation of filter frequency
Amplifier and Modulation Envelopes
Velocity: -64 to +63
Attack: 250uS-20 Seconds
Decay: 1mS-20 Seconds
Sustain: 0 - 127
Release: 1mS - 20 Seconds
Delay (Mod Env): 1mS-20 Seconds
LFO1 - LFO2
Modes: Cyclic/One-shot
Waveforms: Sine/Tri/Saw/Squ/Sample & Hold/Sample & Hold/Quantize/Random 12 Intricate Wavetables
Speed: 0 Hz - 1Khz
Delay Fade In: 0 - 5 Seconds
LFO Sync: Internal - MIDI Clock
Arpeggiator
Arpeggiators: 4 Independent
Controls: Speed/Range/Gate Time MIDI Clock/Sync/Keysync
Modes: Up/Down/Rand/Chord
Patterns: 16 Rhythmic
Interfacing
MIDI Sockets: In/Out/Thru
Audio Input: Line Level 1 x Mono 1/4 in. Jack
Audio Outputs: Line Level 1 x Mono 1/4 in. Jack
Pedals: Sustain/Expression 1/4 in. Jack
Effects
Reverb: Level/Echo Chamber, Small Room, Large Room, Small Hall, Large Hall, Grand hall/Decay/Wheel Level
Chorus - Phaser: Level/Rate/Type/MIDI Clock Sync/Feedback/Mod Depth/Centre/MIDI clock sync initial Position, Wheel Level
Distortion: Drive/Compensation/Wheel Level
Panning: Position/Mod Depth/Speed/MIDI clock Sync, Initial Position
Delay: Depth/Time/Feedback/MIDI Clock Sync/Stereo Width/Ratio/Wheel Level
16 Band Vocoder: On-Off/Sibilance Level/Sibilance Type
EQ/Filter: Depth/Freq/Mod Depth/Mod Speed. MIDI clock sync/MIDI clock sync Initial position
Power (AC Mains) 85 - 270 V.A.C 250mA
Dimensions (W x H x D): 1018 x 94 x 300 mm
Weights: 9.5 kg
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
(13 ratings)
by a customer from earthlink.net
"Nice synth but questionable price value."
If I wasn't an owner of an access virus kc, korg triton studio, and a yamaha motif which outclass and out perform this product, I probably would rate a little higher.
Sound
Nice sound quality, for a synth. organs voices could be better however analog voises have nice quality.
Features
Controls are easily accessable, and manual is compreshensable.
A very annoying aspect is the reverse polarity of the sustain function which requires you to search for a sustain pedal with a reverse switch.
Quality
Nice key reaction and effect with added pressure.
Value
Worthy synth to own. Don't think resail value will be well maintained. Should cost a little less comparable to the Alesis Ion at almost half the price.
Manufacturer Support
Novation tech was supportive and solved issues via telephonically.
Musical Style:
rock/ alternative/ techno/ jazz
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