Product code: PEAK | ID: 241677
Peak is Novation's new polyphonic synthesiser. It's an eight-voice analogue-hybrid design with a total of 24 oscillators, a multi-mode filter, analogue distortion, and three discrete digital effects. But behind these headlines, Novation have gone to great lengths to innovate with both digital and analogue technologies. In this preview, we aim to reveal a little more about what's going on under the hood; what makes Peak do what it does, and how. We'll explore the new tech developed specifically for Peak, and highlight the point at which analogue and digital converge. Central to Peak is the use of a high-powered processor component called a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). In contrast to traditional DSP chips, which often need to run in pairs or quads, the FPGA is a single processor on which many functions can run - from oscillators to the modulation matrix. The key benefit to an FPGA is that it runs at a much higher rate than DSP-based technology, and this has a direct impact on the clarity of sound. Each of Peak's eight voices has an independent oversampling digital-to-analogue converter (DAC). These DAC's are oversampling at over 24MHz (24 million times per second), using a simple RC (resistor-capacitor) filter on their output in the analogue domain. In itself this is not new technology, but their integration inside the FPGA has enabled their design to be extended to enable optimum waveform synthesis. Because other virtual synths use discrete 'off the shelf' DAC chips, which are restricted to running at sample rates of either 48kHz or perhaps 96kHz, they often have aliasing issues, especially when synthesising higher frequencies. Peak's ability to generate waveforms at the oversampling frequency - up to 512 times the traditional rate - ensures that Peak's waveforms are pure at all frequencies, free from digital artifacts no matter how aggressively the pitch is modulated.
New firmware v2.0
Novation brings new firmware through which new features give you better control over controls, modulations or effects. Emphasis has been placed on better stereo sound, so the output signal will now be wider, larger and intricately textured areas more transparent. New parameters have been added to LFO filters and the Apeggiator Chance feature opens up more creative performance options. The effects unit has seen new effects, modes for Chorus, Flanger and new tonalities for Phlanger. Also new is Lo-Fi Delay for great VIntage sound. And last but not least, the bugs, the list of which can be found on the manufacturer's website, have been fixed.
Paraller Aggressor worth $ 49 completely free
When you buy this product from Novation, you now get the highly intuitive Paraller Aggressor plugin from Baby Audio worth $ 49 for free. The plugin allows you to duplicate individual tracks, giving you much more performance. The three parallel buses (Dry, Spank, Heat) collect your original signal individually, and you then mix it according to your needs and preferences without losing its dynamics, transparency or quality. The promotion is valid from January 20 to April 14, 2022.
The pedal input allows you to connect an external pedal that expands the instrument's control capabilities and contributes to a richer musical expression, increasing flexibility and expressiveness when playing and creating music.
An LFO, or low frequency oscillator, brings electronic sound to life. It adds movement and interest to synthetic sounds and effects, playing an important role in both subtle synthesis and bold sound design. However, you won't hear the LFO itself because it acts as a modulator. This means that it does not directly affect the audio signal, but adjusts other parameters such as oscillator pitch and filter clipping.
The ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) type envelope filter gives you precise control over the dynamics and shape of your sound. The ADSR components are detailed as follows: Attack: Specifies how quickly the sound reaches its maximum volume upon activation. Decay: Specifies the time it takes for the volume to drop from maximum to sustain. Sustain: Represents a stable volume level that is maintained as long as the sound is active. Release: Specifies how quickly the volume fades to zero after the sound has been released.
This three-oscillator synthesizer offers a wide range of sonic possibilities and creative expression. With three oscillators, users can experiment with harmonic interactions, adjust the frequencies and amplitudes of individual oscillators, and create composite sounds that combine different textures and colors.
The headphone output allows direct connection of headphones for private listening. This output provides a convenient way to enjoy the sound without disturbing others or ambient noise.
It supports MIDI, allowing you to connect and communicate with other MIDI-compatible devices. This feature extends control and integration into the larger music environment, increasing flexibility and creativity in music creation.
The polyphony of this instrument allows up to <%=tp_value % notes to be played simultaneously, providing rich and complex musical possibilities.
Aftertouch technology on the keys allows musicians to add a new level of expression to their playing. When a key reaches the bottom of its stroke, the pressure exerted on the key can continue to be sensed and used to control various aspects of the sound, such as vibrato, volume, or tone modulation.
The Arpeggiator transforms chords into sequences of individual notes played in various rhythmic and melodic patterns. Instead of playing the chords as a harmonic whole, the Arpeggiator breaks the chords into individual notes and plays them sequentially according to the selected algorithm.
Modulation allows you to change different aspects of the sound in real time, opening up a wide range of creative possibilities. For example, it can affect the pitch of the sound, creating a vibrato effect, or it can change the amplitude of the signal, creating a tremolo effect. It can also adjust filtering to create smooth transitions between frequency bands and dynamic textures. Modulation can also be used to change the character of the sound depending on the time or intensity of playing, giving the sound a lively and moving character.
Тype
Desktop Synthesizer
Aftertouch
LFO
Envelope
ADSR
Oscillators
Modulation
Arpeggiator
Number of Sounds
512
Number of Presets
MIDI Interface
Bluetooth
Sound Engine
Keyboard Type
Touch Sensitive with Aftertouch
Polyphony
Pitch Bend
No
Storage Medium
Colour
Headphone Output
Inputs
Pedal Inputs
USB MIDI
USB to Device
USB to Host
Filter
Yes
Sequencer
No
UK/EU Power supply included
Width (cm)
46,4
Height (cm)
7,5
Depth (cm)
23,3
Net Weight (kg)
4,9
Made in
China
Based on the number of reviews: 5
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