Novation PEAK

Novation PEAK is an 8-voice polyphonic desktop synth with digital sound generation and analog processing. The 3 oscillators per voice are wavetable-based (60 +10 user). These can be transformed into a linear FM source using analog NCOs or digital wavetables for cross-modulation. The synthesizer features a multimode resonant analog filter for each voice and three distortion points per voice: pre- and post-filter, global. PEAK can receive polyphonic aftertouch. We also find 42 potentiometers, 8 x 35mm faders, 16 delay modes, 3 chorus modes, and 3 types of reverb, 3 ADSR envelopes, 2 LFOs per voice.
The 3 New Oxford Oscillators in Peak are Numerically Controlled Oscillators (NCOs) and allow for the generation of waveforms that are for many indistinguishable from those produced by analog oscillators, almost free of aliasing and other typical digital artifacts.
Modulating in Peak
The modulation system features a matrix with 16 slots and 16 direct assignments in the main controls, intelligently arranged to allow for intuitive patch design and sound editing. Three ADSR envelopes and two LFOs are available for each voice, while more elaborate movements and secondary assignments can be achieved by pressing just a few menu buttons. Additionally, two Animate buttons allow live users to instantly transform patches with a single touch, recalling a macro of parameters on the fly.
Peak Connections
Peak can be connected to modular systems via the CV input and features 5-pin DIN MIDI In and Out ports for connecting to other MIDI equipment. It can be connected to a Mac or PC via USB and manage an unlimited number of patches with the Components software.
Components Software
Components is a management hub for Novation products, allowing you to access new sound packs, manage sound content, customize your device, and stay up-to-date with the latest firmware.
Wavetable Editor
The Wavetable Editor within the Components software fully leverages the power of the oscillators, offering drawing tools. Live Edit mode allows you to create custom waveforms and view them in real time. The audio import function allows you to use personal audio as oscillator waveforms. Furthermore, a curated selection of space-themed audio from NASA's sound library is included, along with exclusive content from renowned producers Noisia.
Firmware Update 2.0
Brings essential improvements and a multitude of functions in stereo controls, modulation, unpredictability, and effects, useful for shaping your sound.
Included with the NOVATION Peak synthesizer
12 V DC power supply (PSU), 1 A
USB cable, Type A to Type B, 1.5 m
Safety information sheet
Getting Started Guide, which also provides online access to Ableton Live Lite
Technical Specifications of the NOVATION Peak Synthesizer
Connections
MIDI Connections: USB B 2.0 port (MIDI communication only), MIDI In/Out/Thru,
Audio Inputs: 2 x 1/4" jack inputs for continuous or switched pedals, 1/8” minijack CV input for integration with modular systems,
Audio Outputs: L/R 1/4" jack output, 1/4" jack headphone input, Kensington Lock, I/O switch,
Power: IEC power connector
Dimensions and Weight: 233x464x70.5 mm; 4.9 kg
Sound Synthesis of NOVATION Peak
Sound Synthesis: 8 polyphonic voices, Monotimbral, 5 voice modes: Mono, Mono LG, Mono2, Poly, Poly2
Per voice: 3 oscillators, noise generator, Ring modulator, 2 LFOs, amp envelope and 2 mod envelopes, filter
Waveforms: Sine, tri, sawtooth, square/pulse plus 60 wavetables
Filter: OTA variable state filter per voice, 12/24 dB slope, Low-pass/band-pass/high-pass, pre-filter overdrive, post-filter distortion
Modulations in the NOVATION Peak
Modulation: 16 modulation slots per patch, each slot has 2 sources and 1 destination
Mod Sources: Direct (depth), modulation wheel, aftertouch (polyphonic and channel AT), expression pedal 1, expression pedal 2, keyboard with velocity, LFO 1 positive, LFO 1 bi-polar, LFO 2 positive, LFO 2 bi-polar, amp envelope, mod envelope 1, mod envelope 2, Animate 1, Animate 2, CV mod input bi-polar
Mod Destinations: Oscillator 1-3 frequency, v-sync level, shape amount and level, noise source level, ring modulator output level, filter drive, distortion, cut-off frequency and resonance, LFO 1 and 2 frequency, amp env/ mod env 1 / mod env 2 attack, decay and release, osc 3 – filter cutoff frequency, Noise – filter cutoff frequency
Physical Controls: 42 potentiometers, 8 x 45mm faders, volume potentiometer, 2 data potentiometers, 30 function buttons, 2 Animate buttons, OLED Display
NOVATION Peak Effects
Effects: Analog distortion, 3 chorus, delay with 16 types of delay sync, LP and HP damping, slew and stereo, 3 reverb
Misc: Arpeggiator w/key latch – 33 patterns, up to 512 patches in memory (256 factory), glide, All knobs, all potentiometers (excl. volume), faders and most buttons transmit and receive MIDI cc commands for mappings and external controllers