Novation

Novation, instruments for electronic music creation

Novation is a British company dedicated to the design and manufacture of instruments and tools for musicians, producers, beatmakers, and composers. Its catalogue spans MIDI controllers, synths, grooveboxes, samplers, and keyboards, plus associated software. The company presents itself with three decades of experience: it began operations in 1992 and has been linked both to the warehouse raves of its early years and to bedroom studios and world stages.

Controllers and keyboards

The controller range includes several families. The Launchkey series is described as a creative keyboard controller for producing and performing in the DAW of your choice. FLkey is presented as the only dedicated keyboard controller for FL Studio, designed to sketch beats, make hooks, and finish tracks fast. They are joined by Launchpad, Launch Control, SL, Impulse, and Circuit, within the categories of MIDI keyboards, control surfaces, and grid controllers.

Synths and grooveboxes

In the synth section are models such as Bass Station II, also in Swifty Edition, Peak, Summit, and MiniNova. The company states it has partnered with GForce to bring the analogue sounds of Bass Station II to the DAW environment. The groovebox and sampler line includes Circuit Rhythm and Circuit Tracks.

Software and apps

Novation sells and distributes its own and third-party software. Its products include Novation Play, which turns a Novation controller into an instrument loaded with basses, leads, pads, and drum kits; GForce Bass Station; Ableton Live; Cubase; and Components, a utility for registering and managing your hardware and software. It also offers iOS apps: Launchpad, Groovebox, and Blocs Wave.

Content and resources for musicians

The company's site brings together articles, guides, news, firmware updates, and videos. Featured materials include a piece on using Peak in Scaler's live rig, a video on making a full track with Launchkey and the stock plugins in Ableton Live Lite, and an interview with Berlin-based DJ and live performer Nadia Struiwigh about live setups, creative blocks, and carving out a career in electronic music. The website also offers a MIDI controller finder to help you choose the right model.

Support and warranty services

The company maintains a help centre with downloads, product registration, and hardware and software management, and states that its global support team handles enquiries 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It offers a three-year warranty and a certified refurbished programme, plus educational discounts and a studio trade-in service. The company is part of the Focusrite PLC group, alongside brands such as Focusrite, ADAM Audio, Sonnox, Ampify, Sequential, and Oberheim.