User Manual

4
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing this Peak eight voice polyphonic desktop synthesiser, the
best sounding synth Novation has ever made. Peak evolved from an initial concept of a
polyphonic version of the Bass Station II analogue synth, but we decided on a radically
new approach to sound generation, and developed the New Oxford Oscillators. These
Numerically Controlled Oscillators (NCOs) combine the enormous flexibility afforded by
digital control with the organic warmth expected from an analogue synth.
As well as superlative sound quality, Peak gives you a great set of specially-created presets
and some equally exciting effects. Peak can be used in the studio or on stage with the
MIDI controller of your choice, be it a keyboard, DAW or with a pad controller such as
the Novation Launchpad Pro. It has a CV (Control Voltage) Input to let you interface with
Eurorack and other CV-capable synths you may already have.
NOTE: Peak is capable of generating audio with a large dynamic range, the extremes of
which can cause damage to loudspeakers or other components, and also to your hearing!
Key Features
• FPGA-based Numerically Controlled Oscillators running at 24 MHz generate
waveforms indistinguishable from those produced by analogue oscillators
• Eight-voice polyphony
• Three multi-waveform oscillators per voice
• Waveform shaping on all waveform types
• Analogue signal path – filters, distortions, VCA
• Traditional, dedicated function rotary controls
• LP/BP/HP filter with variable slope, resonance, overdrive and modulation options
• Two independent LFO sections
• Separate Amp and Mod Envelope sections with ADSR fader controls
• Ring Modulator (inputs: Oscs 1 and 2)
• Versatile arpeggiator with wide range of patterns
• Glide (portamento) with dedicated time control
• Pre-loaded with 256 brand new Patches
• Memory for 256 additional User Patches
• Two Animate buttons for adding spot effects in live performance
• Powerful effects: distortion, delay, chorus and reverb
• Class-compliant USB port (no drivers required), patch dump and MIDI
• OLED display for patch selection and parameter adjustment
• External DC input (for supplied AC PSU)
• External CV input for integration with other analogue equipment
• Headphone output
• Supports any two pedals – sustain or expression
• Kensington Security Slot
• Optional stand available
About This Manual
We’ve tried to make this manual as helpful as possible for all types of user, and this
inevitably means that more experienced users will want to skip over certain parts of it,
while those with a bit less synth experience will want to avoid certain parts of it until they’re
confident they’ve mastered the basics. As with other Novation synthesiser User Guides,
we’ve included a “Synthesis Tutorial” (see page 13) which explains the principles of
sound generation and treatment that are the foundation of all synthesisers. We think this
will be of help and interest to all users.
There are a few general points that are useful to know before you continue reading this
manual. We’ve adopted some graphical conventions within the text, which we hope all
types of user will find helpful in navigating through the information to find what they need to
know quickly:
Abbreviations, conventions, etc.
Where top panel controls or rear panel connectors are referred to, we’ve used a number
thus:
1
to cross-reference to the top panel diagram, and thus:
1
to cross-reference to
the rear panel diagram. (See page 5 and page 8).
We’ve used BOLD TEXT (or Bold Text) to name top panel controls or rear panel
connectors; we’ve made a point of using exactly the same names as appear on Peak itself.
We’ve used Dot Matrix text to illustrate text and numbers that appear on the top
panel display.
Tips
These do what it says on the tin: we include bits of advice, relevant to the
topic being discussed that should simplify setting up Peak to do what
you want. It’s not mandatory that you follow them, but generally they
should make life easier.
Extra Info
These are additions to the text that will be of interest to the more
advanced user and can generally be avoided by the less experienced.
They are intended to provide a clarification or explanation of a particular
area of operation.
What’s in the box
Your Peak synthesiser has been carefully packed in the factory and the packaging was
designed to withstand rough handling. Should the unit appear to have been damaged in
transit, do not discard any of the packing material and notify your music dealer.
If practical, save all the packing materials in case you ever need to ship the unit again.
Please check the list below against the contents of the packaging. If any items are missing
or damaged, contact the Novation dealer or distributor where you purchased the unit.
• Peak synthesiser
• DC power supply unit (PSU)
• USB cable, A-type to B-type, 1.5 m
• Safety information sheet
• “Getting Started” Guide, also providing online access to:
• Loopmasters Sample Content
• Ableton Live Lite
Registering your Novation Peak
It is important to register your Peak online at novationmusic.com/register, using the
information provided in the Getting Started Guide. This will allow you to download the
additional software that you are entitled to as a Peak owner from your Novation account.
Power Requirements
Peak is shipped with an external 12 V DC, 1 A power supply. This is a “universal” type, and
will operate on all mains voltages between 100 V and 240 V.
The centre pin of the coaxial connector is the positive (+ve) side of the supply. Peak must
be powered by the supplied AC-to-DC mains adaptor.
Your Peak will be supplied with the a version of the PSU appropriate to your territory. In
some countries the PSU comes with detachable adaptors; in this case, use the one that fits
your country’s AC outlets. When powering Peak with the mains PSU, please ensure that
your local AC supply is within the range of voltages required by the adaptor – i.e., 100 to
240 VAC - BEFORE you plug it into the mains.
We strongly recommend that you only use the supplied PSU. Using alternative PSUs will
invalidate your warranty. Power supplies for your Novation product can be purchased from
your music dealer if you have lost yours.