Is the Novation MiniNova Synthesizer better than the KORG microKORG?

Question

Hi! As I've already asked, do you think the Novation MiniNova synthesizer is better than the MicroKORG? Sure, the microKORG is kinda cheaper and it'll affect the synth is some ways, but what about controlling, sounds, features, hardware? Yeah I know this question is kinda stereotype and superficial, but I'm just wondering... And yeah, the MicroKORG is cheaper, but is it still worth it or do you get a WAY better synthesizer when you buy the MiniNova?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Okay, so I own the MicroKorg and I absolutely love it and would not trade it for anything. And on that note, get the MiniNova. I just watched a video on it and from what I just seen it is a lot better than the MicroKorg - On terms of Presets and functions - I did not watch long enough to evaluate the ease of creating sounds.

Anyway from what I have seen, the Novation gives you 128 slots to save your own patches, the MicroKorg on the other hand, you have to save over a Pre-existing sound - and If you accidentally saved over a sound you wanted to always have then you are out of luck, because the only way to get that Preset back is to Factory Reset it - which all work that you had will be gone.

And sound wise from the demo's I heard, I honestly like the sound of the Nova more, while it is based on preference, I really enjoyed the sounds of the Nova. The MicroKorg really excels at making Nintendo music but when it comes to other genres it just doesn't sound as good as it could be - I mean it could be me and my capability, but I don't have the problem on other synths. The Microkorg also does pretty well for Trance, but when it comes to making hard leads, it just doesn't do it for me. And just from the presets on the Nova, I know I would be able to create better sounds on it, however it could never beat the Nintendo sounds the micro can make.

I cannot elaborate on the vocoder as I don't use it myself, but the Mic that comes with the Nova looks a lot sturdier than the Microkorgs gooseneck Mic.



Now again, that does not mean that the MicroKorg is bad, I absolutely love it, and if you went that route you would not be disappointed in it.



What you really need to do is to keep on watching videos on both synthesizers and decide what you like more, because it is really based on preference



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Now, just food for thought, another synth that you can throw into the ring to consider is the Arturia Minibrute. It is a full Analog synthesizer, no menu diving, 100% hands on. And again it is all about personal preference, but in mine it wipes the floor with the other two in terms of hands on capability and sound. It is also $500 as well. I mean you get a lot. For a few examples just watch these videos:

The Marc Doty Review series:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1DCxaTE0mg



Adrian Utley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X614aeTzq7k





It's just another possibility to consider, Any route you go will not disappoint!



Good Luck!

Answer 2

Hey again.



On sweetwater the MiniNova has 4/5 with less reviews, while microkorg is perfect.



Again, I'm sure that both synthesizers would be able to create any types of synths your looking for (assuming your hoping to learn how to make synth patches).



What it seems like to me is that the mini-nova is more modern, concerning it's interface and preset synths. The microkorg has been around for a long time, and is always great-- heres on review I found.



"Better than MicroKorg XL except for...

As far as the synth goes, it sounds awesome, has up to date sounds out of the box, and the performance controls give this thing an edge over other synths i've seen for live performance. They are super fun to play with and give you instant gratification. The look of the thing is awesome all the way around. I like a majority of the sounds it comes with right out of the box.



And for the bad? As of Dec 14, 2012 there is no software editor for this synth despite what the product description states. This is a huge set back for me as I hate drilling through menus.



The editor is "in the works". Apparently you can use the UltraNova software editor. But it is not a stand alone program, but a VST to use with your daw. I'm not a technical guy when it comes to midi or music programming, I have Fruity Loops but have no experience using additional VST's So it's confusing attempting to get that to work. In addition I haven't found much help online so I've resorted to contacting Novation Technical Support.



However, in my search for a user "patch" community I found out that there really is no section for "mini nova" patches online. However, there is for UltraNova patches and those seem to be compatible with the MiniNova.



All in all a great purchase, but dealing with the software is going to be a pain for some. "

Answer 3

Novation Mininova Review

Answer 4

Microkorg Review