You can use the MiniNova as a standalone synthesiser, with or without MIDI connections to/from other sound modules or keyboards. It may also be connected - via its USB port – to a computer (Windows or Mac) running a DAW application. The MiniNova can then be controlled entirely from the computer by using the MiniNova Editor plug-in. The MiniNova Librarian is a separate software application, which helps in the organising, saving and recall of patches.
The various ways of connecting the MiniNova to accommodate the various methods of working are covered in the documentation supplied with the MiniNova Editor and MiniNova Librarian software packages. The Installers for this software, and the related USB drivers, may be downloaded from:
When using the MiniNova with the MiniNova Editor, an EDITOR flag is displayed on the LCD to confirm the connection. Also, a USB flag is displayed when MiniNova is connected to a computer via USB.
The simplest and quickest way of getting started with the is to connect the two rear panel jack sockets marked Output Left and Right 31 to the inputs of a stereo amplifier, audio mixer, powered speakers, third-party computer sound card. Or other means of monitoring the output.MiniNovaOutput Left andRight {31} to the inputs of a stereo amplifier, audio mixer, powered speakers, third-party computer sound card or other means of monitoring the output.
Note
The MiniNova is not a computer MIDI interface. MIDI can be transmitted between the MiniNova synth and computer via the USB connection, but MIDI cannot be transferred between the computer and external equipment via the MiniNova’s MIDI DIN ports.
If you’re using the MiniNova with other sound modules, connect MIDI OUT {28} on the MiniNova to MIDI IN on the first sound module, and you can daisy-chain further modules in the usual way. If using the MiniNova with a master keyboard, connect the controller’s MIDI OUT to MIDI IN on the MiniNova, and ensure the master keyboard is set to MIDI channel 1 (the MiniNova’s default channel).
With the amplifier or mixer off or muted, connect the AC adaptor to the MiniNova {25}, and plug it into the AC mains. Turn the MiniNova on by moving the rear panel switch {26} to ext DC. After completing its boot sequence, the LCD display will indicate the Patch which has been loaded. If the TYPE/GENRE knob has not been moved since the last power-off, this will be the last Patch used. If the TYPE/GENRE knob has been moved, the Patch loaded will be the lowest-numbered (or lowest alphabetically-sorted, depending on the setting of the SORT switch) in the selected Type or Genre.
Turn on the mixer/amplifier/powered speakers, and turn up the Master Volume control [23] until you have a healthy sound level from the speakers when you play the keyboard.
Instead of speakers via an amplifier and/or an audio mixer, you may wish to use a pair of stereo headphones. These may be plugged into the rear panel headphone output socket {30}. The main outputs are still active when headphones are plugged in. The MASTER LEVEL control [23] also adjusts headphone level.