Just ordered a mininova (context: R3)

X-Trade · Post by **X-Trade** » Mon Sep 23, 2013 12:52 am

So, I was looking for a portable synth for DJ gigs to replace my trusty microKorg.. It's just too limited soundwise. Really don't like the XL's control surface format nor the rather limited effects architecture.

I was thinking about an R3. Or as a departure from that concept a microX would have plenty of useable sounds and allow me to get rid of the larger HI synths clogging up my wardrobe...

BUT, I went to have a look around the local music store and ended up trying out the mininova, which I'd never even considered before. It's beautifully built, has a great selection of both classic and really modern sounds in the preload, and the features applied to those 8 trigger pads are great fun.

Still, didn't intend on buying one, but then an opportunity came up, seems like a better investment than a 2nd hand microX definitely.

In the duo I'm in at the moment I'm playing along with a DJ who's mainly doing house music, tech house, bit of funkier stuff. we're also thining of throwing in some french electro style.

So, has anyone else tried it? How does it compare to the R3?
Any haters?

Re-Member · Post by **Re-Member** » Mon Sep 23, 2013 8:01 pm

I played on one for a bit. Compared to the R3, every plus had a minus...

- Better sounding and more complex synth engine, but it only has one timbre, so no split/layered patches.

- Better build quality, but it has smaller keys that are similar to the first microKORG. The XL actually has bigger keys.

- More patch storage, but half of the banks are arranged by music genres (ugh!).

- Easier access to the envelope and filter settings, but everything else requires unintuitive menu diving.

Until someone repackages the Micron/MiniAK with a better interface, I think the R3 is still the best mini VA out there. Since you have the Radias though, you won't be gaining anything from the R3 other than portability.

X-Trade · Post by **X-Trade** » Tue Sep 24, 2013 12:15 am

I have to agree with most of your points. However for me the biggest gripe on trying it initially was that the mod and pitch wheels had a disappointingly short range of travel. The notch stopped far short of disappearing into the housing. Perhaps I'll be able to mod that though!

I think having had a microKorg and Radias and filled them with my own patches several times over, the miniNova will be a welcome change. Monotimbrality is also a shame but I still think this is a step up from the microKorg in terms of useable sounds.

The asymmetric slope bandpass filters should be interesting. And the versatility of the filters in general is pretty cool. The sounds seem solid and tangible to me as opposed to the microKorg's fuzzy character. I think this will be a nice middle-ground between that and the Radias.

Also on tiny keys; I quite like them. On the MK at least it means I can spread my hands to play crazy chords I couldn't play on anything else. I've never liked cheap small closed-end keys though, I don't see the point.

I'll probably still be getting the microX too. Yeah there are plenty of things I like about the R3 including user interface, size, and sounds. But I think ultimately I'm glad to be going for something a bit different. Also I'm getting the feeling that the presets (admittedly not that important to me) are slightly more modern than those on the R3 and may be more suitable for my project.

I've ordered it anyway, I'll probably be getting to know it next week and be gigging with it on Saturday Night. I'll let you know how it goes.