Novation SummitFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 52 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment71%
PROS 71%
CONS 29%

Rank based on 52 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want an analog-sounding, versatile bi-timbral polysynth that can emulate classic synths
  • You value deep modulation, dual filters, and top-tier onboard effects like reverb
  • You can find one used or accept the current price for a feature-rich flagship

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need instant source/destination modulation assignment without menu diving
  • You rely heavily on bug-free MIDI implementation (e.g., pitch bend, sustain pedal) out of the box
  • You want a compact desktop unit or fewer than 61 keys

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
Mad Professor Fire Red Fuzz
Articulate soundGreat with extended-range guitarsStrong overall tone qualityPrice concerns
Mad Professor Fire Red Fuzz
Articulate sound
Great with extended-range guitars
Strong overall tone quality
Price concerns
2Premium
Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay
Musical analog toneLong-term reliability and board loyaltySimple, intuitive controlsHigh price pointCheaper alternatives seen as comparableDistortion at high settings
Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay
Musical analog tone
Long-term reliability and board loyalty
Simple, intuitive controls
High price point
Cheaper alternatives seen as comparable
Distortion at high settings
3Premium
Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive
Touch-sensitive dynamicsLong-term favorite / durability of appealSweet, low-gain tone qualityHigh price versus clonesDeluxe loses some original characterLimited mid control
Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive
Touch-sensitive dynamics
Long-term favorite / durability of appeal
Sweet, low-gain tone quality
High price versus clones
Deluxe loses some original character
Limited mid control
Best value
4Mid
MXR Super Badass Distortion
Exceptional versatilityNatural, amp-like tonePowerful 3-band EQDemo videos undersell the pedalNoticeable noise floorVolume drop when engaged
MXR Super Badass Distortion
Exceptional versatility
Natural, amp-like tone
Powerful 3-band EQ
Demo videos undersell the pedal
Noticeable noise floor
Volume drop when engaged
5Premium
Eventide Orville
Exceptional reverb qualityHigh-quality warm pitch shiftingStrong aspirational appealHigh priceCheaper alternatives may sufficeEffect can feel like it plays for you
Eventide Orville
Exceptional reverb quality
High-quality warm pitch shifting
Strong aspirational appeal
High price
Cheaper alternatives may suffice
Effect can feel like it plays for you
6Premium
Origin Effects Deluxe61
Authentic amp-like toneExcellent low-to-mid gain driveUnderrated favorite among ownersHigh price pointLimited gain-staging flexibilityNo built-in reverb
Origin Effects Deluxe61
Authentic amp-like tone
Excellent low-to-mid gain drive
Underrated favorite among owners
High price point
Limited gain-staging flexibility
No built-in reverb
7Premium
Roland TR-808
Iconic, powerful kick drumWarmer, more alive analog characterCultural and historical influenceExtremely high collector priceAnalog noise and static requiring EQReliability concerns of aging hardware
Roland TR-808
Iconic, powerful kick drum
Warmer, more alive analog character
Cultural and historical influence
Extremely high collector price
Analog noise and static requiring EQ
Reliability concerns of aging hardware
8Premium
Moog Subsequent 37
Inspiring and addictive to playWarm, fat analog toneStrong DAW/VST editor integrationHigh price for what it offersLimited versatility outside bass rangeNeeds effects/partner gear to shine
Moog Subsequent 37
Inspiring and addictive to play
Warm, fat analog tone
Strong DAW/VST editor integration
High price for what it offers
Limited versatility outside bass range
Needs effects/partner gear to shine
9
Wampler Tumnus V2
Klon Centaur-style toneConvincing demo influenced purchaseExcellent clean boostNot suited for metal tones
Wampler Tumnus V2
Klon Centaur-style tone
Convincing demo influenced purchase
Excellent clean boost
Not suited for metal tones
10Mid
Wampler Paisley Drive
Transparent toneVersatile across genresWorks well across many guitar typesTwo-channel routing complexityDry signal bleed-throughInconsistent demo impressions
Wampler Paisley Drive
Transparent tone
Versatile across genres
Works well across many guitar types
Two-channel routing complexity
Dry signal bleed-through
Inconsistent demo impressions
You are here
31Premium
Novation Summit
Analog-like, versatile soundStrong value for moneyExcellent effects and reverbFirmware and MIDI bugsCumbersome modulation matrix workflowKeybed and aftertouch issues
Novation Summit
Analog-like, versatile sound
Strong value for money
Excellent effects and reverb
Firmware and MIDI bugs
Cumbersome modulation matrix workflow
Keybed and aftertouch issues

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound and character win over almost every long-term owner. Commenters consistently describe the Summit's FPGA oscillators as genuinely analog-feeling, capable of clean digital tones or loose, vibey analog textures, and able to convincingly emulate classics like the Prophet 5, Matrix 12, or Oberheim. The dual filters, wavetable/FM options, and exceptional reverb and effects come up repeatedly as standout strengths, with several owners calling it their main studio synth for years.

Value for money is a huge draw, particularly on the used market. Multiple users bought their Summit used for $1500-$1700 and call it a steal compared to pricier flagships like the Moog One. Others note the original MSRP crept up over time, which frustrated some buyers, but most agree it undercuts rivals while offering comparable or superior features, making it one of the most underrated polysynths in its price range.

Firmware bugs and workflow quirks are the main recurring frustration. Several reviewers and owners report MIDI implementation bugs, note allocation issues, and effects-chain glitches that led some to sell the synth despite liking the sound. The modulation matrix requires menu diving with a rotary encoder rather than direct knob assignment, which multiple users find fiddly, and a few mention uneven keybed aftertouch or sharp key edges.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?