Novation SuperNova IIFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 34 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment60%
PROS 60%
CONS 40%

Rank based on 34 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a thick-sounding, expandable multitimbral VA synth for bass and pads
  • You're comfortable programming custom patches rather than relying on presets
  • You appreciate vintage synth character and don't need cutting-edge sound design tools

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need guaranteed reliability without PSU or output crackling issues
  • You want easy access to voice expansion cards, which are now rare and expensive
  • You expect ultra-modern, pristine digital sound rather than a distinctive dated VA tone

What users complain about

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Based on user comments

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Long-term reliability and board loyalty
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Sweet, low-gain tone quality
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Natural, amp-like tone
Powerful 3-band EQ
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Noticeable noise floor
Volume drop when engaged
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Exceptional reverb qualityHigh-quality warm pitch shiftingStrong aspirational appealHigh priceCheaper alternatives may sufficeEffect can feel like it plays for you
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Exceptional reverb quality
High-quality warm pitch shifting
Strong aspirational appeal
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Cheaper alternatives may suffice
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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
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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
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Warmer, more alive analog character
Cultural and historical influence
Extremely high collector price
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Reliability concerns of aging hardware
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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
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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
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Wampler Tumnus V2
Klon Centaur-style toneConvincing demo influenced purchaseExcellent clean boostNot suited for metal tones
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Klon Centaur-style tone
Convincing demo influenced purchase
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Wampler Paisley Drive
Transparent toneVersatile across genresWorks well across many guitar typesTwo-channel routing complexityDry signal bleed-throughInconsistent demo impressions
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Transparent tone
Versatile across genres
Works well across many guitar types
Two-channel routing complexity
Dry signal bleed-through
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You are here
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Novation SuperNova II
Long-term owner loyaltyMultitimbral and expandable voice countDeep sound design and modulation depthDated or overly digital sound to some earsTriac output crackling faultExpansion cards hard to find and expensive
Novation SuperNova II
Long-term owner loyalty
Multitimbral and expandable voice count
Deep sound design and modulation depth
Dated or overly digital sound to some ears
Triac output crackling fault
Expansion cards hard to find and expensive

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

A thick, punchy sound that owners keep coming back to. Multiple long-term owners describe the SuperNova II as one of the best virtual analog synths ever made, with a thick low-mid character especially suited to basslines and pads. Some note it needs EQ to tame the bottom end, while others say the effects, including a well-liked metallic reverb, hold up well for its age and contribute meaningfully to the overall tone.

Expandable voice architecture, but expansion cards are now scarce. The synth ships with base voice counts that can be expanded via add-in DSP cards, up to 48 voices in top configurations, with owners discussing 12, 20, 24, 36, and 44-voice variants. Several commenters note original expansion cards are hard to find and expensive, though rebuilt third-party replacements have appeared from specialist sellers.

Known reliability quirks: PSU faults and output crackling. A recurring Triac fault on the main board causes crackling on the Master Left/Right outputs after the unit warms up, with owners reporting it persists even after chip replacement, forcing a workaround via alternate outputs. Power supply problems and heat buildup from a lack of cooling vents are also mentioned as common long-term issues.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?