Melbourne Instruments / NINA

NINA is the world's first fully motorised analogue synthesiser. When a programme is loaded, the knobs automatically move to the stored parameter values.

NINA is the world's first fully motorised analogue synthesiser. The unparalleled control panel will astonish everyone, with 32 knobs that automatically rotate when you recall a stored preset or layer, recreating the position of the stored preset or layer. It boasts a staggering 12 voices for an analogue polysynth, two VCOs, three oscillators including a wavetable, and a Moog-type filter for classic, fat analogue sounds. The intuitive 16-source, 27-destination modulation matrix is powerful and fully assignable. The multi-timbre function allows you to configure up to four analogue synths, while the layer and split functions allow you to combine multiple voices for a flexible system. Effects include a unique panning function.
The LEFT and RIGHT effects have a unique panning function. This is not a simple L/R, but a phase-controlled, endless swirl around the listener, which can be used in conjunction with three 96 kHz 24-bit
When combined with the three 96 kHz 24-bit high-resolution digital effects, a tornado of sound is created in a vast panoramic space. Other features include a knob-turning morphing function between two tones,
It also supports MPE, a cutting-edge electronic instrument control technology, and the CV (control voltage) signal input used in modular synths. This is a remarkable product with a wide range of applications.

The controller (knob) of a conventional synthesiser uses an analogue volume or rotary encoder, but we have developed a unique motor-driven controller that replaces these.
The new controller is a unique motor-driven alternative to analogue volume and rotary encoders. It consists of a brushless drone motor and a proprietary, high-precision, non-contact optical sensor. The combination of the two
The combination of these two elements results in an innovative controller. It has the feel and feel of an existing volume or encoder, but offers the user a completely new and comfortable operating environment.
Recall, whereby all 32 knobs simultaneously and automatically rotate back to a previously set position, is now possible. The innovations do not stop there.
The controller also offers [operating modes]: smooth or 16-click encoder, volume with 300° rotation (the rotation range of a typical volume), volume with centre click, volume with centre click, volume with centre click, volume with centre click, volume with centre click and volume with centre click.
The controller can be transformed into a smooth or 16-click encoder, a volume with 300° rotation (the rotation range of a typical volume), a volume with centre click, a multi-contact rotary switch, and many more. The 32 knobs therefore change to the appropriate controller for the assigned parameter according to the NINA operating mode.
The NINA is therefore a comfortable operating environment, with the 32 knobs changing into the appropriate controller for the assigned parameter. Finally, there is the high precision and durability. The optical sensor boasts an impressive resolution of 15,000
The optical sensor boasts an astonishing resolution of 15,000. The durability is 500 times that of a conventional analogue volume, with a long-life design of more than 50 million revolutions.

Product specifications
■Oscillator.
3 oscillators per voice: 2 analogue VCOs, 1 digital wavetable.
Oscillators 1 and 2 capable of morphing from triangle wave to sawtooth wave and square wave to PWM
Square wave on oscillator 1 can use sub-octave mode
Oscillator 1 to Oscillator 2 can be hard-synced
Fine and coast tune control of up to 8 octaves
96 kHz 24-bit wavetable oscillator resolution
User loadable wavetables
Selectable fuzz & noise sources - pink, white, XOR (fuzz) on oscillators 1 and 2
LFO with selectable waveform, through-zero modulation, rate and level control
■VCF
Classic 4-pole transistor ladder VCF
Modulatable resonance, can be used as a destination for modulation matrix
Extreme-sounding overdrive mode and smooth low-noise mode
Dedicated modulation-amount control from envelope to cutoff.
VCA
Traditional ADSR envelope for ultra-fast slopes
4 (through-zero) VCAs designed by Melbourne Instruments
Stereo: 2 VCAs per voice
Infinite panning
■Unison and Simultaneous Voices
Up to 12 voices in unison or polyphonic
Mono trigger and legato modes
Selectable polyphonic panning method
Modulation
Extensive modulation matrix: 16 sources can be easily assigned to 27 destinations Unlimited number of busses
Morphable modulation settings
Quickly edit modulation modes Select a source using the 16 buttons, then simply turn the control panel knob to set the mount.
All modulation assignments are through-zero (bipolar).
Patch morphing.
Morph between patches to create new tones.
The entire patch, including the modulation matrix, can be morphed.
ADSR envelope generator
Two ADSR envelopes can be used as modulation sources.
Modulate attack, decay, sustain, release and level using velocity and other modulation sources.
Multi-timbral layers.
Up to 4 layers and 4 voices can be controlled by MIDI channels and note ranges.
Number of voices can be assigned to each layer.
Optionally link note ranges between layers for quick keyboard splits and layer settings.
■ Effects.
3 effects can be used simultaneously in series or parallel, with up to 3 effect slots and independent level controls
Upgradeable VST3 effects algorithms built on open source architecture
96 kHz 24-bit resolution
Parallel or serial mix mode: parallel mode bypasses analogue sound
■ Sequencer.
Polyphonic sequencer with up to 16 steps
Adjustable notes
Hold mode.
Sends the sequencer signal to the arpeggiator
Tempo synchronisation from external sources
Computer.
Hackable open source software built on a powerful Raspberry Pi 4 running Elk Audio OS

Connections.
■ Audio outputs.
4 assignable line-level outputs
Stereo main output with effects
Aux outputs (3 & 4)
Headphone output
■Audio Inputs
3 x TRS balanced line or CV inputs
1x TRS/XLR combo input for line and CV plus microphone connection
CV inputs have adjustable analogue gain and offset up to +/-10V


Dimensions Width: 446mm
Depth: 230mm
Height: 71mm
Weight: 5.5Kg
Accessories: AC adaptor, Japanese manual, 19’ rack mount ears