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Introduction
Using this Manual - Main Features - Conventions used in this Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Novation K-Station Synthesizer.
This instrument is a keyboard version of the popular A-Station sound
module. The design of the K-Station has evolved from the classic
Novation Bass Station, using the very latest award winning Novation
technology as found in acclaimed products such as the Nova and
SuperNova II. The K-Station is capable of producing an enormous
range of high quality synthesized sounds and is an ideal machine for a
home studio set-up or for an experienced producer looking to add an
extra dimension of controllable sound power.
This manual consists of six chapters, Introduction, Quick Start
Guide, Synthesis Tutorial, MIDI Tutorial, Main Features and
Operation, and Advanced Features. For easy reference, the chapter
name is printed in the footer margin of each page. An Appendix on the
final pages lists factory preset sounds, MIDI controllers and MIDI
implementation chart.
In order to become an expert user as quickly as possible, it is recom-
mended that this manual is read in sequence chapter by chapter. If
sound synthesis is an unfamiliar subject, then the chapter Synthesis
Tutorial will provide a useful introduction to the techniques used to
electronically simulate the sound of a musical instrument using an ana-
logue music synthesizer.
Another chapter, MIDI Tutorial provides a useful introduction to the
subject of MIDI and how it is used for communication between instru-
ments and / or sequencers. The chapter also describes how the K-
Station transmits and recognizes various types of MIDI messages.
If the general principles of Sound Synthesis and MIDI are already
familiar, then the Quick Start Guide is the place to begin. Once familiar
with the main features of the machine, the Advanced Features section
covers the Effects, Arpeggiator, Synchronization, Triggering and the
Utilities, and will provide all of the information needed to operate the K-
Station in the most creative, productive way.
Have fun !
* Four hundred Program sound locations
Two hundred factory programmed sounds are included and a further
two hundred user sound memory locations are provided (the two hun-
dred factory sounds may be overwritten).
* Powerful Oscillators
Three Oscillators provide Sawtooth, Square, Variable Pulse, Triangle
and Sine waves. The Sawtooth, Triangle and Sine waveforms may be
duplicated within an Oscillator to provide thicker sounding waveforms.
Synchronization and FM between two Oscillators allow the generation
of metallic or percussive timbres. A white noise source completes the
waveform engine.
* External Audio Input
The Mixer allows an external audio signal to be combined with the
Oscillators and processed through the Filter and Envelopes. Envelopes
may also be auto-triggered by an external signal.
* Filter
The filter in the K-Station Synthesizer delivers the liquid sound of an
analogue filter. Selectable Low-pass, 12dB or 24dB cut-off curves with
Resonance, Overdrive and Resonance normalize make it easy to faith-
fully recreate anything from distorted rave screams to tightly rounded
bass patches.
* Vocoder
The 12 band Vocoder makes it easy to create Robot and Talky sound
effects.
* Arpeggiator
The arpeggiator features six different pattern types with adjustable gate
time for staccato effects.
* Comprehensive MIDI control specification
Adjustments of any controls transmit MIDI Controller numbers or
NRPNs for real time recording by a sequencer or computer.
* Powerful Effects
The effects processor includes Distortion, Stereo Chorus, Phaser,
Reverb, Synchronized Delay and Synchronized Stereo Panning.
Complex, dynamic timbres may be created using tempo synchronized
effects settings. A final output EQ and Filter section complete with a
tempo synchronized LFO allow for a performance to be automatically
filtered and time locked from 32nd triplets through to several bars.
* Data Compatibility
The K-Station has been designed to be totally data compatible with the
Novation A-Station. This ensures that existing sound libraries and glob-
al settings can easily be transferred between the two types of machine.
The word ‘Program’ refers to a collection of knob and switch settings
that define an individual ‘Sound’. These settings are then saved as a
‘Program’ that has a corresponding number in the machines non
volatile memory.
Throughout this manual the two words, ‘Sound’ and ‘Program’ are fre-
quently referred to and essentially have the same meaning.
The word ‘Preset’ refers to a Program which was set up at the factory
to showcase some of the K-Station’s powerful sound possibilities.
Preset memories may actually be overwritten with new sounds, but it is
possible to restore them to the original factory set sounds if they have
been overwritten by mistake.
Text in CAPITALS refers to a front panel control or legend (even
though the name of the control may actually be in lower case on the
front panel). It could be a knob or button. For example,
FREQUENCY refers to the Filter frequency control knob. MENUS
refers to the Menu Mode button.
Using this Manual
Main Features
Conventions used in this Manual
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