Pads, Pads, Pads!

100 instruments, 5 GB of sound, and  a clean interface: DJSH Music‘s follow up library to Texture offers even more content, and goes by the name of NOVA.

Watch this walkthrough video to get an idea how NOVA sounds.

Installation

After purchase, you will receive a download link for the ZIP file containing the library, and all you have to do is unzip the files into the directory of your choice. That’s it – there is no installer or anything else such. NOVA needs the full version of Native Instruments Kontakt to run this library, and at least 4 GB of RAM (but I bet you have a lot more!).

Patches

100 patches, with effectively self-descriptive names, are waiting to be heard and used. The patches are all stored in one folder.

Interface

The GUI is really clean and super easy to understand. All the patches have the same GUI/functions.

As is the case with most Kontakt libraries, you can assign your own MIDI CCs to any of the controls, which offers even more sound design possibilities.

Controls:

• Low Pass
• High Pass
• Attack
• Decay
• Sustain
• Release
• Punish
• Gator

Effects:

• Distortion
• Phase
• Rotor
• Chorus
• Reverb
• Delay

Sound

DHJS Music have used analog synths as the soundsources for NOVA. Some patches showcase their beauty after a couple of seconds of holding down the key. Movements, glitches, noises … some of the action will take a while. So take your time to listen to all the patches.

You can tweak every patch and create something new. I have to say, however, that some patches are “sound-alikes” of other patches. I sometimes wasn’t sure if I’d heard the patch already, or if I was playing a new one. I therefore wish there could be more variety in this library.

The sound reminds me a little of Absynth with a touch of Omnisphere. Most of the patches work very well as “stand-alone” notes or chords. Many of theme are “playable”. In my opinion, it works best as an underscore tool, as well as a method of creating moods. Blade Runner quite often came to my mind while playing these patches.

With the few yet effective controls and FX, great new sounds can be achieved. I really dig the “Gator” button – with MIDI CC controls, you can create great stutter FX. The “Punish” button here is not like the one you know from Heavyocity‘s products. It’s a more a destructive effect and must be used with caution, since it can really “destroy” your sound.

Nova sounds old school – in a good way.

Value

‎£49.90 isn’t a no brainer, but it is really affordable. I like the simplicity but I miss the diversity. While there are many libraries in a similar vein on the market, NOVA still has its place. There is a free demo, so I recommend downloading it to get a feel for the library and check out some of the patches.