Melbourne Instruments NINA 12-Voice Analogue Polysynth

This is NINA, a 12 voice polysynth combining the tactile and sonic qualities of classic analog, with motorized patch recall and automation. NINA combines the tactile and sonic qualities of classic analog synths with modern functionality, patch recall and automation.

Melbourne Instruments has transformed NINA into a standalone groovebox with the new Multi Track Sequencer 2.1 update, introducing four independent polyphonic, polymetric tracks with per-step automation, motorised control, and deep integration with NINA's analog engine. This powerful update unlocks dynamic beatmaking, performance, and sound design capabilities – no external gear required – and adds 64 new noise types ranging from digital hits to metallic textures. With advanced features like time-based modulation, pattern chaining, and internal storage for over 4,000 patterns, NINA now offers a completely reimagined creative workflow.

NINA features 12 Voices, 4 part Multitimbral, motorized, recallable, automatable, assignable, and robust high resolution control panel, complete & quick to edit modulation matrix, 3 Oscillators per voice, 2 Analog VCOs, 1 Digital Wavetable, patch morphing, onboard effects and much more.

Melbourne Instruments have developed their own motorized controller to replace the potentiometers in a traditional synth. Their design is based on a brushless drone motor with their own ultra-hires optical sensor. The brushless motor and contactless optical sensor are extremely robust with a lifetime rating in excess of 50 million cycles, which is 500 times more than conventional pots.

The motorized controllers bring a new level of tactility to the user experience. The result is the feel, subtlety and precision of a real analog potentiometer, while having instant recall and haptics. With haptics, knobs can change dynamically from smooth to detented to multi-position switches. The end experience is far more useful and engaging than a standard analog pot.

Features

• 12 Voice Polyphony
• Fully analog signal path
• Motorized recallable and automatable control panel using long lasting zero wear encoders with the feel and precision of analog pots
• Variable shape triangle oscillators. Continuously morph wave-shape between triangle and sawtooth to find new timbres. Different to a traditional blend
• 4 pole transistor ladder VCF with modulatable resonance
• Huge voice-level filter overdrive
• Digital Wavetable Oscillator
• Sampling capability
• Deep Modulation Matrix. 16 sources to 27 destinations
• Patch morphing for complex expressive effects
• Stereo 4 Quadrant VCAs with Infinite Panning effects
• Onboard digital effects
• 16 Step Sequencer
• Multitimbral, layered, split, or overlapping
• Hackable Open Source software built on a powerful Raspberry Pi 4 running Elk Audio OS
• 4 x assignable combo audio + CV inputs, including 1 Mic
• Connect class compliant USB MIDI controllers directly
• Connect NINA as a class compliant USB MIDI and audio device for direct automation and integration with a DAW
• Standard DIN MIDI IN, OUT, and THRU
• 4 x assignable line outputs
• Headphone output