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| Novation (company) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Novation |
| Type | Private |
| Industry | Musical instruments |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | MIDI controllers, synthesizers, DAW controllers, software |
Novation (company) Novation is a British manufacturer of electronic music hardware and software notable for MIDI controllers, synthesizers, and performance instruments. The company has influenced electronic music production, live performance, and studio workflows across genres linked to Electronica, House music, Techno, and Ambient music. Novation's products integrate with digital audio workstations such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools, and its instruments have been used by artists associated with labels like Warp Records, XL Recordings, and Ghostly International.
Novation emerged in the early 1990s concurrent with the rise of MIDI sequencing, the mainstreaming of Sampling, and the evolution of Digital signal processing. The company’s timeline intersects with developments from firms such as Roland Corporation, Korg, Yamaha Corporation, and Akai as the music technology market shifted from analog to digital and from hardware-centric setups to hybrid hardware–software rigs. Novation introduced controllers and grooveboxes during the era of the Akai MPC and the spread of FL Studio, contributing to workflows later consolidated by Alesis and Native Instruments.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s Novation released hardware that responded to trends established by companies including Moog Music, Dave Smith Instruments, and Elektron, while collaborating with software developers and competing in markets characterized by consolidation after acquisitions by groups like InMusic Brands and Yamaha Corporation.
Novation’s product lines encompass MIDI controllers, pad controllers, performance keyboards, and desktop synthesizers influenced by architectures from Analog synthesizer pioneers and modern Virtual analog synthesis makers. Notable instrument types parallel designs from Minimoog Model D, TB-303, and Roland TR-808 legacies in approach, while integrating modern components similar to those used by Waldorf Music and Sequential.
The company’s technology emphasizes USB-MIDI integration for software such as Ableton Live, Cubase, and Reason, and incorporates features like velocity-sensitive pads, aftertouch, and parameter mapping reminiscent of designs from Akai Professional and M-Audio. Firmware updates and software editors align Novation products with ecosystems developed by Steinberg, Propellerhead Software, and Ableton AG.
Novation competes in markets alongside Native Instruments, Roland, Korg, and Yamaha Corporation, targeting electronic musicians, DJs, and producers affiliated with scenes around Berlin, London, and Detroit techno. Strategic partnerships have tied Novation hardware to software bundles featuring titles from Ableton, Propellerhead, and iZotope, and to retailers and distributors serving global markets including Gibson Brands dealer networks and specialist stores such as Rough Trade and Guitar Center.
Collaborations and endorsements place Novation in contexts shared with festivals and institutions like Sonar Festival, Mutek, and conservatories that teach production using tools from Point Blank Music School and BIMM Institute.
Production and supply-chain arrangements for Novation have mirrored practices used by electronics firms such as Foxconn, Flex Ltd., and component suppliers linked to Texas Instruments and Analog Devices. Distribution channels include specialist music retailers, online marketplaces tied to Amazon (company), and professional audio distributors used by companies like Thomann and Gear4music. After-sales support, warranty logistics, and parts provisioning follow patterns common to manufacturers including Behringer and Line 6.
Novation has operated within the competitive consumer electronics landscape alongside corporations such as Focusrite, Roland, and Yamaha Corporation. Ownership and corporate strategy have been influenced by market consolidation trends seen with acquisitions by InMusic Brands and mergers among audio technology firms. Executive and engineering talent often move between companies in the sector, including Soundcraft, Allen & Heath, and MOTU.
Novation instruments have been used or endorsed by a range of performers and producers associated with labels and acts such as Aphex Twin, Deadmau5, Daft Punk, Skrillex, The Chemical Brothers, Four Tet, Underworld, Orbital, Richie Hawtin, Carl Craig, Jamie xx, James Blake, Burial, Boards of Canada, Hot Chip, LCD Soundsystem, Kraftwerk, Squarepusher, Floating Points, Nicolas Jaar, Bonobo, Moby and Massive Attack. These artists span scenes from IDM to Drum and Bass and Downtempo, reflecting Novation’s relevance to electronic and pop production workflows.
Novation and its products have received industry recognition comparable to accolades granted by organizations like the Grammy Awards' technical committees, trade awards from NAMM, and editorial praise in publications such as Sound on Sound, Future Music, Pitchfork, Mixmag, and Resident Advisor. Product design and innovation have been highlighted alongside winners from Red Dot Design Award and industry showcases at Musikmesse and NAMM Show.
Category:Music technology companies