Melbourne Instruments has released firmware 2.1 for the NINA synthesizer, an update that turns it into a standalone groovebox with a 4-part sequencer.
Sequencer Features:
- 4-Tracks—up to 64 steps with independent length per track, for polyrhythmic sequencing.
- Per-step Automation—front panel parameters can be locked per step.
- Polyphonic Sequencing — up to 12 voices available spread across 4 tracks.
- 64 Noise types — percussive hits, metallic textures, buzzes and digital percussion.
- Motorized Automation— you can see the front panel move, turn automation on/off.
- Time-based features —shuffle, micro-timing, clock multiplication, variable gate lengths, and probability.
- Perform patterns—recall and chain up to 16 patterns.
- Internal Storage for more than 4,000 patterns.
- Save a pattern with all sound and sequencer data in save into a single file.
- Standalone operation— no other gear required. Of course NINA works well with other gear too!
- New features include: timing quantization, clear notes and clear steps.
NINA firmware 2.1 is available now as a free download.
Wow the parameter lock combined with the motorized encoders seems so convenient, you can easily see what each step does. With respect to elektron who kind of invented this concept, it’s a huge upgrade compared to the screen graphics of inverted knobs. Especially since you can see all parameters right in front of you without having to toggle through a menu matrix.