Melbourne Instruments have announced the launch of an update that kits their popular desktop synth out with some serious new features. With the latest firmware installed, the Nina gains new sequencing functions that the company say turn the already powerful instrument into a standalone groovebox that’ll appeal to a much wider audience including beatmakers, producers, performers and sound designers.
The update brings with it a new sequencer mode that features four fully independent polyphonic, polymetric tracks that each boast per-step automation, parameter locking and motorised control. Designed for everything from crafting beats to creating complex melodic patterns, the groovebox-style operation unlocks a completely new way to create and offers a wealth of hands-on performance possibilities that require no additional gear. As the sequencer is deeply integrated with the Nina’s synth engine, it allows for expressive modulation and dynamic sound sculpting across each step.
Alongside the new functionality, the update also includes 64 new noise types that range from percussive hits to loopable digital and metallic textures that Melbourne Instruments say are perfect for building interesting new beats and textures.
Key Features
- Four Tracks: Up to 64 steps with independent length per track.
- Per-step Automation: Front panel parameters can be locked per step.
- Motorised Automation: See the front panel move — turn automation on/off.
- Polyphonic Sequencing: Up to 12 voices available spread across 4 tracks.
- 64 Noise Types: Percussive hits, metallic textures, buzzes and digital percussion.
- Time-based Features: Shuffle, micro-timing, clock multiplication, variable gate lengths and probability.
- Perform Patterns: Recall and chain up to 16 patterns.
- Standalone Operation: No other gear required — record, quantise and perform.
- Internal Storage for over 4000 patterns.
Check out the video below for an overview of the features introduced with the Nina’s latest firmware update.
Availability
The Nina Multi Track Sequencer 2.1 firmware update is available now as a free download to all users.
