Akai Miniak Virtual Analog Synthesizer Vocoder Keyboard

Package Contents

1) Akai Miniak Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Vocoder

Specs & Features

International Buyers – Please Note:
• Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
• Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.

Overview

Akai Miniak Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Vocoder

Create YOUR sound.
The MINIAK is a powerful performance and production synthesizer. The MINIAK empowers creative musicians with phrase and step sequencing, a built-in drum machine/rhythm sequencer, an arpeggiator, a 40-band vocoder, stereo effects, and a virtual analog synth engine developed in partnership with the world-class Alesis synth team. While the compact, portable synth shines on stage, the MINIAK is also at home in the production studio delivering 24-bit audio resolution.

The MINIAK puts up to eight multi-timbral voices at your fingertips, each with three oscillators. You can create interesting and unique sounds and take advantage of the more-than-600 preset sounds and store up to 1,000 programs in the MINIAK. The synth also has two multi-mode filters, three envelope generators, two LFOs, stereo effects, and a 40-band vocoder. On top of all of this sound-melding power, the MINIAK has a comprehensive sequencer with step and dynamic real time phrase sequencing, a drum machine/rhythm sequencer, and an arpeggiator to aid in creating the landscapes and textures you’re after.

Rounding out this complete instrument are high-resolution, 24-bit balanced 1/4" inputs and outputs. The MINIAK has a 37-key semi-weighted keyboard with velocity sensitivity for all-in-one performance. It can also be used as a sound source for MPCs, computer software, and keyboards via MIDI.

Under the Hood
A MINIAK program is a sound built from the MINIAK’s internal oscillators, filters, and envelope generators. The MINIAK’s more than 600 preset programs span the range of classic analog synthesis sounds. If you’ve heard it before, you will probably find it in the MINIAK’s presets.

In a synth, oscillators generate raw sound. Their output is fed into the filters, whose output is fed into the amplifiers. As the signal moves along that path, you can manipulate the mix at several points and apply modulations, envelopes, and effects to create a custom palette of sounds.

Sound Generation
The oscillators can produce different waveform types and shapes to create various harmonic structures, which our ears perceive as different timbres. Here are some of the waveforms you can create with the MINIAK’s oscillators:

Sine – Smooth, pure sound
Triangle – Fuller than a sine wave
Sawtooth – Harsh sonic character
Pulse – Harmonically rich, ranging from full-sounding square wave to a sharp impulse wave

The MINIAK’s oscillators can produce continuously variable waveforms, so it can can hit any point between these examples.

You can connect external audio sources – other synthesizers, mixers, guitars, and more – using the 1/4” inputs. The jacks accept either balanced or unbalanced cables. You can mix in the external audio sources with the MINIAK’s oscillators. The resulting combination is then sent through the MINIAK’s filters and effects. A special group of programs including vocoder programs exists just for use with the external inputs.

The outputs of the oscillators, the noise generator, the ring modulator, and the external inputs are fed into a virtual mixing board called the pre-filter mix. From here, the signal hits the filters. For each source, you can specify its level and its balance: how much is sent to Filter 1 and how much is sent to Filter 2.

Filtering
The oscillators produce very raw sounds. To shape and fine-tune the sound, filters give you tools for dampening certain harmonics and boosting others. Filters alter the frequency content of the signal and can have a drastic effect on the sound. Each of the MINIAK’s voices contains two filters, and each filter can be one of the following different types, each with its own character and sonic flavor.

They are: Bypass, Low Pass: ob 2-pole, tb 3-pole, mg 4-pole, rp 4-pole, jp 4-pole, al 8-pole; Band Pass: ob 2-pole, al 6-pole, octave dual, band limit; High Pass: ob 2-pole, op 4-pole; three Vocal Formants, four Comb Filters, Phase Warp, Frequency, Resonance, Key Tracking, Envelope Amount, Offset, and Absolute.

After filtering, the signal is fed to the post-filter mix. For each filter output, as well as a pre-filter signal of your choice, you can specify a level and a pan.

Output Processing
In the output stage, the MINIAK allows you to apply a drive effect and add some compression, distortion, or other amplification effects. The MINIAK allows you to set up twelve modulation routes. Each of these is a virtual connection between some physical or internally generated source and some program parameter. Basically, a mod route tells the synth to automatically grab a knob and tweak it while a note is playing. Although there are quite a few sources that you can use for your mods, the most common ones involve the LFOs and the envelopes.

LFOs
LFO stands for low-frequency oscillator. LFOs are not designed to produce sound, but instead to tweak a program parameter according to a looping pattern. For example, if you are looking to add vibrato, you need the pitch to continuously waver up and down. Each of the MINIAK’s voices contains two LFOs, each of which offers rate, depth, shape, and tempo sync. The MINIAK’s LFO can sync to the internal clock or any external source via MIDI.

Envelopes
If you hit a note on a piano, you hear a burst of sound energy as the hammer strikes the string, followed by lower level of loudness as you hold down the note and let the string ring out, which fades quickly as soon as you release the note and the damper is applied. Synthesizers model this behavior using ADSR Envelopes. ADSR stands for Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release, and represents the different stages that the sound goes through over the life of the note. The MINIAK also has an envelope that is specifically designed for loudness, called the Amp Envelope. Envelopes are useful in all sorts of mod routes, which is why you can hook up any of the MINIAK’s envelopes to any modulatable program parameter. Each of the MINIAK’s voices contains three envelopes: Amp Envelope, Filter Envelope, and Pitch/Modulation Envelope.

Sequencing
The MINIAK has extensive sequencing and arpeggiation performance capabilities. Arpeggios and sequences both respond to a key-press by playing a series of notes over a programmed rhythmic pattern. An arpeggio loops over whatever notes you are holding down on the keyboard. If you hold down a chord, the MINIAK will generate a melody by playing each note of your chord individually. A sequence has a melody line built in so you can hold down a single key and the MINIAK will play back that melody relative to that key. Pressing another key will transpose the sequence.

The MINIAK has MPC-style step sequencing and recorder-style dynamic real time phrase sequencing. There’s also a drum machine/rhythm sequencer for the built-in drum sounds.

Effects
The MINIAK has a full complement of stereo effects including Chorus, Feedback, Theta Flanger (Phaser + Flanger), Thru Zero Flanger, Super Phaser, Notch Frequency, String Phaser, 40-Band Vocoder, Analysis Gain, Sibilance Boost, Band Shift, Synthesis Input, Analysis Signal In, Analysis Mix, six types of Delay, and three types of Reverbs.

With the extensive sound generating and manipulating power of the MINIAK, the sounds you dream up are as easy to create as twisting a few knobs. And creating complete soundscapes with the sequencer and arpeggiator couldn’t be easier. Step up to the only synth with the Akai Professional name… the MINIAK.

Domestic Shipping

Ground Delivery Time in Transit

• FREE UPS Ground Shipping to the lower 48 US States!
• Tracking number emailed within 24 business hours of an order/payment.
• Express shipping (i.e. Next Day Air) ship the same business day if placed by 3PM CST. (USA orders only).
• Super Low International Rates!
• Immediate SAME-DAY Shipping on most orders! WHY WAIT FOR SLOWER SERVICE.
• We use UPS and ship your order out to you quickly and safely.
• Insurance is included FREE OF CHARGE.
• Tracking numbers are emailed within 24 hours (during business hours) after payment is made.
• US orders requesting faster Expedited Service will be shipped UPS AIR - contact us for rates.
• Insurance is included FREE OF CHARGE and the product is FULLY covered by us.
• If an item arrives damaged due to shipping, we will replace the unit.
• No sales tax! - Excluding Wisconsin Residents.

Get it fast! (Express Shipping)
We offer "Get it Fast" options (UPS Next Day Air, UPS Second Day Air) on most of our auctions. See the shipping section of our auction for details!

Wisconsin Orders
All items shipped inside the state of Wisconsin are subject to a 5.6% sales tax added to the final price.

Hawaii & Alaska Orders
Obtain a shipping quote from us before ordering.

International Shipping

Flat Rate Shipping Includes the following Countries:

If your country is not listed or you would like a faster service, please contact us prior to hitting "Buy it now."
You may have additional fees that are not listed in our flat rate shipping.

We enjoy dealing with our international customers, but please take a few things into consideration:
We are not responsible for border/customs delays. Very rare but does happen from time to time.
Shipments may be subject to taxes and duties upon delivery.

• 5-7 Day Average Delivery Time.
• No Brokerage Fees (Excluding Standard Shipping).
• We use UPS or USPS (USPS for International Shipments Only) and ship your order out to you quickly and safely.
• Tracking number emailed within 24 business hours of an order/payment.
• Online Tracking Included.
• Super Low International Rates!
• Express Shipping Available.
• Guaranteed Delivery.

Back to top

Why buy from us?

Order with confidence- great prices, great selection, great advice!
We are a factory authorized dealer for all the products we stock with thousands of satisfied customers throughout the world. We make sure of it by offering our 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee!! Our filled-to-the-rafters inventory consists of the top name brands in electronic music (it's what we specialize in) and we ship from the center of the US so you know it'll get there fast and on time. Most importantly, you'll always receive great advice at Nova Musik from musicians just like yourself anytime you need it along the way. ....at Nova*Musik we speak your language!®

Nova Musik Staff
We feel we have a top-notch staff here at Nova Musik. You will find the best in customer support and service from folks who know and use the gear. Better yet, our staff will be here next week, next month and next year. At Nova Musik, you're well on your way to enjoying THE best customer support in the industry. Guaranteed!

Store Address
We are located in downtown Old Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, just over an hour north of Chicago. For all correspondence please use this address:

Nova Musik
608 N. Broadway
Milwaukee, WI 53202
USA

Store Hours
CENTRAL TIME phone hours are:
10AM-6PM Monday-Friday
Noon-5PM Saturday

Call us!
Toll Free: 877-290-6682 [NOVA]
Direct Line: 414-270-1948
Fax number: 414-270-0732

Email us!
Questions or comments?: info@novamusik.com
For all issues regarding your order: info@novamusik.com

Back to top

Thank you for considering Nova Musik!! You're well on your way to enjoying THE best customer support in the industry. Guaranteed!!

Payment Options & Info:

We accept all major Credit Cards - Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express- so paying couldn't be any easier! Simply order from our secure website or call us TOLL FREE 1-877-290-6682 during our normal business hours (see above). That's all there is to it!

Paypal payments - Any orders paying with Paypal must be shipped to the shipping address selected from your Paypal account for that item. We can not accept an alternate shipping address entered in the notes of the payment or sent in a later email.

We can not ship to P.O. Boxes - Please be sure to select a physical shipping address when paying for your item. If you do not have a physical shipping address listed on your Paypal account, you must add and confirm the physical address to your Paypal account before paying for your item.

We can not ship to APO/FPO Addresses - Unfortunately, UPS will not ship to APO/FPO addresses, and we can not ship domestic orders with USPS. Any customers with an APO/FPO address must pay with a credit card and provide a separate street shipping address.

Return/Exchange Policies

Please make sure you have read and understand our return/exchange policy before placing your order.
Please see list of non-returnable items before placing your order or requesting CRA number.

General Return Policy Guidelines
Email us for a "Customer Return Authorization" number at returns@novamusik.com. All CRA numbers must be obtained this way. CRA numbers are good for 10 days after their issue date.

Full 30 Day Money Back Guarantee on all unopened items. Additionally, we offer a 15 Day Guarantee/Exchange Policy on all defective/broken units.

A 15% restocking fee will be assessed to any open product return.

After 15 days of the purchase date, all defective items that need to be repaired must be sent directly to the manufacturer or warranty provider. Additional details on warranty coverage can be found in the product paperwork or on the manufacturer’s website.

All products must be returned in like-new condition. Items must show no signs of wear, MUST INCLUDE ALL ORIGINAL PACKAGING, all documentation, accessories and NOT REGISTERED. This includes all software that comes with the product. Additional fees will be applied for all missing accessories or parts and items that have been physically damaged or misused. The fee amount is subject to Nova Musik’s discretion.

Shipping fees are the responsibility of the customer. Shipping fees are non-refundable unless the item turns out to be defective (see below). All priority and international shipments are non-refundable even in the case of a defective item.

International customers must pay to ship item(s) back to Nova Musik in the case of a defective item(s). All goods must be marked as the CRA number authorization email describes otherwise the shipment will be rejected. We do not pay return import duties.

VERY IMPORTANT! Insure the item you are returning at your FULL INVOICE VALUE. We will do everything we can to help you file a claim for a damaged/lost shipment. Unfortunately, the shipping party is responsible if your returned merchandise ends up lost or damaged in the mail.

Please allow 2-3 weeks for all refunds to post to your account. On average banks will process a credit in 1-10 business days but may take up to 3 weeks.

Broken or damaged merchandise returned for replacement may take up to 5 business days to process. Please contact us to make sure that your product is in stock and ready to ship. We will do everything in our power to get your replacement unit to you as fast as we can.

Non-Returnable Items
Copyrighted materials cannot be returned once opened due to copyright law. This includes books, videotapes, DVDs, sample libraries, style disks, sound expansion boards, and software (which may also include software bundled with hardware).

Recording media such as DAT tapes or CDRs.

Disposable products including drumsticks and cleaning supplies.

Recording equipment including multi-tracks, hard disks, CD burners, tape recorders.

Personal use items such as microphones, headphones, ear plugs, in-ear monitors, and drum sets/kits.

All instrument/computer parts and upgrades including expansion boards, RAM, hard drives, flash media and sound cards.

Discontinued/clearance items.

Special orders may be returned within 15 days and a 25% non-refundable charge will apply.

Defective Product Returns/Exchanges
If you believe the product is defective, you must contact the manufacturer's tech support department before requesting a CRA number. Please be sure to include your case number with your CRA request. We will always exchange a defective unit for a replacement.

If an item arrives to you clearly damaged in transit please call us as soon as possible so we can arrange to have UPS or USPS inspect the damage and return it to us.

For international orders, please be advised that shipping and handling fees are non-refundable.

You will be credited or a replacement unit will be sent once we receive and inspect the product. This usually takes 3-5 business days. If you require a replacement unit immediately, your credit card will be charged for the additional unit and we will credit your card once the defective item(s) arrive back at our store.

*If you have any questions regarding our return/exchange policies, please call 877-290-6682 or 414-270-1948, or email us at info@novamusik.com.

Auction Terms

If you are unhappy with any aspect of an auction, please email us BEFORE leaving feedback. We guarantee your complete satisfaction! Please call 877-290-6682 or 414-270-1948, or email us at info@novamusik.com

We'll post positive feedback in response to your positive feedback. Please allow one week for this to post.

Failure to complete a transaction will result in negative feedback and "non-paying bidder" notification from eBay. Do NOT bid if you do not intend to purchase this item.

Your privacy is important to us
To better protect your privacy we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. To make this notice easy to find, we make it available on our homepage and at every point where personally identifiable information may be requested.

Back to top

Questions?
Please call 877-290-6682 or 414-270-1948,
or email us at info@novamusik.com.