Novum review
A focused granular synthesizer for turning samples into layered, expressive instruments.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Novum is a sample-based software synthesizer from Dawesome and Tracktion Software Corporation. It turns samples into playable instruments by decomposing them into up to six independent layers, then combining granular processing, cross-synthesis, spectral editing, filters, and modulation. Sound designers, composers, and music producers working in a digital audio workstation are the clearest audience, particularly those who want detailed control over sample-derived timbres and expressive MPE performance.
Pricing is straightforward: Novum costs $179 USD as a one-time purchase, with a 90-day trial and no free plan. The published plan includes granular synthesis, up to six granular layers, full MPE support, and 300+ factory patches. This makes the purchase easier to evaluate before committing, while the single paid tier keeps the feature comparison simple. Buyers should consider whether layered sample work is central enough to justify a dedicated instrument rather than choosing a broader synthesizer with a different pricing structure.
Novum’s standout capability is its layered sample workflow. Independent speed and pitch controls give each granular layer its own role, while drag-and-drop sample combination enables cross-synthesis. Timbre Flower provides spectral timbre modification, and SYNTIFY, analog, and comb filters extend the sound-shaping options. The modulation system and full MPE support add further control for expressive performance. It runs on Windows and macOS as AU, VST3, and AAX plug-ins, fitting common DAW environments. Choose Novum for granular sample transformation and layered instrument design; choose an alternative if you primarily want a general-purpose synthesizer outside that focus.
Novum pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Decomposes samples into up to six independent layers
- Granular, spectral, cross-synthesis, and subtractive tools
- Full MPE support with 300+ factory patches
- Where it doesn't
- Costs $179 as a one-time purchase
- No free plan
- Focused on sample transformation rather than broad synthesis
Novum fact sheet, pricing and score →
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