Melbourne Instruments Nina

Melbourne Instruments Nina is a 12-voice analog polysynth from Australia that solves one of synthesizers' oldest frustrations: the mismatch between knob positions and actual parameter values when recalling presets.

Motorized Controls

Using custom controls powered by brushless drone motors, Nina's knobs physically move to reflect the current patch settings. Switch presets and watch every knob snap to its correct position. This fundamentally changes how you interact with the instrument — sound design becomes more intuitive and performance more immediate because what you see always matches what you hear.

Sound Architecture

Each of the 12 voices combines two analog oscillators with a Moog-style ladder filter and a digital wavetable oscillator, bridging classic analog warmth with modern flexibility. The analog signal path delivers the rich, fat character expected from discrete analog circuits, while the wavetable oscillator adds textures and timbres that pure analog cannot reach.

The modulation system is exceptionally deep with 43 mod slots per patch. Any source can target nearly any destination, enabling complex evolving patches that respond dynamically to your playing.

Multitimbral and Sequencing

Nina operates as a 4-part multitimbral instrument, splitting its 12 voices across four independent sounds. The 64-step sequencer includes parameter locks (per-step control changes), bringing Elektron-style sequence programming to an analog polysynth. Combined with MPE support for expressive controllers like the Roli Seaboard or Linnstrument, Nina responds to every nuance of your playing.

Open Source Core

Under the hood, Nina runs open-source software on a Raspberry Pi 4. This means the community can contribute features, and the instrument can evolve well beyond its original specification. Firmware updates have already added significant functionality since launch.

Who Is This For?

• Synth purists who want analog polyphony with perfect preset recall
• Live performers who need knobs that always show the real values
• Sound designers drawn to deep modulation and multitimbral capability
• MPE controller owners wanting an expressive analog polysynth
• Open-source advocates who appreciate community-driven development