Novation 49SL MkII 49-Key USB Keyboard Controller

With semi-weighted keys and touch-sensitive dials and faders, this controller makes your hands feel right at home. 4 People rated this product:

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Manufacturer's Description for Novation 49SL MkII 49-Key USB Keyboard Controller

49SL Mk II has been designed to equip the modern DAW user with every dimension of hardware control, enabling a hands-on approach to navigating software, mixing and controlling plug-ins. It represents extraordinary value as a controller, integrating a DAW control surface with a quality semi-weighted keyboard (with after-touch) and the most intuitive plug-in mapping capabilities available - presided over by Automap 3 PRO; unquestionably the most advanced control software on the market.

49SL Mk II upholds Novation's reputation for building quality hardware (like the 49SL Mk I, they will also appeal to performers who need a well-constructed keyboard on stage). Quality is not just reflected in their robustness, but more importantly in the way the 49SL Mk II has been designed with every detail calculated to maximise workflow. The 49SL Mk II's visually feeds back all controller information to the user with back lit buttons and encoder LED rings.

The difficulty with other control surfaces is knowing what is assigned to what. 49SL Mk II has a giant 144-character ultra-bright LCD screen that displays all the parameter names and values for the currently selected row of controllers. All 8 faders and 16 knobs are touch sensitive, so the moment one is touched, the display shows the names and values on that row and puts brackets around the controller that is currently being touched. This enables the user to see which parameter is assigned to the controller without having to change the value, or refer to their software. 49SL Mk II also has a dedicated 'Speed Dial' knob, which can be used to change the value of any parameter the cursor is positioned over without making any assignments whatsoever.

The 8 continuous rotary encoders have 11 segment LED rings around each of them, allowing encoders to behave like pots so the user can see the value before moving them. All the buttons have LEDs underneath them so users can instantly see their status without having to press them. There are 8 soft-feel drum pads, a pitch/modulation wheel and an X/Y Xpression touchpad which (along with footswitch and sustain pedal inputs), are all fully assignable to any parameter with the Automap software

The 49SL Mk II has been designed to draw minimum current so it can be used as a USB buss-powered device, and an optional 9V DC power supply can be added for stand-alone use. As well as USB interfacing, the 49SL Mk II has 1 MIDI in, 1 MIDI thru and 2 MIDI outs.

The power behind 49SL Mk II's unique ability to map controllers at the touch of a button, is contained within the included Automap software. Automap 3 PRO enables users to map controllers with incredible speed and ease - no more digging through MIDI continuous controller numbers, the Automap server takes care of it all. Automap's GUI gives the user a visual representation of all the current mappings on screen, as well as the ability to save and manage mappings across different projects. There is also an option to only bring up the GUI when a controller on the 49SL Mk II has been touched!

Professional Keyboard

It uses the same velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted action keyboard from Fatar that the orininal SL does, with assignable after-touch. Novation deliver the feeling of playing an instrument, rather than just a computer peripheral.

Illuminated Controls

Brightly lit LED rings around the eight smooth encoders, and backlit buttons throughout provide instant visual feedback for every physical control, further reducing reliance on the computer screen.

Giant Screen

Frees the artist from being chained to the computer screen, placing all the essential data right alongside the relevant controls.

Touch-sensitive Controls

Full control surface supporting ultra flexible DAW control and Auto-mappable plug-in controls, 16 knobs, 8 faders and 32 assignable backlit LED buttons.

Automap 3 PRO

49SL Mk II comes with Automap software which enables you to instantly map software parameters to faders, buttons, encoders and pots and other controllers.

MIDI Interface

Built in MIDI I/O Interface and comprehensive MIDI implementation provide complete control over all external hardware synths and other external MIDI devices.

Speed Dial

A touch-sensitive rotary encoder that instantly takes control of whatever your mouse is focused on, providing real time access for composers and performers alike.

Programmable Drumpads

Eradicates the need for a separate set of drumpad triggers, providing the ideal platform for sketching out beats or triggering samples

2-Axis Controls

Fantastic 'Xpression' pad and adjustably sprung pitch/mod joystick, both freely assignable in MIDI Controlling mode

Dedicated Assignable Transport

Control the sequencer's start/stop/loop/record/forward/rewind actions, direct from the MIDI controller, reducing reliance on mouse and screen, or switch them out to allow use of more assignable buttons. 49SL Mk II recalls how these buttons were previously assigned.

USB Buss Powering

Provides the artist with a mobile MIDI control solution, freeing them from the confines of the studio

Xcite+ Bundle

Featuring a host of royalty-free loops and samples, a full-fledged soft-synth and Ableton Live 7 Lite, providing an affordable upgrade path to Ableton Live.

ReMOTE SL vs 49SL MkII

- Mk II ships with the latest Automap 3 PRO
- All dials and faders are now touch-sensitive
- All 49SL Mk II's buttons are illuminated
- Mk II features a single LED screen (as it now features the Automap Heads-up GUI)
- 49SL Mk II's top row of dials have 11-LED rings for instant feedback
- Top row of encoders are now smooth, rather than detented.
- 49SL Mk II's transport control buttons can also be used as fully assignable buttons.
- 49SL Mk II features new 'soft-feel' drum pads.
- No longer features batteries

Note: 49SL MkII uses the original ReMOTE SL keyboard zZounds is an authorized dealer of Novation products.

Specifications
Physical controls

Assignable controls:
- 8 Encoders (Infinite Rotation) with touch-sensitivity and 11 segment Led rings
- 8 Pots (270 Rotation) with touch-sensitivity
- 8 Sliders with touch-sensitivity
- 32 Buttons with integrated LEDs (37 in MIDI mode]
- 8 soft feel Trigger pads
- Xpression Pad (as on existing SL)
- Xpression Stick (as on existing SL)
- Touch sensitive Speed Dial (as on Nocturn)

System buttons:
- General Automap Operation Buttons (Learn, View, Browser Groups etc.)
- Octave up/down buttons with LED indicator

The central system buttons from the SL have been simplified; there is now:
- 1 Automap button with LED to toggle Automap mode on and off (this replaces the PLAY button) - this way, manual MIDI mode is separate from Automap mode and can be avoided completely if preferred
- Template and Edit modes have been combined into one edit mode, for editing both individual controls and overall settings within one Template

Connectivity
Rear Panel connections are as follows:
- Data Port: 1 x USB (Win XP/Vista and Mac OSX - Not Class Compliant
- MIDI: MIDI ONE: IN, OUT and Thru, MIDI TWO: OUT
- Sustain Pedal: 1 x 1/4 Jack Input
- Expression pedal: 1 x 1/4 Jack Input
- Power switch: Ext DC/USB

Minimum Operational Requirements (taken from Nocturn):
Mac OSX 10.4.0 or greater (Leopard also supported) or Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or greater (Vista 32/64 also supported)

Minimum Computer spec: Mac - G4/1GHz, both with 256MB RAM or PC - Pentium 3/1GHz/256MB RAM (machines running Vista will require a higher spec)

Dimensions:
- Size (25 key): W=468mm, H=68mm, D=293mm
- Size (49 key): W=803mm, H=68mm, D=293mm
- Size (61 key): W=965mm, H=68mm, D=293mm

Weights:
- 25SL net weight: 3.3kg /unit
- 49SL net weight: 5.2kg/unit
- 61SL net weight: 6.1kg / unit

Power Supply: USB Cable (Included) OR AC Adaptor (Not Included - only required if using without computer)

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging: Shipping Weight: 15 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 28 x 15 x 6 in

Manual

Novation Warranty

Novation Warranty

If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 800-431-2609

zZounds is an
authorized Novation dealer

Our extended 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on this product. Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!

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Customer Reviews

3.5 out of 5 (4 ratings) Rate and Review This Product

Read 2 Novation 49SL MkII 49-Key USB Keyboard Controller Reviews

zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful. "A perfect investment."

Sound: The keys are dead near silent, as is everything else. No clicky-clicky like some other controllers out there. Feature: Sixteen, count-em, sixteen assignable knobs, a transport section, twelve faders, eight nicely sized drum pads, 24 assignable buttons,mod and pitch stick, AND even a morph pad. This thing can control nearly every facet of a reasonably complex soft-synth like FM8, or several simpler synths. Automap 3 is great, and the intuitive templates make things a breeze. The included Ableton 7 lite, 1gb of samples from loopmasters, and Bass-station soft synth are just icing on the cake. Oh, and it's USB powered! A real plus for a college dorm kid! Traditional midi ports, a DC jack...you just can't go wrong here. Ease of Use: I had a hell of a time setting this up in Ableton. The "DAW instructions" provided by Novation were nigh useless, as was their online database. Thankfully, I finally fiddled my way to success. But alas, the troubles weren't done, then you have to select the correct template out of a eight strangely named preset templates, and finally you're good to go. Once past the initial stumbling blocks using this thing was a breeze. Literally just "click and assign". It's easy to forget which functions are assigned where though if you're using the blank "learn" template, so edit those control parameter names using the software or something. Automap is also a pain to get working at first. Quality: This thing is built like a tank. the body is plastic, but it still fells hefty and durable. The upper eight knobs fell SUPERB, no clicking, but a nice graphical display makes up for it. All the knobs are also quite solid, and don't feel like they're going to snap off. The keyboard itself has a nice, heavier synth action. It's not sterling like my s90, but still has a natural, playable feel. Glissandos don't hurt either, so thumb away my friends! All the controls are fantastically responsive...maybe even a bit too responsive. Literally all you have to do is hold you hand over one of the knobs or fader and barely tap it and it's ready for use. The display screen is nice, easily readable, and well protected. The drum pads, though small, don't have that cheesy action of the axiom, or that hard feel like the MPK. As for software-side, Automap 3 is solid, but a bit awkwardly implemented. As far as road-use goes, I'll be getting a case for this thing, but it fells solid enough to take some serious knocks and come out on top. Value: The 49SL MK II is an expensive controller, there's no doubt. But so far, I believe I can say it's really worth every penny. The 49 key is really the perfect size-price ratio. I've tried out the APK49, AxiomPro 49, and several other new controllers. They're all pretty much the same price nowadays, so it's safe to say that this is the best of the bunch. Sure, it doesn't have motorized faders, or that infamous MPC-pad feel on the drumpads, but the thing is that the SL MKII is so much more versatile than these other controllers. Only the Yamaha controller gives it a run for its money when it comes to price-quality-features. Manufacturer Support: I'm really docking Novation here for their lackadaisical setup guide, and poor online database. Most all the information applies to the last generation of SL controllers. It also sort of teed me off a bit when I saw the only way you could contact them was by e-mail. The Wow Factor: This thing is....so damn sexy. It looks like something from a bond film, or a slick Sci-fi movie. I think it was the red LEDs around those top eight knobs that really got me. I mean, you look at this thing and think...wow...it's got so many knobs...I could really use that. Then there was that morph pad, and that pretty much sealed the deal (being an FM8 lover). But then I played it and the action was so good, I nearly payed an extra hundred for it on spot in the store just so I could carry it back to the dorm that day. Overall: The 49SL MKII is a great midi-controller. It can literally control your entire set up (both hardware and software) without so much as batting an eye. Despite some strong setup issues, once you get this thing running, good luck tearing yourself away. It's good to be hard finishing my homework assignments now that I have this beauty sitting on my desk. As I said before though, the 49 key is really the perfect size for the price.

Style of Music: Jazz, Classical, Drum n' bass, Techno. Alt. Hip-hop, trip-hop, big beat.

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"WAYY OVERPRICED"

Sound: Sound N/A it is a controller. Feature: Its automap features are bettern than having none at all but I still find the unit a bit cumbersome as it does not switch back and forth from 'Automap' mode (controlling DAW and softsynths) to 'Advanced' Mode (controlling external hardware midi modules) as smoothly as its user manual implies it does. You must finagle with it a bit and it is NOT a simple 'once touch point and click' operation that Novation would like you to believe. Ease of Use: Its features are good but not nearly worth the 500 dollar price range the name tag implies. For 500 bucks it should automap to every single softsynth under the sun or at least come with templates setup for it but alas, it does not. What are the designers at novation doing if not working on templates for the sofsynths out there that most users are going to use? I still have to use midi learn and map alot of stuff that should already have templates for them, Like G-Force Imposcar and some of my NI stuff, still have no templates for them, shame. Automaps been around, for what, 10 years now? Quality: I am going to give this low scores because mine took a slight drop off a 3 foot keyboard stand when I got up from my desk as my leg caught the midi out cable plugged into the back of the Remote and pulled it off the shelf. it hit my foot and the floor at a 45 degree angle...ouch! After limping around and rubbing my foot in pain, I noticed to toppermost key stop had broken and the highest register key was now broken, sitting too high up in relation to the other keys I am like what, from a 3 foot , 45 degree edge stop with my foot breaking alot of the fall? You have got to be kidding me!. Mind you, it still played and registered a note when pushed but come on, a little better plastic and this would not have happened. I would never tour with something this flimsly and plasticky. Look at the weight specs for a keyboard and match that to the dimensions and you can see that a 31" by 12" by 2.5" keyboard at 11 lbs 7 Oz is pretty lightweight. Hell, my 18" x 16" x 3 1/2" MPC 5000 weighs in at 18 lbs, for comparison. I own the older Remote 25SL and its build quality is light years ahead of the flimsy crap Novation has churned out of late. Value: For the build qulity and the quirkyness of using it with BOTH hardware and software, the unit is overpriced. If I were going to do this again, I would have gotten the Arturia Analog Laboratory controller as it has wooden endcaps and the case is metal. As well, the keyboard feels nicer than the Novation stuff..lastly, I would simply use the Midi learn features of the various softsynths out there and just assign controls to the Analog Labroratory then save as a template as it is pretty much what you have to do with hardware midi gear with the Novation anyway, so its 60 of this and 40 of that, depending on which way you are swinging with either the Remote or the Arturia gear. That said, the Arturia build quality KILLS Novations made in china trash and just feels nicer, all around, PLUS you get the GREAT analog Laborartory software to go with it and for a street price of 350 you get so much more Manufacturer Support: Wouldn't know on warranty work as I havent had to use them but I did email them once about the lack of templates and go no response The Wow Factor: Its an OK product with a lot more hype then it deserves to be quite honest. Overall: I will keep it for a while but the qulity is so poor I don't see it lasting anywhere near ten years.

Style of Music: electronic, darkwave

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Read 2 Novation 49SL MkII 49-Key USB Keyboard Controller Reviews