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Novation 49 SL MK3 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller, 49-Key

Build your MIDI, CV/Gate, and DAW rig around Novation's top 49-key controller! With an internal sequencer and arpeggiator, the SL MK3 is one powerful board.

Novation 49 SL MK3 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller, 49-Key

$549.99

8 x
$68.75
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6 x
$91.66
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4 x
$137.50

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Novation 49SL MkII 49-Key USB Keyboard Controller

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Novation 49SL MkII 49-Key USB Keyboard Controller, Back

This controller has it all: 49 semi-weighted keys, touch-sensitive knobs and faders that map to your DAW, and a huge LED display for your MIDI assignments.

Overview

Novation's SL MkII 49-key controller is the flexible MIDI keyboard/DAW control surface musicians and producers have been waiting for, putting tactile control of every element of your software at your fingertips. Employing assignable encoders, buttons, faders and the X/Y Xpression touchpad, this semi-weighted controller (with aftertouch) ships from the factory with advanced mapping via Automap 4 PRO. Featuring templates and user programmable mappings, the 49SL MkII will improve your workflow for nearly every DAW, plugin and production environment you'll encounter in the studio, on stage, or working from your hotel room.

Robust Build, Pro Action

The SL MkII uses the same velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted action keyboard from Fatar employed in the original SL, a roadworthy set of keys ideal for synth players, without disappointing those used to organ action. With playable 'soft feel' drum pads and keys that respond like an instrument, it's quickly apparent that the SL MkII is no toy. Add USB bus powering, rock-solid encoders and sturdy faders and you've got yourself a professional controller that you won't be afraid to take out of the studio.

Control for Days

With a bank of 8 sturdy faders, 16 knobs -- 8 of which are continuous rotary encoders -- and 32 assignable backlit LED buttons, the 49SL Mk II leaves you in control of your digital workflow. The unique two-axis X/Y Xpression touchpad makes for expressive manipulation of multiple parameters simultaneously, and… read more is conveniently located below the spring adjustable pitch/mod joystick. These controls, the dedicated, fully-assignable transport section, and footswitch/sustain pedal inputs are all easily routed to any parameter with the flexible Automap software.

Visual Feedback: See All Your MIDI Control Assignments

With a bright 144-character LCD screen, the SL Mk II makes it easy to quickly identify which parameters are being manipulated, even during theater blackout in a dim pit. Bright red LEDs beneath the assignable buttons make toggle status unmistakable, and the 11-segment LED rings surrounding the continuous rotary encoders supplies clear information on an otherwise dark stage. Designed for maximum brightness with a minimum power draw, users can spend more time playing music and less time staring into screens, even when powering the unit solely via USB bus. With this huge display to help you, you'll never have to worry about memorizing which knob is controlling which MIDI parameter.

Professional Features For Professional Productions

Beyond the touch-sensitive controls and sturdy, semi-weighted action, the 49SL Mk II delivers a wide array of versatile features demanded by working professionals. In addition to the flexible mapping of the Automap 4 software, Novation has included the Xcite+ Bundle, 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. The built in MIDI interface provides USB control over software synthesizers and DAW control, but with 1 MIDI in, 1 MIDI thru, and 2 MIDI outs, the 49SL Mk II, is an excellent companion to hardware units as well.

Features:

- Sturdy, responsive 49-key velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keyboard
- 56 Touch-sensitive, fully mappable controls
- Illuminated buttons and a bright, 144-character LED display
- User-assignable Transport Section
- Spring-loaded Xpression pitch/mod joystick
- Unique, two axis X/Y Xpression touchpad
- Ships with flexible Automap 4 mapping software
- Energy efficient USB buss powering for use with or without an optional 9V DC power supply
- Versatile MIDI I/O, thru and USB control
- 16 'Soft-Feel' drum pads
- Sustain and Expression pedal inputs
- Includes Xcite+ sample and software bundle

Specs

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)

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-431-2609

Manual

Novation's Description

Novation 49SL Mk2 49-Key USB Keyboard

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 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 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 most recent 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 'soft-feel' drum pads.
- No longer features batteries

Note: 49SL MkII uses the original ReMOTE SL keyboard

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

Reviews

(4 ratings)

Submitted October 20, 2009 by a customer from gmail.com

"A perfect investment."

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.

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.

Sound
The keys are dead near silent, as is everything else. No clicky-clicky like some other controllers out there.

Features
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… read more 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.

Musical Background:
Active Musician, and Aspiring Producer

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

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