Novation 61 SL MK3 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller, 61-Key
Rock all your software instruments, MIDI hardware and CV/Gate synths with Novation's 3rd-gen SL controller keyboard -- tightly integrated with Ableton Live.
$649.99
- 12 x$54.17
- 8 x$81.25
- No Credit Check6 x$108.33
- No Credit Check4 x$162.50
Overall User Ratings (based on 4 ratings)
Submitted January 8, 2019 by Nathaniel T in Beaverton, OR
"The end all controller to rule them all"
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This is the midi controller I have dreamed of, way to go Novation!
Sound
Uh...there are no sounds, n/a
Features
For me, the most important features in a midi controller:1. 61+ keys that feel good and have aftertouch2. programmable midi cc controller knobs/faders (some DSI synths are a bit weird in this regard, so this is a necessity)3. non-usb bus power option, for dawless adventures. If a unit has a ps, even if I have to buy it separately, I do.
Ease of Use
Updating this unit balked initially, but the second go was fine, the software to do so is a bit heavy IMO, close all other internetikins. My emu xboard49 doesn't always show up as on even though it is, the SLmkIII however hasn't failed to do so, once.
Quality
The 'feel' of this unit is on par with what I expect from Novation (owner of BSII, Ultranova, Peak), in fact, the keys kind of feel like the BSII as a reference and I hold every keybed up to my AN1X, which I adore. This...is right there, everything else has fallen short :)
Value
This unit is a smidge on the expensive side, but the value of its versatility and hopefully, longevity makes it well worth it. I am considering purchasing a backup, because they don't tend to make things that are good for very long. The quality of the usb cable is at a level I have never experienced before and I'm going to replace every cable with this woven type.
Manufacturer Support
Never needed to contact to support
The Wow Factor
After the Peak, this unit has the silver in OMG, wow factor. Both are from Novation, interesting...What factors in the wow factor? One word, versatility. A thing can do something, no problem, but when a thing can do...*counts on fingers for a bit* alot, it's value becomes exponential, thank you Novation.
Musical Background:
3 decades of hobby
Musical Style:
Ambient, experimental, drone
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Submitted September 15, 2020 by Jacob Miller
"Very in-depth, greatly enhanced my workflow"
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This midi keyboard is a beast. I am using it exclusively with logic pro and I am very happy with how it has streamlined my workflow, Being able to zone out different parts of the keyboard to different midi channels/instruments is invaluable, it allows me to audition and record different sections of the orchestra on the fly and is probably my favorite feature at the moment. The light guide might seem gimmicky at first, but it is incredibly useful to me as I am at least partially a visual learner. Seeing the lights turn blue-green when I select woodwinds helps me connect with the parts more, when I switch to horns the orange color scheme reminds me to switch into the mindset of a horn player. Of course, I had to set this all up beforehand. And of course, having 8 different zones available to be mapped anywhere on the keyboard is really where the light guide shines.The keys feel good to me, not weighted but not spongy or overly springy. Action feels nice. The pads are alright, they feel pretty good but they are a little small for my larger-than-average hands. There is more than enough documentation on the sequencer, and personally I don't use it too much yet. Seems incredible though, I know I have to put a lot more hours into it to give any good opinions.Lastly, the only real con I have so far is the InControl function for Logic Pro X is lackluster. Everything worked first try(after installing drivers) but the visual indicators are virtually nonexistent. You can set a few different things to be controlled by the knobs and buttons, however there isn't good indication of which track you are changing or what parameter is selected for that track on the keyboard itself. That makes it a little confusing when trying to quickly select different tracks. It is a fairly small issue for me though, the faders feel great and they control Logic's mixer very well.My score, 9.5/10! Only losing half a point for the mediocre visual indicators when using InControl with Logic.Lets see another firmware update Novation! ;)
Features
TemplatesZones
Musical Background:
Composer for Video Games
Musical Style:
Orchestral, cinematic, atmospheric
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Submitted February 3, 2021 by Jona Adams in Durham, NC
"Wow! Super Nice"
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The keys feel perfect. I love touching them and playing with them. Very smooth operation. They really nailed the feel of these keys. All of the other features are actually quite easy to learn. This controller may look complex, but it actually quite easy to learn and get going.
Sound
I'm using this keyboard in a hybrid setup. For both controlling hardware desktop synths and Ableton Live. ,
Features
It's quite easy to control things through USB,
Quality
This is about as good as it gets in terms of build quality.
Value
These keyboards are in short supply. The price is the same everywhere.
Manufacturer Support
There was only one small issue with updating the firmware. But Novation heads this off with a link with instructions on how to quickly solve it.
The Wow Factor
Comparing this to Push 2, the SL MKIII is about $100 less. And really, in my opinion, a better value. Creating music with keys rather than a pad grid makes more sense in my mind as a music creator, focused on melodies.
Musical Background:
Music Producer
Musical Style:
Electronic Music
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Submitted March 27, 2019 by Destin H in Tooele, UT
"The BEST Midi Controller/Keyboard EVER!"
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I have owned many midi keyboards and controllers and I have to say.. this thing is the absolute king! The build is so solid, the keys feel great, and it looks stunning! The ability to map scales to keys makes for a great learning/compositional tool. And the sequencer is a beast! I haven't had this much fun crafting sequences since the Arturia Beatstep. Sequencing with the SL MK3 is very fun and intuitive, and can I just mention how VISUALLY awesome it is sequencing several things across multiple zones!? LIGHTSHOW!!!
Musical Background:
Writer/Composer. Synth Enthusiast.
Musical Style:
Electronica.
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