Novation 49SL MkIII 49-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard and Sequencer with DAW integration

Product Information

One of the most visually striking features of the SL MkIII are the key lights. These are much bigger than the NI equivalents, set into a chunky step in the raked surface of the unit. The lights are used to indicate Parts, which is especially useful when setting up a multi‑part zone arrangement. The keys also flash when played, either directly or via the sequencer or arp, but this can be disabled independently for each source. The keyboard feels very nice and all other hardware too except for the sliders, they feel a bit cheap. If you are not already, please try updating your firmware using the standalone version of Components.

On this screen, you can edit the messages being sent out by the 16 buttons on your SL MkIII and how the button behaves when you press it:I’m going to walk you through how to set up your SL MkIII with Pro Tools. Please ensure that your SL MkIII is connected to your computer and powered on. Your choice of music software is crucial to your creativity. SL MkIII's pads, buttons, eight faders and eight knobs take control of all major music software using InControl or any HUI-compatible DAW.

The downside was it took work to set up, and relied on local settings files on your machine. With modern displays, and the move towards computer independence and integration with Components, I can understand why Novation would step away from Automap. It does leave something of a gap though that’s filled, or not, in different ways depending on your DAW. The pitch-bend wheel can now be mapped to the CV output, opening up more expression possibilities for modular synth users and other external hardware control applications. Specifications Easily integrate hardware with your DAW – get the best of both worlds, recording any electronic performance from one studio centrepieceA lot has changed since then though; for all its flexibility, the server-based Automap setup now looks exceptionally cumbersome compared to the plug-and-play compatibility offered by systems like NI’s NKS or Akai’s Advance range, and with the rise of Bluetooth MIDI and resurgence of CV, many musicians find that they need more from their controllers than simple USB and MIDI. Services Guitar Workshop Electronic Repairs Workshop Music Store Events & Workshops Piano Showroom Music Lessons Recording Studio