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Novation Impulse 49 - USB-MIDI Keyboard
- Price: $349.99
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # NOIMP49
- Mfr# IMPULSE 49
Product Highlights
- 49 Semi-Weighted Keys
- Aftertouch
- 8 Rotary Encoders and 9 Faders
- 8 Backlit Trigger Pads
- Arpeggiator
- Automap Control Software
- Ableton Clip Launch
- Additional Software
- Mac OS X
- Windows XP/Vista/7
Impulse 49 from Novation is a USB-MIDI keyboard controller featuring 49 semi-weighted keys with assignable aftertouch. It was designed to feel like an instrument rather than a computer peripheral, and responds more accurately and in a "musical" manner when triggering a synthesizer or software instrument.
In addition to the keys the controller features eight rotary controls, nine faders and eight backlit drum pads, along with the obligatory pitch and modulation wheels. The controls allow for hands on manipulation of DAW functions, virtual instruments and plug-ins. The included Automap control software takes the hassle out of assigning the controllers with its instant mapping feature.
The Automap software edit page looks just like the Impulse control surface. This labels what each knob, fader, and button is controlling, and the window can be hidden once assignment is finished. Control is available over the mixer, transport, and plug-ins of all major DAWs, as well as plug-in instruments and effects that don't come with a DAW, like products from Native Instruments, Waves or FXpansion.
The 8 drum pads are velocity-sensitive and respond to aftertouch. They are also back-lit with 3-color LEDs to indicate the status of the associated clip. A built in arpeggiator takes advantage of the pads by enabling the performer to warp arpeggios. By switching the 8 pads in or out, the rhythm of the arpeggio can be changed in real-time. The shape, syncopation and gate time of the arpeggio can also be changed.
- Precision 49-note semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch
- Provides full control of a DAW including mixer, transport, and plug-in instruments and effects
- 8 rotary encoders
- 9 assignable faders
- 8 large tri-color backlit trigger pads allow for warping arpeggios and improvising with rhythm patterns - they also launch clips in Ableton
- Arpeggiator with pad-based rhythm editor
- Roll mode on drum pads with aftertouch control of amplitude
- Automap control software makes it fast and simple to assign knobs, faders and buttons to the music software
- Large LCD screen displays control information with direct feedback from DAW
- Buttons with QWERTY support via Automap
- Comes with Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station synthesize, and a Loopmasters sample pack
- USB powered, with expression and sustain pedal inputs, as well as MIDI in and out ports for connecting external MIDI instruments
- Control of 3rd Party Software
-
Ableton (Ableton Live Lite included with Impulse)- Mixer control - all channels
- Transport control
- Clip launch using Impulse's back-lit drum pads
- Scene launch
- Plug-in/Device control - instant control of Ableton's own devices as well as 3rd party VST/Audio Units plug-ins
Cubase- Mixer control - all channels
- Transport control
- Plug-in instrument/effects control - instant control of whatever VST instrument or effect is in focus
Logic- Mixer control - all channels
- Transport control
- Plug-in instrument/effects control - instant control of Logic's own plug-ins and 3rd party VST/Audio Units plug-ins
Pro Tools- Mixer control - all channels
- Transport control
- Plug-in instrument/effects control - instant control of Pro Tools' own plug-ins and 3rd party RTAS plug-ins
Reason/Record- Mixer control - all channels
- Transport control
- Instant control of rack devices (Thor, Dr Octo Rex etc.)
Sonar (PC only)- Mixer control - all channels
- Transport control
- Plug-in VST instrument/effects control
| Keyboard | 49 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch |
| Controllers |
8 x performance pads 8 x encoder/pots 9 x faders 9 x buttons (assignable) 1 x pitchbend wheel 1 x modulation wheel 6 x transport buttons |
| Connectors |
1 x 1/4" TS sustain pedal (pedal not included) 1 x 1/4" TRS expression pedal (pedal not included) 1 x USB type B |
| MIDI | In, Out, and USB |
| Power Requirements |
USB bus powered AC-DC USB mains adapter (not included) |
| System Requirements |
Mac 10.6 Snow Leopard and OS X 10.7 Lion (32- and 64-bit) Windows Windows XP SP3 (32-bit), Vista (32-bit), or Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 33.3 x 13.1 x 3.9" (846 x 333 x 99 mm) |
| Weight | 11 lb (5 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (5)
- Responsive / good action (5)
- Touch sensitive keys (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- MIDI (4)
- Learning (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about Novation Impulse 49 - USB-MIDI Keyboard:
The Novation MIdi keyboard is nice intallation was easy the buttons and feel of the drumpads are excellent. Sliders are a little to soft and plastic like but handle well. Only complaint is the Automap software it pretty much useless unless your using Albeton Lite(included) not compatible with most DAWS I use FL Studios and automap does nothing but luckily FL had auto contoll for most vst functions. All and all worth the money and a well rounded product I'd recommend!
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about Novation Impulse 49 - USB-MIDI Keyboard:
I bought this product with the hope that I would be able to teach myself how to use MIDI with Reason and Pro Tools. It has been incredibly helpful! It was easy to set-up, it's as easy as install the software, follow the steps, plug it in and you're good to go. The semi-weighted, pressure sensitive keys are great for me as I'm a very beginner pianist. All-in-all, I've had this board for about two weeks and already started writing a song using all the important features from the pads to the faders to the keys. Just a great tool for the amateur and beginner songwriter
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Composing
- MIDI
- Sibelius
Comments about Novation Impulse 49 - USB-MIDI Keyboard:
This is a composing tool mainly so I use it in a simple fashion. I bought the Impulse 49 for its keyboard action and it is worth every cent. Installation took a couple minutes downloading the drivers. Worked with Sibelius 7 instantly. Great service from B & H as always. Don't forget to get a case and a cover and a stand.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Poor Instructions
Best Uses
Comments about Novation Impulse 49 - USB-MIDI Keyboard:
I use my Novation Impulse for making basic beats in Ableton Live and Garageband. I don't have a great frame of reference, but can say that this keyboard has done everything I've expected of it and more. I'm particularly pleased with the drum pads that come with Roll and Arp settings which have allowed me to make some pretty unique rhythmic patterns I otherwise would be lost making. Finally, this keyboard is very handsome. Backlit buttons and drum pads along with a sleek design allow my modest little operation to look nearly legit. Surely not a reason to buy a keyboard, but a bonus nonetheless.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about Novation Impulse 49 - USB-MIDI Keyboard:
Keyboard action is synth style and better than most other controllers but still not the best. The keyboard is laid out nicely but the overall bulk of the board is way too big for a 49 key controller. Also, the styling of the board is not exactly pro looking. The faders and knobs feel somewhat cheap but the pads are large, comfortable and relatively sensitive. The pitch/mod wheels are large, rubberized and feel solid. I would recommend this board for beginners and semi-pros but would probably look to the SL line for higher quality.
Pros
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Multimedia
- Recording
- SW Instrument Mgt
Comments about Novation Impulse 49 - USB-MIDI Keyboard:
I use this product hooked up to an iMac with Logic Pro 9 and Reason 6. Mapping is pretty good. I have have had one issue with the mixing mapping disappearing in Logic Pro, but I feel that is more user error than compatibility.
The keyboard feels good (but that is coming from a non keyboard player). The pads work relatively well, and are not oversensitive.
Overall, a great piece of kit for the price, and free shipping only took 2 days! Thanks for great service BH!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Displaying reviews 1-6
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (5)
- Responsive / good action (5)
- Touch sensitive keys (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- MIDI (4)
- Learning (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about Novation Impulse 49 - USB-MIDI Keyboard:
The Novation MIdi keyboard is nice intallation was easy the buttons and feel of the drumpads are excellent. Sliders are a little to soft and plastic like but handle well. Only complaint is the Automap software it pretty much useless unless your using Albeton Lite(included) not compatible with most DAWS I use FL Studios and automap does nothing but luckily FL had auto contoll for most vst functions. All and all worth the money and a well rounded product I'd recommend!
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about Novation Impulse 49 - USB-MIDI Keyboard:
I bought this product with the hope that I would be able to teach myself how to use MIDI with Reason and Pro Tools. It has been incredibly helpful! It was easy to set-up, it's as easy as install the software, follow the steps, plug it in and you're good to go. The semi-weighted, pressure sensitive keys are great for me as I'm a very beginner pianist. All-in-all, I've had this board for about two weeks and already started writing a song using all the important features from the pads to the faders to the keys. Just a great tool for the amateur and beginner songwriter
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Composing
- MIDI
- Sibelius
Comments about Novation Impulse 49 - USB-MIDI Keyboard:
This is a composing tool mainly so I use it in a simple fashion. I bought the Impulse 49 for its keyboard action and it is worth every cent. Installation took a couple minutes downloading the drivers. Worked with Sibelius 7 instantly. Great service from B & H as always. Don't forget to get a case and a cover and a stand.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Poor Instructions
Best Uses
Comments about Novation Impulse 49 - USB-MIDI Keyboard:
I use my Novation Impulse for making basic beats in Ableton Live and Garageband. I don't have a great frame of reference, but can say that this keyboard has done everything I've expected of it and more. I'm particularly pleased with the drum pads that come with Roll and Arp settings which have allowed me to make some pretty unique rhythmic patterns I otherwise would be lost making. Finally, this keyboard is very handsome. Backlit buttons and drum pads along with a sleek design allow my modest little operation to look nearly legit. Surely not a reason to buy a keyboard, but a bonus nonetheless.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about Novation Impulse 49 - USB-MIDI Keyboard:
Keyboard action is synth style and better than most other controllers but still not the best. The keyboard is laid out nicely but the overall bulk of the board is way too big for a 49 key controller. Also, the styling of the board is not exactly pro looking. The faders and knobs feel somewhat cheap but the pads are large, comfortable and relatively sensitive. The pitch/mod wheels are large, rubberized and feel solid. I would recommend this board for beginners and semi-pros but would probably look to the SL line for higher quality.
Pros
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Multimedia
- Recording
- SW Instrument Mgt
Comments about Novation Impulse 49 - USB-MIDI Keyboard:
I use this product hooked up to an iMac with Logic Pro 9 and Reason 6. Mapping is pretty good. I have have had one issue with the mixing mapping disappearing in Logic Pro, but I feel that is more user error than compatibility.
The keyboard feels good (but that is coming from a non keyboard player). The pads work relatively well, and are not oversensitive.
Overall, a great piece of kit for the price, and free shipping only took 2 days! Thanks for great service BH!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Displaying reviews 1-6
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