The Novation 25 SL MkII 25-Key Remote MIDI Controller integrates a semi-weighted keyboard with a 144-character display, back-lit LED buttons and encoders. These 56 knobs, faders and buttons can be quickly mapped with the Automap 3 PRO software.
| Keyboard Zones | 25 Semi-weighted Keys |
| 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 Xpression Stick Touch sensitive Speed Dial |
| Connectors |
Data Port: 1 x USB (Win XP/Vista and Mac OSX - Not Class Compliant MIDI: MIDI 1: IN, OUT and Thru, MIDI 2: OUT Sustain Pedal: 1 x 1/4" Jack Input Expression pedal: 1 x 1/4" Jack Input Power switch: Ext DC/USB |
| Minimum System Requirements |
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 (WxHxD) | 18.43 x 2.68 x 11.54" (468 x 68 x 293mm) |
| Weight | 7.28 lbs (3.3kg) |
Reviewed by 3 customers
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Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Novation 25 SL MkII 25-Key Remote MIDI Controller:
I use the controller in a home studio and it travels with me on gigs. Software: Protools, Peak LE, Max/MSP, notation software. Computer: Macbook pro (i7) OS 10.6
Powers off USB, or separate adapter.
8 touch sensitive knobs with LED rings--full 360
8 touch sensitive pots 300 degree of movement
8 touch sensitive sliders
32 buttons
Joy stick (doubles as MOD and Pitch Bend)
X/Y pad
8 touch sensitive percussion pads.
all assignable.
SL MK II can be used to control software, outboard gear, and be used as MIDI interface (two midi ports) + in/out/thru
The physical layout of the device is logical, and flexible. It is designed to work as a keyboard controller and HUI, users who "live" in this world will likely find the control layout to be intuitive, and similar to others on the market. Touch sensitivity is great, and indicator lights give feedback as to which controllers are mapped, and active. Semi weighted keyboard feels good and gives some "physical" feedback. Overall the unit is sturdy and road worthy, pots, sliders, and buttons all feel solid, and each has a slightly different feel which is useful when operating without visual confirmation. Dimensions are larger than 15" laptop. Novation makes a gig bag for this unit that will fit a laptop. I do not own it.
Automap 4.0 software assists in assigning controls to software functions, and gives feedback. Some users have reported problems with automap. I exeperienced some issues when I first installed version 3, but version 4.0 (automap server) works great. It works seamlessly (boots whenever an app. that can be controlled via MIDI is opened). Still exploring features here, but this software is a great asset for locating software mapped controllers (Supported DAW MAC: Live, pro-tools, Cubase, Logic, Reason; Windows same as Mac except Sonar instead of Logic). When Automap is active and parameters have been assigned, feedback pops up when a control value has changed. Automap Mapping Editor window displays all currently mapped controllers. Automap also allows mapping of QWERTY keyboard. For DAWs not listed, SL MK II can be used as HUI if supported by the software.
Plug-in control can also be configured by the user, and multiple groups of HUI, fx, instruments, etc. can be open at the same time each being accessible from a drop down menu.
I was considering the APC 40, or something like the Livid Block MIDI controller, because I wanted a device with a large number of assignable controls for my Max/MSP patches; but since I use a variety of software, I went with the Novation because it was designed to work with a variety of software (compare to APC 40--which is best suited for Live), and had a piano keyboard, which always comes in handy.
The SL MK II 25 is pricey when compared to other similar controls (M-audio Axiom for instance) but it has many more assignable controllers, and the Automapping possibilities of the device are very deep and well considered.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novation 25 SL MkII 25-Key Remote MIDI Controller:
This midi controller is super powerful and relatively easy to use. You can program every knob and dial to control any action in your DAW. Essentially you are only limited to your imagination. I would defiantly recommend!!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novation 25 SL MkII 25-Key Remote MIDI Controller:
I use this to control Ableton Live and FL Studio. It also flawlessly controls all of my VST's. It is a super powerful production and performance tool.
Displaying reviews 1-3