Novation Remote 49 SL MkII

I used this MIDI controller back in 09, it is a 49 key MIDI controller with semi weighted keys. There are over 50 total fully programmable buttons and knobs that you can use to control your functions in your DAW. You can use this with any computer that has a USB 2.0 port or you can just use it via MIDI connections. With the Novation 49 SL MK II you have the options to use it via USB to power it or you can power it from a wall plug (the wall plug did not come with mine).

UTILIZATION

Setting up this MIDI controller and the software that comes with it is very simple. It will all depend on which computer and OS you have to make sure you get the right driver installed but after that you can use it right away. Now loading up the software that comes with it might take a little more time because it does come with a bundle of software that you can record and edit with.

OVERALL OPINION

The 49 SL MK II comes with MIDI ins and outs (through, in and 2 outs) and it has a dedicated transport control. First look at this controller you would not think that it is portable, but it really is. It is light and easy to take around with you and if you use it via USB then you won’t need any other cables. The thing that I did not like about this controller is the price. I feel it should have been a little more affordable, I would respect this price if it came with better software or some really good VST instruments to use. But the software that it comes with is average at best and the price is over 500 dollars. There are other controllers that are just as good and cost much less.

I was owner of a Akai MPK 49 that I sold in the initial optical acquire a keyboard 61 keys. After various research and trials in store, according to my style of music my abilities at the keyboard, add to this space ... I'm back on this idea to finally start on 49 keys. In short, I wanted a good hit (not piano, I was doing nothing, and besides it would probably inconstructif for various synths used. Therefore short for use primarily with Logic Studio and Live (and control some hard synths (Venom and e-mu M-audio))
Following a test store the Roland-500 pro, my first choice was to go on this model, I really hung touched and hit stick modulation which I find more effective than conventional pitch and modulation wheels. After several searches on the net, I noticed several problems OSX users which had the effect of setting aside the controller. Then I read the full review (including the English MK2 Novation SL) and seen these users so please, so I ordered this model.

UTILIZATION

I compared with those I had not really the ones I only used 5 minutes
My first was a M-Audio Axiom 25 (first generation) that I enjoyed at the time. Only 25 keys, was insufficient. The hit was average but convenais for mao in any case applied to electronic music.
After one or two years of joyful service, I turned to the Akai MPK 49, having followed the advice here is elsewhere. I had great difficulty to make me hit the MPK 49 at the beginning, much harder than the M-Audio. Type MPC pads that had also considered the balance was then facing the Korg Kontrol 49 have proved unusable until I opted for their replacement by Pads at MPC Stuff (not the name). Therefore difficult at first glance, I notice placed'm done. And I thought ok until recent days I received the SL 49 Mk2, then clearly we are not in the same category touchdown, the keys are already very good quality pearl, bright, good size perfectly identical across the keyboard (I mention, it's not like that on the other). Now in game condition, you know, difficult as it is a good feeling but I try, we feel the sound beneath his fingers, the semi fleet is perfectly balanced, the velocity answer like a charm and aftertouch is for really blow more, it responds as it should, in all it's what I expect from a aftertouch (because fine to put it, it is still necessary to be usable).
Then the manual I read diagonally on the site novation (very quickly) to configure the keyboard I watched the video tutorials for novation. Nothing really, Live with all controllers perfectly match with references to the name and value on the screen, they are also very accurate, I'm thrilled it's great. May seem a bit complicated at first, for the control of DAW and plugs, but it did nothing, in fact it is extremely simple. And maybe this is why it may seem complicated (I quickly explained to me, when we usually learn the classic twelve o'clock noon and conventional settings, and well in spite of ourselves, we tend to want to reproduce this reasoning, and this is the error when it found the keyboard and automap fact almost everything for you )

OVERALL OPINION

For a little over a week, I try a lot of models have also read quite a review ... And even though this keyboard does not come out, I think he has not now conceived seriously. Nothing to say, touched excellent, perfect integration is a joystick in my xy Pads effective even if it is true, we must still support it (this is not an Iphone lol).
What I like most: almost everything in my eyes right now it is a faultless. It suits me perfectly, a big + + quality keyboard / touch.
Moreover, contrary to what I've read, I am absolutely not fragile (I understand it).
I would do this choice is still clear. The midi keyboard is really excellent

The control number, their diversity, the automap.

UTILIZATION

I am not a great keyboard player, for my use (composing, producing electro) the keyboard fully satisfies me, much nicer than my old PCR-30.
The configuration is not the easiest, but once inside the nose no worries.
The automap is really a big plus, very handy when fully mapped all its plug (because the map is automatically rarely more instinctive, it must be even map its logical plug in a more productive and instinctive)

OVERALL OPINION

Very good keyboard controller, a lot of control on hand. A bit tedious at first, because we need to map all its plug our convenience, but once done, but happiness. The knobs are very good although a poile too glued to one another. I actually think the whole layout of the controls a bit cramped, but not more annoying than that, we should not have too big hand ^ ^ Overall very happy with this controller, the only really big negative, the Pad . They are not very usable, their sensitivity, although adjustment is too low, blur.

The number of encoders, faders, pads etc. ...

UTILIZATION

The keyboard is equal to the level to reach what can be expected. A touch synth.
The config is for me by quite complex. There is the automap makes only enough work but what he proposes is not always satisfying to my taste. This keyboard is hyper parameterizable, I took it for that. Except that this is my first master keyboard (before I was operating only with hardware synths (including LP2)) and that I should spend a good week to be well above parameterize the set. In addition I must pass a Live Cubase at the same time ....

OVERALL OPINION

I own it for a month but have not had much time to look myself. I hesitated with the AKAI MPK because of the arpeggiator. value for money seems correct because I bought it used or it's a bit expensive - maybe because I did not ultimately benefit from such a plant.
I think that I would rate better think about my faith needs the next and would not let me be seduced by the number of lights flashing