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stompboxjon « Takes some time to get everything synced up as far as mapping goes »
Published on 03/14/13 at 21:59The Novation 61 SL Mk II is a USB MIDI controller that has 61 semi weighted keys and a handful of knobs and buttons. It comes with a DAW the Automap software. You can use this controller with almost any DAW and Automap it to work with just about any 3rd party plug in or VST. This controller is very easy to use if you take the time to learn how to work with the auto mapping. Or you could just “MIDI learn” some of the options in whatever program you are using with it and save the settings so that every time you open up a new session the task will be saved to the MK II to work those same functions.
UTILIZATION
Setting up this keyboard is not hard at all; it only takes a few minutes after you load up the drivers. You will then be able to use it right way as a MIDI controller to work the keys in your software and VST plug ins. The pitch and mod wheel on this keyboard is very good and smooth. It moves around like it belongs on a higher end workstation synth keyboard. They keys feel almost the same way, they feel like they belong on a more expensive keyboard (even though this controller cost over 600 dollars).
OVERALL OPINION
This controller is on the high end of prices when it comes to controllers. I normally would not say it is worth spending that much money on a controller when you could spend a little more money and probably get a board that has some very good sounds built into it and you can use it as a controller as well. But this board truly is built to last a long time and it is made with the best materials.
This controller will take some time to get your mapping down right and even your “MIDI learn” options depending on what software you are using. I do recommend getting it if you are looking for something with a lot of knobs because it has 16 of them and even 32 buttons. If you are not concerned with having those functions controlling your software then pass on the MK II.
UTILIZATION
Setting up this keyboard is not hard at all; it only takes a few minutes after you load up the drivers. You will then be able to use it right way as a MIDI controller to work the keys in your software and VST plug ins. The pitch and mod wheel on this keyboard is very good and smooth. It moves around like it belongs on a higher end workstation synth keyboard. They keys feel almost the same way, they feel like they belong on a more expensive keyboard (even though this controller cost over 600 dollars).
OVERALL OPINION
This controller is on the high end of prices when it comes to controllers. I normally would not say it is worth spending that much money on a controller when you could spend a little more money and probably get a board that has some very good sounds built into it and you can use it as a controller as well. But this board truly is built to last a long time and it is made with the best materials.
This controller will take some time to get your mapping down right and even your “MIDI learn” options depending on what software you are using. I do recommend getting it if you are looking for something with a lot of knobs because it has 16 of them and even 32 buttons. If you are not concerned with having those functions controlling your software then pass on the MK II.