SeriesNovation Remote

The Novation Remote Zero SL MKII has 8 pads that can be used to trigger, 8 faders and a total of 32 buttons. If you want to use this controller with a PC you will need to have 256 MB RAM, make sure you check your specs because I had some issues setting this up with a few different studio computers running Vista. All of the 8 sliders have touch sensitivity and the 32 buttons all light up LED. You can use the USB to power the SL MKII or it does come with a power supply to plug it directly into the wall. There are no audio inputs or outputs on this device but there are MIDI in and outs. The reason I purchased this back in 2010 was to find ways to speed up my work flow without having to go back and forth to that dreaded mouse! Setting this up is very fast. It takes literally no time at all to get it running. You can control your whole DAW with the MKII from Novation n no time. I prefer using the SL MKII in Reason because I feel like it has better auto mapping with Reason. The Novation Remote Zero does have 8 drum or trigger pads on it but they are not well made and are not anything like some of the trigger or drum pads on some of AKAI’s interfaces and control surfaces. I never really used them as drum pads because I felt like they messed up my whole vibe by not having a good feel while playing. You can purchase the Novation Remote Zero SL MKII for 299.00. That price is kind of out of the range that it should be, I don’t think it should be any more than about 225.00. There are other units that are similar and have similar specs to the MKII but are a little cheaper. Check out some of M-Audio’s control surfaces if you want the same kind of controller but a cheaper price.

The 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.

I will take the Novation Remote 25 SL MKII any day over the Impulse that Novation makes because it has a nice build to it. It seems like it was made to be more portable and the knobs are stronger than they are on the Impulse. There are also way more functions that you can assign on the SL MKII model from Novation. This controller is powered by your computer via USB and it comes with Automap 3 PRO but I have never used it. If you want to have full control over your DAW from your fingertips this board can do it for you quickly and with it being so portable you will have a full production studio at your fingertips no matter where you go. UTILIZATION There are a total of 37 buttons that you can use to sync with your DAW via MIDI and they all have LED lights. The LED lights not only look cool but they are great for working in a dim lit space. They keys on this controller are semi weighted but they don’t feel like they are. I do wish they had a little more weight to them though. OVERALL OPINION The MKII does have a dedicated transport control with MIDI in, MIDI out, MIDI thru and USB connections. You can run it on a Mac or a PC as long has you have a newer system like Vista or higher for PC. If you want the MKII to be powered by a wall adapter you will have to purchase one separately. They are pretty expensive though so it is best just to let your computer provide the power. This unit is well built, but it is still light enough to be portable. This controller also comes in the 61 key and 49 key models and they are exactly like this model is. The MKII is better than the Impulse, it does cost more but it is worth it.