Review Novation SL MKII

Novation

SL MkII If you think hassle-free, hands-on plug-in control is just a pipe dream, this might be the answer. Hollin Jones takes two.

KEY FEATURES ■ Semi-weighted

keys by Fatar ■ Illuminated

touch-sensitive controls ■ 144-character

LCD screen ■ Automap 3 Pro

software ■ Drum pads,

faders and transport controls ■ Templates for

leading DAWs ■ Speed-dial

encoder ■ X/Y controller

and pads ■ Xcite bundle

of loops and software

MEASURING UP

There are many MIDI controllers around, but few with the kind of functionality that Automap offers. M-Audio’s Axiom Pro 49 (around £320) is not entirely dissimilar, having templates that map to leading DAWs and instruments. Yamaha’s KX25 (£102) comes with various VSTi and Cubase control features built-in, but is dedicated to controlling Cubase. It does, however, ship with Cubase AI.

SL MKII Manufacturer Novation Price 25SL MkII £330. 49SL MkII £400. 61SL MkII £500. ZeRO SL MkII £330 Contact Focusrite 01494 462246 Web www.novationmusic.com Minimum system requirements PC 1GHz processor, Windows XP, 256MB RAM Mac G4 1GHz, Mac OSX 10.4, 256MB RAM

With so many studios and music setups now based around software and plug-ins, there has been a drive

in recent years to give users more hands-on control over their productions and to free them from the computer mouse and keyboard. By and large there have been great strides in achieving this, but one hurdle has always remained – how to provide quick mapping to third-party plug-ins.

Novation is increasingly as well known for its controllers as its synths, and the latest is the SL MkII, an update to the critically acclaimed MkI. In 25-, 49- and 61-key versions, it’s a lightweight yet robust keyboard and control surface, powered via USB or from a PSU. The rear panel is simple, accommodating a USB port, a number of MIDI ports and two pedal inputs.

In addition to the semi-weighted keyboard, the front panel is dominated by a plethora of controllers. Novation’s approach has been to try to give DAW

and plug-in control to every user, regardless of their platform or setup – and, crucially, without requiring MIDI mapping on the part of the user. This is achieved by pairing the hardware with the Automap software, which acts as a means of communication between the unit and your software.

On the map Now at version 3, Automap has been refi ned, gaining new features such as a helpful startup screen that enables you to manage its operation. On fi rst run it will scan the plug-ins in your system and ask you to choose the ones that you want to control with Automap. It then creates a duplicate version of the plug-in with a slightly different name, which appears in your DAW. This modifi ed plug-in is ‘wrapped’ in Automap; when you open the plug-in, its controls are mapped to the knobs and pots on the keyboard, displaying parameters on the LCD display. We tested the system and it worked remarkably well despite our plug-ins being many and varied.

The Automap window appears when you load your DAW and displays the controls of the SL MkII and how they are being mapped to the software. Needless to say, you can reassign these controls as well as make other edits, such as setting step values or names.

Seeing is believing The rotary encoders on the hardware have LED displays that load automatically so that you can see their

values without having to move them. Many controls are also touch-sensitive, so again, you don’t have to change a value to make it active, just lightly touch the control. We found this a little oversensitive; it is easy to select a control by accidentally brushing it, although the touch feature can be disabled globally.

As well as transport controls and templates for controlling the mixers of all leading DAWs, there are eight soft pads that are easily mapped to drum pads or sample triggers, plus MIDI Learn buttons. One particularly good feature is the speed-dial button – mouse over any software control and use this knob to take control of it. And for advanced users, Automap can be disabled and templates loaded for devices not controllable by Automap, such as Stylus RMX and a few others. This works well, although the LED screen is a little small given that it’s your only source of feedback.

Take control The SL MkII is a great keyboard and controller, but what makes it stand out from the crowd is the innovative Automap software, greatly simplifying the process of controlling any plug-ins and your DAW. The editor software has tons of features but is relatively easy to get to grips with, plus visual and tactile feedback from the hardware is good.

Anyone who has fi ddled with MIDI maps will appreciate how quick and easy this makes the control process, and while it’s still possible to get into the gritty details of mapping, it’s likely that you won’t need to. MTM

SUMMARY WHY BUY ■ Innovative solution to controlling third

party plug-ins ■ Very smooth to set up and use ■ Hardware is robust and well designed ■ Good visual feedback from LEDs and

backlit buttons ■ Can also work as generic MIDI controller ■ Controlling and editing mappings via

Automap is easy

WALK ON BY ■ Touch-sensitive controls sometimes a

little too sensitive ■ LCD screen would benefit from being a

little taller

VERDICT An excellent proposition for those wanting hassle-free, hands-on DAW and plug-in control without having to endlessly fiddle with MIDI settings. ★★★★★★★★★★

68 July 2009 MusicTech MAGAZINE

www.musictechmag.co.uk