Best MIDI Keyboard Controller - Novation SL MK 3 Review

[@zareeninamdar1724]

You f*cking underrated man...... I wanted to buy this and no review was as full as yours. Dang you need at leat 100k and I know you're gonna grow and you deserve it! Keep it up dude

[@LiveKeyboardist]

Thanks so much for the encouragement. I really appreciate it. Happy you found this helpful. This keyboard controller really blew my mind.

[@cloudychorus2]

Damn I was NEARLY gonna buy a NI s series this saved me haha thanks man, this is super incredible

[@TheOriginalCoda]

I was with you all the way, listening to every word you said. Then I saw the rainbow lights. Why didn't you start with that? Would have saved me 8 minutes 😂 Gonna buy it just for those 🤣

[@jackiedragonfly2461]

So funny! 🤣I noticed that too, and thought "how will that look to the neighbours in my upstairs window at night" 🤣🤣It sure is cool, but I basically just want quality keys, sensitive enough for brass, strings and guitar VST's, and the possibility for an expression pedal. Did you get the SL MK3? Is it good?

[@TheOriginalCoda]

@@jackiedragonfly2461 Yeah I did get it, and it's a workhorse for sure. I'd probably have been better off with one of its competitors for my kind of workflow, but because its so customizable I think it will suit anyone who's willing to persevere with it and tune it to their needs.

[@jjptech]

The SL MKII was an absolute beast, I even think that better than the MKiii. The buttons and knobs had touch sensitivity so they shown the parameter without you needing to move it.

[@realmchat6665]

I got this keyboard recently, use it to control a dawless hardware synth jam rig, love it - the sequencer on this rocks.

[@tomfoolery4077]

i just picked one up for the same reason, any tips or tricks you have come upon?

[@omenarya4221]

I Use slmk3 61 to control my jupiter xm, peak, circuit, mininova and tr8, its really easy and quick to create tracks using the sequencer. The latest update has made it even more better.

[@uhoh007]

Good overview. Some new features, like sequencer, are awesome. Unfortunately, if you want to control vintage Roland hardware, the critical Sysex support is not there as it was in the Mk1 and Mk2. In some respects the MK1 remains the best (more display), and very strong with the sysex you need for real time indepth support of the vintage Roland hardware many love. Would have been nice to get the famed fatar TP/8S action instead of TP/9 which I asume is in this one as it was in Mk1 and 2. Thanks :)

[@LiveKeyboardist]

Very insightful comments! Thanks for sharing!

[@happyonthetrails]

shoot does this mean it won't work with my jv rack, old korg x3r, yamaha fb01 alesis dm5? is there a way to backdate firmware or a patch since this post a year ago? if not its going on the market dangit

[@miekwavesoundlab]

YES I need this feature ASAP! I must program 16 pads to transmit: F0 43 7E 00 XX 7F F7 to Midi Out 2 XX is 00 ... 0F

[@jdssurf]

is this still the case, you can't use it with old synths or what? What's a workaround

[@uhoh007]

@@jdssurf Study Roland and Yamaha Sysex MIDI. Vet controllers. Unsexy Roland A800 and siblings can send very complex sysEX, but not CV like this one does. You can find MIDI to CV converters like expert sleepers FH2, and MIDI to MIDI devices like Midihub, which could probably reach a JV1010 deep.

[@f18studios46]

Awesome review Thanks!

[@freefinancialadvice]

Great overview man thanks

[@LiveKeyboardist]

Happy to help!

[@pierrefitch]

Just got the Akia MPC 61 Key next level machine

[@JonFairhurst]

“The keys have beautiful resistance…” Argh! What does that mean? Is the spring heavy or light? How does it feel at the top of the black keys? (If the fulcrum is too close and the spring is heavy, it can be much harder to press than the rest of the keyboard.) I prefer a light touch, but it’s hard to find reviews that cover this and I don’t have the opportunity to try things out where I live.

[@LiveKeyboardist]

Hey John! Spring is heavy but feels smooth like it’s gliding when you press it. Top of the black keys feels similar to center of black keys, slightly more difficult to press but not so much that it’s a negative playing experience. The touch isn’t heavy, but it’s slightly heavier than light. Hopefully this is helpful. Also, if you can order via Amazon they are fantastic about returns.

[@JonFairhurst]

@@LiveKeyboardist - Thanks! This is really helpful. I’m leaning towards an Arturia KeyLab MkII as a “first order”, which I’m reading has a light touch and also seems to have high quality. Keybed reviews won’t tell me which keys I’ll love (I’ll need to try them), but they help me eliminate ones that aren’t likely candidates. I’ll be controlling Gig Performer with it, so the built-in programming is secondary. Gig Performer really matches the way I think! That’s why I’m focusing on feel and quality of controls. Thanks again!

[@LiveKeyboardist]

Glad this helped! Arturia makes great key keyboards. Haven’t tried that specific model, but I’ve heard people say they love it! Yes. GP is a great program. Let me know what the final choice is

[@JonFairhurst]

@@LiveKeyboardist- I checked out the Essential at Guitar Center. Yep, it’s on the light side, though not as light as a Juno-60. It’s a bit clackity, but about average at the price point, especially on glisses. The NI was the silkiest, but a bit heavy for my preference. I’ll order the KeyLab MkII 61 in white. Hopefully, it’s as light as the Essential, but a bit silkier. I’ll let you know how I like it!

[@LiveKeyboardist]

@@JonFairhurst thanks for the update! Glad you were able to play them. Yes! Let me know what you think when the Keylab comes in. Excited for you!

[@treyhudson73]

I finally found a rare refurb deal on one of these! Your video is a great overview, but I can't seem to find any good updated info on setting up a workflow with Ableton that utilizes the seq/arp. Nor any decent videos on using Components/Templates. It's possible I'm overthinking it! Also, I think you can now chain patterns in any order with each pattern playing any number of times.

[@ayyleeway]

These are semi-weighted keys, not "not weighted". But still great review, thanks! I'll probably cop the 49 version. :)

[@arminfatol]

Nice!

[@rspmusic796]

This question may sound stupid. How are you managing to record loops without metronome on SL MK3. I mean as far as i understood you need to keep looking at the LEDs on the steps and play when the first LED blinks. How is it that this Controller doesn't have a metronome? Or am i missing something? Can you please answer ?

[@WycliffStudios]

Arturia Keylab and Arturia Keylab essentials comes with nice software

[@shasw268]

I have two options: Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 USB MIDI keyboard or Roland FP-10 Digitales Piano. I am learning music production with FL Studio. Which one should I pick?

[@anonymous_friend]

Great explanation! Thank you. I'm trying to figure out how to record midi for each hardware instrument in my song, into cubase. Right now its recording one midi track, but I'm sequencing a drum machine and a synth. How do you separate the midi instrument tracks over usb? Thanks

[@timetravelvictim]

Hi just curious if you figured this out. I just got this for Christmas.

[@happyonthetrails]

I bought one of these to run a whole bunch of 90's rack mount synths i was controlling with an equally old synth and sequencer. this appealed to me big time with all the modern updates and complete studio control plus daw connection (cubase elements on macbook). but i have not been able to figure out how to set it up with all that gear which is currently going through a motu microexpress usb. also, i'd like to be able to have it not only control all those but can i also go direct to my mac book usb or do i need to use my steinberg ur22? that thing is so fussy and constantly loses its connection and i was wondering if the novation or the microexpress usb ports could be used to connect to cubase. and ideally, as this was advertised, have a complete solution all integrated! so many reviews here are just that, i just want to know how to set this up right. also some of my racks are not in the template names of vintage synths - many of them are newer. please help! this looks like the end all be all but i have not been able to figure out much.

[@ambidex]

Helpful video. Any idea how I can confirm whether the SL Mkiii can handle/manage Sysex messages larger than 15 bytes? I'm trying to gain access to some of the Roland JD-XI parameters without menu-diving and also have a sequencer. I really wish there was some kind of hybrid between this and the Akai MPK249. I think I'd much prefer that semi-weighted keybed rather than this "synth action" keybed.

[@LeoVKMusic]

Has anyone used this for live performance? Wondering whether those lights are distracting in dim lighting conditions (although guessing/hoping the brightness can be controlled??).

[@michaelstreck0925]

How is it with Gig Performer?

[@castrosacasa]

I don't know if to choose Arturia Keylab MK2 or the SL Mk3 ? I'm leaning to the Arturias side because of the included software!

[@dinogoldie9716]

I'm on the hunt for a hardware keyboard sequencer/controller. How unquantised/"off grid" can the Novation SL3 go? I like the SL because it has more automation capabilities than the Keystep Pro but then the KSP can do genuinely unquantised recording. So what's the best hardware sequencer/controller out there for 1 drum machine and 3 synths?

[@fryorker1306]

Great video mate! so that or push 2?

[@LiveKeyboardist]

Yes! Push 2 if you’re not a keys player. The novation definitely handles external hardware better (or at all) as well.

[@TheDukeofLizards]

@@LiveKeyboardist Agreed, great video. Short and to the point, thanks! I actually had the same question. Been producing for a year now (mostly EDM/Chill/House) and just started playing with hardware via the Launchkey Mini MK3 and really loved it. Just got the Push 2 a few days ago but thinking maybe I should return and pick up this SL MK3 49 or 61. Thoughts? And what about the Launchkey MK3 49 compared to this?

[@jdssurf]

HOW, did he drop dif instruments into each track on the sequencer part...........do you have to have ableton session mode on, and an instrument assigned to each track already?

[@Blender_and_Chirp]

Why doesn’t this thing have a user manual?

[@miekwavesoundlab]

How to program sysex onto pads on your SL MK3? I must program 16 pads to transmit: F0 43 7E 00 XX 7F F7 to Midi Out 2 port. XX is 00 ... 0F

[@paullebon323]

So it's specifically for Ableton? Well, Arturia it is then.

[@cerberus6gaming_127]

It can control any DAW but is optimized for Ableton

[@jdssurf]

maybe get this before a Push for ableton, since I do play keys?

[@cl-zachwilliamsstudios3358]

Charlie Scott (Novation ) 1 Sep 2021, 09:34 BST Hi Mario, Unfortunately it's not possible to have the lights off while using your Launchkey. Could wearing sunglasses be a possible solution? This would significantly dim the brightness. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with. Best Regards, Charlie Scott // Novation Technical Support Enginee

[@dimboris8568]

is there a way to make this work with komplete kontrol software? mapping the light and the 8 knobs like the mk does?

[@djba]

Hi again Brett … because I recently purchased Komplete 13 I am wondering if I should buy this Novation 61SL controller or stretch my budget and get the Native Instruments Komplete S61? I am using Mainstage and Gig Performer so I like all the controls of the Novation. My question is if you are using Komplete Kontrol as a vst in Gig Performer, what do you see on the little screens of the Novation?

[@brettpontecorvo5630]

Hey Bill! Thanks for leaving a comment. I am not 100% sure what the Novation has access to when it is used as a controller with Gig Performer. I know that Thaddaus from the GP forum uses the Komplete 61, and devised some way to make it work. Perhaps it is worth reaching out to him. I really liked the feel of this controller, so if I were to buy an unweighted controller, it would probably be this one. It just feels really sturdy.

[@kdl0]

Is there anything as good with Ableton that has a better, somewhat weighted keybed? Do you find that you really don't need such a thing? I'm having a hard time moving from a TP/40GH to anything else, but I'm not growing and have a strong desire to get branch out.

[@djba]

Hi Brett … if you were starting a search for the best 61 key midi controller for performance (especially MainStage and Gig Performer) would it be this keyboard? Thanks.

[@papakilatube]

It is better for sequencing my SH-101 than the internal sequencer in the synth. That's about it. The sequencer on my Maschine MK3 is much more powerful and fun to use. The Novation is better for someone who doesn't actually play keyboards. If playing and recording live performance is your thing, this is not it. It is endlessly frustrating trying to work around its limitations, especially building extended compositions. AUM is much better for creating evolving synth patterns too. It has many controls Novation lacks, like endless pattern chaining. It is ridiculous to try to create an actual song with 8 16 note patterns. To create songs you need to be connected to a DAW and that defeats the whole purpose of the standalone.

[@matthewlevin3671]

Have you tried this controller out with any other DAWs? I’m a Logic user, and I’ve been in the market for a new midi controller lately.

[@LiveKeyboardist]

Hey Mathew! Unfortunately I haven't tried this out with Logic. I can't speak to how it works with the native scripting, but because it has so many customizable sets of presets, I am sure you can create what you want if it doesn't work natively. Here is a short article about its integration with Logic support.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360001222260-Getting-Started-with-SL-MkIII-DAW-Setup-Logic

[@BojanBojovic]

Can it be used as a simple midi controller so the buttons control PC and CC messages, without any of those fancy stuff?

[@nkosimuhangi2627]

I'm totally new at this and lost! I bought a Novation launchkey MK3 61 and I'm using Ableton 10 Lite. I downloaded the Standalone features into it thinking that I was supposed too! Now I can't get back to the original settings that came with the controller, when I turn the launchkey MK3 61 on it automatically comes on in the Custom Modes as in the user manual 3.0 Standalone Features. I want to use it the way it in user manual 2.1 Session Mode! How do I change it?

[@TahsinR71]

Hello , Thanks for the great video, If someone wants to learn to play keyboard and music production, do you think this is a good choice? Will the lights in keybed help in learning with some software?

[@LiveKeyboardist]

Hey Tashin. I think this is great for learning production. As for using the lights to learn to play, I guess it depends which software you are using to drive it. The lights are nice and bright, so under the right circumstances that could work. If you end up looking for some piano Instruction, I also teach and would be happy to help. I’ve heard some good things about Lumi maybe also worth looking into.

[@TahsinR71]

@@LiveKeyboardist Thanks a lot. almost finalized the decision to get the 61 key version of SLMKIII

[@LiveKeyboardist]

@@TahsinR71 happy to hear it!

[@hermask815]

Keystep pro has one part dedicated to drums. How does this device handle drums? i've found nothing on this topic so far.

[@yochillsmith]

Thank you

[@LiveKeyboardist]

Happy you found this helpful

[@Blender_and_Chirp]

How can something this complicated have no user manual? How is this possible?

[@Worldwave]

that piano was insanely compressed and it was louder than your voice, other than that excellent review! a better way to get the dynamic range down in this case would be a gentle limiter.

[@Phoenixm1200]

does this have midi capture like the launch key mk3 thanks

[@rafaelhernandez5550]

Hi did you know if you can quantize in Ableton from the Keyboard?

[@jimiphillipsmediaphillips6178]

thanks bro. those it work with cubase?

[@LiveKeyboardist]

Yes! Absolutely does.

[@ChristofRoeyaert]

Hi, I've just come across your video as I'm looking to buy either a Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2, or this Novation. I'm a novice wanting to get into home recording, so no live performances. Been trying out different DAW's in trial mode and have decided on either Ableton Live or Logic Pro X, two different beasts, but I'm willing to learn. Would you say that this Novation and Ableton would be too much for someone who's new to MIDI controllers and recording, and should I therefore consider going for the Kontrol S61 and Logic (I've used Garageband so small step to Logic), or would I be alright with Ableton and the SL MK3 ? I'm willing to learn, but not if the learning curve would be too steep. In any case, I love the fact that this board has all the necessary controls built-in, but I'm not sure about the keybed yet. The S61 apparently has the best keybed as far as controllers go, but what about the Novation ?

[@LiveKeyboardist]

Great questions. There are many people who love Logic Pro, for me personally, ableton has always made a lot more sense. I personally found moving from logic to ableton to be a massive relief. That being said, it is a great program worth considering. From my vantage, novation plus ableton is a major win for you at this point. It integrates beautiful. And moving between session and arrangement view in logic was a real game changer for me. I know the new logic has similar abilities, but Ableton takes the cake there. Also, I think the way Ableton handles presets in racks makes more sense - really feels like each sound is an instrument, and it adjusts for it to. As for feel, the novation feels great for a semi weighted synth key feel. The complete control probably feels better. I’ve never played it, but if it’s weighted at all, is going to feel more realistic. I have heard it mostly plays friendly with native instruments sounds and can be a bit fussy outside of that. May want to research it. My recommendation. ableton and novation. Truthfully, either will be a great start. Learning curve exists with Ableton, but people make it sound more steep than it is.

[@ChristofRoeyaert]

@@LiveKeyboardist Thank you for the reply ! I have heard similar remarks about Native Instruments ‘locking you in’ somewhat and that there are some issues with third party plug-ins... The Novation seems like a solid choice, then. I’m actually a piano player, have a Kawai CA58 piano in the living room and a MP11SE in another room, but i’ve become interested in home recording and more synthy stuff. I know Ableton is more geared towards EDM but I’ll be doing all sorts of music genres, and I assume Ableton Live is perfectly suited for that as well. Will no doubt integrate the MP 11SE into the ‘studio mix’ at some point (no pun intended...) since it’s a great MIDI controller in its own right, albeit with a fantastic weighted keybed. Going to take another look at the Novation, get some more information... Thanks again, keep up the good work ! 😉

[@LiveKeyboardist]

@@ChristofRoeyaert certainly suited for more than edm! Sometimes o think is been pigeonholed because of its users. I think your head is in the right place, and I may be biased, but I think keyboard players have a leg up on all this stuff. Check out half waif if you haven’t. She’s a kB player who writes music in ableton. Keep me posted with your progress!

[@ChristofRoeyaert]

@@LiveKeyboardist Will do !

[@ChristofRoeyaert]

Ultimately opted for the Launchkey 49 MK3 instead. I'm still a novice and I think the SL might have been a bit too much for me. I've got a Yamaha MX88 to pair it with so 49 keys should be enough, really. Ableton integration is also top notch from what I understand, so should be fun ;-)

[@lucaselias6520]

Does all the sequencers work well with logic

[@sej71]

What happens if you're running Ableton and Reason at the same time with "InControl"? Will the SL swap between them depending on which DAW has focus? Is there any way to play tracks from both at the same time? Thank you

[@LiveKeyboardist]

This is a great question that I am not sure I know the answer to. My guess is that it would probably not work as seamlessly as you want. Not sure what your reason workflow is, but using reason racks would probably simplify the set up in this case. If I was trying to use both DAWs I would probably keep a dedicated controller for each. Again, hard to say without knowing your specific needs.

[@XSFlanger]

@@LiveKeyboardist It will most likely be locked by whichever DAW starts first.

[@agustinbernal2760]

Hi, how many steps is the sequencer?

[@XSFlanger]

Seems like I will never be able to find 61 key MIDI controller except Komplete Kontrol bundled with tons of unimportant software, that even remotely feels like piano :(

[@WaveRiderMusic]

can you run 4 arpeggios at the same time?

[@fnk101]

I wonder if this has the same amount of control as the Novation MK3 for Ableton

[@liucijairtiek9565]

Are you a troll? This is the Novation Mk3 for Ableton!

[@ZockKnezevic]

@@liucijairtiek9565 😅😂

[@jonathanhunter1219]

can you set up sounds to increase in volume with slides? I have the M-audio pro 61 and I want to be able to use it in worship settings along with the sliders to fade in sounds… can someone let me know.

[@artofwebdesign]

You can program the Cc messages under a knob. There is a cc message for volume. So the answer is yes.

[@jdssurf]

how do u do a soft reset

[@bdawgsohawt]

i thought these are semi weighted?

[@GenAr7]

Fl studio support ?

[@LiveKeyboardist]

Outside my area of expertise, but yes - there is support. Check out this article. Sounds like novation allows it and has support for it. support.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/206864029-How-to-use-the-SL-to-control-Fruity-Loops-

[@algeriathelandofterrorists3329]

Is the komplete kontrol mk2 better ??

[@yotiyepi4192]

is this worth it if you are a cubase user?

[@LiveKeyboardist]

I don't have any experience with Cubase, unfortunately.

[@user-lo2hw7vw9f]

Is this good for arrange a song like push?

[@LiveKeyboardist]

Absolutely it is. I think this is the closest you will get to Push without actually owning the push, and if you are a keyboard player, then this might be even more effective.

[@krisgebruers8471]

Not a gamechanger at all... Mine start failing after 3 years of light use, one of the keys got sticky and it'll cost me 200 euro to repair it. No Novation products for me anymore in the future...

[@MrBinsique]

Hello and thanks. Is this possible to Control Easy all instruments ? With thé inobservable?

[@LiveKeyboardist]

It’s hard to say 100% it will control every instrument. But I can say that using in control mode if you put an instrument into a rack and assign macros, it will easily control those parameters. If it’s a built in software device it’s more likely to be plug and play. But it definitely is as intuitive as it could possibly be.

[@MrBinsique]

@@LiveKeyboardist thank you for this response.

[@LiveKeyboardist]

@@MrBinsique Happy to help!

[@MrBinsique]

@@LiveKeyboardist are macros that i write for the différent instruments saved forever ? Thank you

[@LiveKeyboardist]

You will have to save them in your user library. But if you do that they are permanent.

[@user-hx7ww6oo7s]

Good morning! Do not tell me how to return this device to factory settings. There are no instructions. Thank you in advance.

[@DubElementMusic]

10x better than this overprized and boring komplete kontrol

[@MrSixstringthing]

we want to hear sounds not people talk

[@artofwebdesign]

It has no sounds

[@undisturbednaturalworldd3102]

you are god - but pleace play -only talk whenexplaning how it works thanks from dk.

[@davidbaker231]

Very amateurish, poorly done review.