Exclusive: Novation SL MKIII MIDI Controller - Presentation

We get a look at the brand new Novation 49SL MK3 - a MIDI controller truly packed with features, sequencers, CV control, MIDI control, keyboard splits and more.
Gaz Williams talks to Chris Calcutt.
Frozen Reverbs Racks for Live: bit.ly/freezema...
Subscribe to Sonicstate on KZbin for new content!
bit.ly/SonicYTSub
Watch Sonicstate's Exclusive Series:
Sonic LAB: bit.ly/SonicLab
Meet The Makers: bit.ly/SonicMakers
Sonicstate Performances: bit.ly/SonicPer...
Sonic TALK Podcast: bit.ly/SonicTalk
NAMM 2018: bit.ly/namm18sonic
Website: www.sonicstate.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com...
Facebook: / wwwsonicstate
Instagram: / sonicstateuk
Podcast/iTunes: goo.gl/4uOFA5

[@PCB-]

Wowzerz, props to Chris for knowing and showing this thing inside and out while keeping up with Gaz's questions. As far as the SL itself all the visual feedback should be great for keeping track of what you are controlling during live performance use and thank you for having DIN and CV.

[@iOnlyHereForTheBeer]

preenfm2 spotted! Glad to see this amazing box is getting some love.

[@zamplify]

Exclusive to every synth channel on KZbin.

[@Barefoot_Joe]

Yeah I noticed that in my subscriptions too lol

[@TheJonHolstein]

They should rename the launch-day pre-views to "Premiere:" or something as they tend not to be "Exclusive".

[@DopamineOverload]

@@TheJonHolstein Yeah, I can't count how many times I saw "is this a game-changer?" in my feed. Ok Novation, we get your marketing strategy. That said, it does look hella dope. And standalone hardware sequencer? Whoa. Yes, please.

[@HankAstral]

Interesting to see how music tech is diversifying. There is an 'all-in-one' portable path (OP-Z, Gadget) and an 'accumulation of devices' path (synths, sequencers and controllers - like here). Both have their strengths and limitations.

[@lauriliinat7262]

So... does the MkIII send out the full range of 127 possible velocity values, or does it also have huge gaps in its velocity range like its predecessor the MkII had? Sonicstate - please put this to the test using hard science! (easiest and quickest option would be to use the freely available Velocity Checker Max4Live device)

[@BeniRoseMusic]

Looking forward to see if they'll add some of the advanced sequencing capabilities that the Circuit has gotten through the updates as well. Micro-timing, ratcheting, etc.

[@t0sh400]

How is the keybed? Fatar? Anything premium? Or went all the money in the sequencer i don't need. Every video is talking about the features but not the most important aspect of a keyboard.

[@Christof_Classen]

*My Dream-Controller-Keyboard:* *-16+ Faders* *-16+ BIG Pads* *-32+ Knobs* *-A BIG Touchdisplay* *- Modern Stepsequencer* *-iPad (DAW and Synth Apps) and MIDI-Learn friendly* *I am waitig ;)*

[@bitspacemusic]

Ordered this today. I couldn't choose between NI and Arturia and then suddenly this appears. As an Ableton-head, knowing they were involved feels reassuring. The light guide and sequencer don't hurt either.

[@miekwavesoundlab]

When will Sysex firmware update come out? I really need Sysex on SL MK3. Midi translator and seperate interface is a pain. Basically Motif XF, Korg M3, Virus TI and other synths, I need SYSEX.

[@Greebstreebling]

Thanks for providing this, it's a long video, so an index would be great.

[@jimmywheelo]

Not blown away by this at all. I already have the Launchpad, launch control and mpk 25 and they fit my needs fine.

[@plutostube]

can you use the knobs and faders to adjust the step values of the step sequencer?

[@vegansynths7757]

On paper, it's FINALLY a controller with a built in sequencer. Been waiting for one of these to drop for years! Looking forward to trying one out! Good job, Novation!

[@bittergums32]

the arturia keystep?

[@vegansynths7757]

BitterGums - true but those mini-keys on the keystep are a deal breaker for me. Also, can you actually record in real-time on the keystep, or is it just step by step?

[@breslin44]

This looks great. Really well thought out. Great demo too by Chris.

[@TKE_GothamSound_ATL]

PLEASE do a demo of this board with iOS apps being used within a setup

[@nicholasroos3627]

Thanks for the tip on LABS!

[@jdssurf]

wait so how many tracks can you create on this thing then replay together?

[@VacancyOfDisco]

Beat Arturia to the keystep pro! Looks great!

[@DannoBoston]

It's the Circuit Pro we've been wanting minus the built-in synth/sampler.

[@alanshewitt]

How hard would it have been for Arturia to include keystep functionality into its new KeyLab MkII controllers? A couple more buttons and/or knobs?

[@GONZOFAM7]

Yeah, I would have saved up for the Arturia version. I like their key bed. Maybe they're listening.

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

I don't have any inside information but maybe Arturia has something brewing for NAMM.

[@fincorrigan7139]

Looks great until you want to unplug it from everything and bring it round to your friends for a jam....oh wait it doesn't fit into my backpack/laptop bag/other.

[@Proxima04]

Looks good for those with a set up as you have demonstrated, with an ability to search Ableton’s library and call up patches I would be ‘on it like a bonnet ‘ but for me half the features would probably remain unused.

[@dcashley303]

Looks so good! I presume you could have multiple templates that address the same synth? So you could jump to another template to change more than just 8 parameters. Would be great for synths that have a lot of menu diving, you could just have a bunch of templates loaded up that you could switch between to get to all the hidden controls. Really good stuff. Can't wait for the review and for it to be put through its paces.

[@ProckGnosis]

Ah...thanks. Was reading about this earlier today, and pleasantly surprised to see this suggested a few hours later.

[@vixstar46]

A very nice piece of kit! But I already have the Deluge...

[@Djstevemuller]

All good and well but nobody speaks about how to connect the 49SL MK3 with hardware through a midi true box and how to set up everything in components

[@beatz04]

So i was totally prepared to rant about planned obsolesence and all, but i gotta admit this thing does look like a beast and some serious thought seems to have been put in its development.

[@ohstirfry]

Midi channel split for the keyboard so I can use one controller for two hardware synths, that’s what I want to know?

[@deroden724]

Yes. It's called Zones.

[@ohstirfry]

deroden never seen zones work with external devices. Only with Kontakt libraries have I seen this function work until this.

[@deroden724]

@@ohstirfry He literally demonstrates zones with hardware synths in this video.

[@ohstirfry]

deroden like I said I never seen zones work with hardware until this.

[@fullracecam1]

Did you even watch it?

[@gossamyr]

as a hardware 'mostly' cat, this product is a godsend, ty novation, on board and waiting patiently. :)

[@ReinhardtBuhr]

Hi there, can one delete clips in Ableton via the sl mk3? Like the Push? Thank you.

[@vedabou]

So is it possible to define zones to certain parts and transpose the individual sequences of the respective parts?

[@davemackinder6518]

As a begginer I am really struggling setting my sl49 mkiii up

[@stephanmobius1380]

No session chaining, then. Still awesome all around but you will have to _perform_ your song, just like with the groovebox circuit. But given the absolute love and support and development Novation puts into their products for years to come, they'll make it happen. (i know you can make ableton send session changes, but it's a workaround).

[@tangbrotang]

Is there a browser to load any sample or instrument in live without using mouse or checking your computer screen ?

[@victorroberts4637]

whao whao whao - now hold up a sec - does adding zones reduce the amount of parts available? If not, does that mean if one was so inclined she could sequence 64 monosynths?

[@Maschinestorm]

I want that X-Y joystick back. Idc for the lights, not a big deal but w/e. Love classic Novation keys, hope the build quality is solid like Arturia's original Keylab. (But with better keys, of course.. because it's Novation and their keybeds are usually quite decent.) Kind of Pros: I can get rid of my Beatstep Pro now. Cons: No joystick, looks like cheap plastic ala NI Kontrol. 61-key should be semi-weighted yes?

[@fredflintstone2527]

When the foil of the SL display has scratches, looks damaged, is there a way to remove it ? Seems it's supposed to stay on there?

[@johnnyraphaell]

Is there microtiming to record the groove into the box or is it all quantized?

[@bitroast]

quantize apparently kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6aoq31-mbxlibc

[@johnnyraphaell]

Novation please update this!!! Always on the grid sounds dead.

[@johnnyraphaell]

Even techno doesnt work like that!

[@Nick-hb3jv]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="893">14:53</a> most helpful part of the vid and <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1140">19:00</a>

[@xisotopex]

resolution is limited to 16? no 32nd's?

[@yaroslavyakimchuk3852]

Can it be fully functional with flstudo like in Ableton? Or some features are only available with Ableton?

[@HOLODECK-MUSIC-PROJECT]

How can I set (change) a midi (patch) program select? Its elemental for a midi sequencer!

[@chaocrator]

cool! hope they'll also make a keyboardless version.

[@xisotopex]

does this have enough sequencer capability to be just a hardware controller? is it the same sequencer as the circuit?

[@victorroberts4637]

Looks great! 1. Does the keybed have aftertouch? I know you said the pads do, but didn't hear anything about the keys. 2. Will it do Hertz/Volt, different gate/trigger types? And it would be amazing to have some sort of pitch scaling calibration (CS15 owner...) 3. Could we assign each zone to have a separate octave up/down control somewhere? 4. Now I may be asking for too much, but some midi formatting before output would be AMAZING - pads on separate midi channel (volca sample), key velocity convert to a CC (Volca FM), key note converted to CC (TR8S). I also love the way they've done the scales. Edit - Oh! and what's the midi event resolution? I hope it is very high, and/or has a no quantise option.

[@georgeray3492]

1. Channel aftertouch- yes. When using zones, can be on or off per each zone. 2- Current manual, only volt per octave and Gate, no V/Hz or S-Trig 3- Each zone can respond to master transpose or have it's own offset. BTW- zones can overlap 4- Nothing in manual re. MIDI mapping,but for the Volca FM you could use an automation lane to control the velocity per step in the sequencer. It is not the standard velocity channel- the FM uses a CC channel for velocity data.

[@victorroberts4637]

Cheers - that's great news! re - the aftertouch and zone offset, hopefully it is relatively easy to adjust, that way it would be like having 2/3 25 key controllers in front of us. Hopefully they can add V/Hz in an update because that shouldn't be too hard. I'm already doing all those midi "tricks" with Max for Live - but it would be great to do away with the computer.

[@kvfive]

My price guess as the video progressed was £379... I was a bit surprised by the 500+ tag at the end :-(

[@Psychlist1972]

Excellent. I had no idea this was coming, but it looks like exactly what I need. I love the feel of my MKII, but my crummy old Akai Max was the only full-size controller I had with a good sequencer, arpeggiator, and CV out. The UI is a bit of a mess on that, though, and not optimized for how I use it. I love that this has two sets of CV/Gate out, and also the clock out. Would be nicer if they were 1/4", but can't have everything :D If this has good Fatar-quality keys like the older one, I'm all over this. I note the site doesn't say Fatar, so I hope it's not the same terrible keybed Novation has used on their other controllers in the past. $699 US for the 61 key version. $599 for 49 keys.

[@shashanktandon3321]

does it have feature to separate pads and keys in different channel? and does is work well and mapped for Fl studio? please tell me

[@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 (+ I

[@jdssurf]

how do u do a soft rest

[@benedictnichols1539]

Is it possible to create a scene/sequence, controlling multiple hardware synths (via a DAW), and then 'print' all those individual instruments, (note, automation etc) to lanes in the DAW at once? II may be asking an opbvious question but Id like to see the ability to do that, crossing between a 'live rig' hub and DAW control, so that I can get hands on having fun controlling multiple synths at once, and then hit record in DAW and everything is put there for ever. (Im never going to use 64 scenes!)

[@TomAmbientMusic]

Is it or will it be in the future possible to get the velocity out of MOD1/2? Can NOT do so on my unit, only CC..

[@madguy228]

SPICY NOTES! this looks incredibly sick

[@christianthompson1473]

Amazing looking controller kb. Who won the belly war? Close call.🤔

[@0e0]

it really needs to do sysex like the Remote series did to be a true center piece of a hardware studio

[@jdssurf]

explain please this sysex. also, are you saying this won't work for a hard synth setup or do you just mean it's not the best

[@filiprangus5826]

Great overview and a brilliant product!

[@Darqion]

Is this keyboard worth it for a beginner? I dont have any Synths so i would only have it linked to Ableton

[@popwa6977]

VERY GOOD NOVATION!!!!

[@unrealone1]

I have a novation MKII ReMote SL and MK1 Remote, what would be the incentive to upgrade when I lose have my dials? Remote SL has 16 dials 8 sliders, I would be going backward with the SL MK3?

[@kastrop256]

Are the keys the same as in the SL MkII ?

[@createmusichere8373]

can you use the nrpn's to control old roland gear, can it replace all of the Roland pr programmers i.e PG-200, 300 800, 1000, mpg80??

[@V4D2]

pretty strong product ! Thanks for this ;) PS: could use more steps on the step sequencer, so to not needing to toggle between scenes..or whatever they call it.. Still though.. Very compelling keyboard.

[@robertlee1176]

How do we set the pads to a scale?

[@halcyondaystunes]

As much as I love the NI Komplete Kontrol keyboards, this looks really great and maybe what they want to be when they grow up ;)

[@brandonbanks32278]

will there be a 31 or 25 key version?

[@Onelychild]

Wonderful review! Thank you for sharing this!

[@-Hann]

great keyboard, a bit pricey tho for myself, does anyone know of a keyboard like this, with the scale mode with the keys lighting up, that also works in a standalone mode? i literally only want it for that feature

[@assassinaudiotore8379]

Novation sl mk3 or Arturia keylab 61 MK2 Who is better?

[@WARDISWARD]

WHy 2 midi outs ( 32 channels ) when it's only an 8 part sequencer ? midi out would be sufficient , + midi splitter/thru box

[@-CALC-]

Two MIDI outs is very useful in its own little way. eg I use the SL MKIII controlling an Elektron Octatrack. The Octatrack can use all 16 MIDI channels to be totally controlled but I use it only on a single part (or if you like track) with the SL MKIII. This could potentially interfere with MIDI data I want to send to my other synths so I send the Octatrack MIDI exclusively out of MIDI DIN 2 and all the other synth stuff out of MIDI DIN1 so there is no miss-match of that MIDI data. It's really quite useful ;o) The 2nd MIDI out can also be set to a MIDI thru instead if you prefer.

[@Wagoo]

For the templates they need a system whereby a user created template, eg. for preenfm2, by default is uploaded to their servers, can be rated.. then over time either the best rated or official template can be easily and quickly downloaded/enabled. Take advantage of the user base to get templates for everything.. I really like the cheating scale lights, would have been cool to see that with the lab lights off.. and argh.. is there really no aftertouch on the keybed? :( So close! [Edit: there is, just their site was unclear about it. Phew]

[@georgeray3492]

According to spec sheet- channel aftertouch on keybed

[@Wagoo]

Ah good. That wasn't written in the main specs section of the site oddly

[@mishpult]

Hope the standalone aspect translates to the launchcontrol XL mkIII

[@beatz04]

They should first change the knobs to endless encoders though. So much more useful than knobs, at least when controlling Ableton with it.

[@theinfideluk]

Looks like this could give Komplete Kontrol a run for it's money... spicy!

[@DoctorBlankenstein]

looks awesome. well done novation.

[@MathieuAlepin]

Wonderful!

[@EannaButler]

Doesn't send Sysex strings, unlike the SL Mk2?

[@EannaButler]

@Donal Finn According to the manual, it does channel aftertouch..

[@wildaudiosociety]

I know what I'm getting for xmas now... if not sooner

[@LaurentDiscShowMan]

MUY BIEN VERY GOOD SIEMPRE A MEJOR,ANIMO CON LAS COSAS Y CON ALEGRIAS...

[@samuelsatanas2244]

Ohman this looks perfect for my needs

[@almostghosts]

Needs chord mode

[@emneumann8153]

Hi guys, what is this analog warm beats device box, anyone knows pretty please?

[@-CALC-]

It is the fantastic Boum by Oto Machines and it sounds excellent.

[@emneumann8153]

@@-CALC- thank u

[@enossifiedossified3145]

Well, that was a nice video but it totally left out the DAW control features!!!! Other than about 30 seconds showing it controlling Ableton devices. Or did I blink and miss it?

[@dcashley303]

(Last comment I promise!) Really hope the CV section is given as many features and customisable elements as MIDI. Would love per note tuning for microtonal work as well as Hz/V, V/Oct. If these could then be saved to templates you could quickly move between different CV synths that are prefectly tuned for different keys etc (we can dream can't we?)

[@Nomo_Popo]

Smart move, Novation. Well done 👍

[@TeleporterM11]

Great job Novation

[@glenorpheus]

Automap for the SLMK2 was just problematic at best in Logic Pro , so whats the point of new hardware if they can't implement it correctly with software

[@Hyper5nic]

;-) So basically it's a Circuit Keys version.

[@Wixxerius]

On roids

[@TheJonHolstein]

Oh No-vation! They forgot the fader display again, the got it right the first time, forgot it the 2nd time, and now they forgot it again. Nothing fancy, just two lines is all that is needed really. Having the LEDs change intensity, is not the same as seeing an exact value. And it doesn’t tell you what parameters the fader is assigned to. (There would be room for it, if they moved the buttons to the top part, in line with the rotaries). A touch-strip above the “playback” buttons, would have been nice to see, for DAW control. Or to be used for other purposes, like an additional modulation control, or time-division controller, like on the Arturia drum machines. I would have liked to see that the faders came with LED strips next to them, to indicate their in a more graphical way than just some numbers on a display, that way one can easily match them to the stored value.

[@joecrook4639]

I realise it's not quite the same as having dedicated screens but one thing it does do is when you move the fader it will display the new value on the 5th screen as well as the name of what you are controlling so you can see accurate values while it's moving.

[@TheJonHolstein]

I saw that, but it isn't even close. Having to move a fader to know what it does, is not the same as having a screen saying what it will do, before moving it. Even if they would have been touch-sensitive faders, that show the value when just touching it, it would not even come close to a dedicated display. And because of the nature of non-motorized faders, the visual feedback is terrible to start with. At least having a display showing the actual value of that parameter would go some ways to compensate for that. I get that many controllers doesn't tell the parameter or the value at all (or just show the value they are sending, when moving a parameter). But when it comes to this product. It is like the fader part and the encoder part where designed by different teams. People don't seem to realize that the templates have parameters assigned to the faders. Just because there is nothing telling the user that there is. It is simply to inconsistent to be good from a design standpoint. They typically teach about the importance of making things clear to the users. Midi controllers have typically lacked that part. Even the previous SL generations had controllers, that would not hint their function, even the first where the faders actually got their own display. But on this I would say that the inconsistency is worse then ever, just because of how much work that went in to those 4 first displays, and the feedback on them. It is like the faders were just an afterthought, something they just bolted on to a design that was considered complete. It is almost as they had the design, thought that they had outdone Akai and Native instruments. Native instruments with their small displays, that didn't allow for any proper graphical interface. And Akai that had a graphical interface but no good way of seeing what the parameters where doing. But then Native Instruments went and launched their Komplete Kontrol 2 series, and novation got desperate to outdo them, so they just threw a bunch of faders in there, possibly adding the 5th display. That scenario would have made som sense, but it would not be an excuse. But seeing how previous generations of SL have had faders, that probably isn't the story. unless this was first going to be a new series, but when they threw the faders on there, they branded it SL, as it somewhat similar in feature-set. I think it is a really bad decision, or huge omission. It takes away from the quality of the product that there are some lifeless faders on there.

[@reaktiv1408]

Looks promising, but I ask myself if push 2 is better aimed for my needs since the launching of clips is easier with more pads. Screen on push 2 is also very well implemented. BUT It lacks those useful faders and soloing a track is less direct... There will never be a crossover between those two? Maybe a push 3 or a keyboard- push? :) difficult choices

[@micindir4213]

Push 1/2 Launchcontrol xl Any midi keyboard Trying to cram everything into one thing is a bad idea

[@reaktiv1408]

Apc 40 mk2 is also a solution. I think you're right, multiple devices for multiple uses

[@beatz04]

Although if the APC40 had a 8x8 grid it would almost be perfect.

[@drstupid1]

@@beatz04 agreed. They should make a mk 3 with 8x8 launch pads!

[@reaktiv1408]

@@beatz04 and a duplicate clip button, with a screen for knowing which macro is where. I'd buy it in a minute! As akai surprised us with a fire controller for FL, might be a apc 40 mk3 that has it all! Fingers crossed

[@noitnova]

Im so happy with my Komplete Kontrol Mk2 when i see this movie.

[@ChrisP3000x]

Does it work with NKS/Komplete Kontrol software?

[@halcyondaystunes]

Johnny Moser I doubt it. NI wouldn't let a 3rd party keyboard us NKS as it would take away sales of their Komplete Kontrol hardware.

[@ChrisP3000x]

That is a shame, because the NI controllers are a useless waste of space.

[@carlosjones8712]

Karl Marx abandons political economy to review synths on KZbin shocker! (tried this gag on another vid but got no traction but I will persevere)

[@TheOneMonk]

carlos jones Well, according to Hegel, Engels, Marx aka Gaz and others the following rule of nature applies: when quantitative increase reaches a certain threshold, qualitative change will occur. So you just need to post your remark more often. Not sure when you’ll hit the treshold though. And what tne qualitative change will be.

[@xion218]

Karl marx and Slavoj zizek review midi controllers :P

[@gyanw9612]

Karl Marx is OK but his brother is a bit grouchy

[@Adam-XL]

You have nothing to lose but your effects chains

[@ignoto.militi]

Let's seize the means of music production!

[@Recloh]

8 tracks? how about 32?

[@narajanlive]

Will there be a 25 key version?

[@TeleporterM11]

narajanlive Yes , think so.

[@narajanlive]

Nice! Thx for info :)

[@narajanlive]

Asked Novation. There aren't any plans for 25 currently. If there will be a demand, they might reconsider it.

[@CakeHunter333]

This looks amazing!

[@manny_f]

Few things beat two Englishmen talking about gear

[@cornerliston]

Hey Novation, nice to see, but frankly you need a new industrial designer on your team : ) As well as a new UI designer for your software. (Or let the existing design team do a proper job.)

[@vz-v]

Well that escalated quickly!

[@jayneural]

Very nice product it seems. Would be perfect with a built-in "circuit" module inside so as it would work standalone as a synth !

[@peaterrepeater4441]

A desktop version would be great.

[@user-vp9ub1fm8y]

for its features its not posible to make smaller versions probably.

[@UberSynth]

Are those screens OLED or LCD? 🤔 Peace ✌️ out people 🌍

[@LungAnt]

Better if Nick or Gaz can just review i

[@dennisristow2102]

Still scratching my head why they would make the launchkey with 9 faders and this new flagship with only 8. If you want to control a draw bar emulation you need that extra fader. Why anyone would make a controller with only 8 is a mystery. Akai does this as well. I know a lot of Ableton controllers are 8 faders, but why remove such a simple feature in your top of the line model?