I Tried This Out So You Don’t Have To… |Novation Impulse Midi Controller Review|

In this video we will talk about the ‪@NovationTV‬ Impulse 49!
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[@Johnmike]

Intro was raw audio from Jasmine Encarnation's instagram...follow her here: instagram.com/jasmine_e_music/ Get The "Humble Hustle" Hoodie Here: amzn.to/3VMrt9F Zzounds: www.zzounds.com/a--3980668/item--NOVIMPULSE49?siid=106626 Amazon: amzn.to/3TA9zVF Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/2rZvkM Join this channel to get access to special perks: kzbin.info/door/3ux5ejcBK9AOTArow2bgHwjoin

[@TheRsmith0118]

I have the 61 key version and I love it. Got it from FB for $200 about 18 months ago. Middle of the pandemic. Anyway, I had to dig deep in some forums to find a way to get it mapped without auto mapping being available anymore. It works. I don't know how but it does.

[@roseryderkirsten]

Hi Ronnie, I just got one myself. Care to share how you are mapping? Thanks

[@TheRsmith0118]

@John Arienda-Jose when zi first started, I saw videos talking about auto-mapping software but I guess that no longer exist as of 2016ish or so. The impulse does come up on Ableton as a control surface. I manually mapped my faders, knobs and pads to use as scene triggers

[@DylanWOWilliams]

I have had this for close to two years now and, honestly, it’s pretty great. I bought it on Craigslist for $75 as what I thought would be a very temporary option, but it’s stuck around. Now it’s my noodle device that I keep in my office for fun or for distracting my kids while I take care of business.

[@shcheat]

Like always, an honest review and directly on the point.. Thanks John!

[@maxheadrom3088]

Dude ... whatever you review the result is awesome - because of your music!

[@johnsuggs7828]

My daughter got mine for my birthday in *WHITE* from Guitar Center for 50 dollars. the white was a limited release from novation and I wanted one for years. Had the 61 key version that died on me after a few years. So I swapped out the keys and the mod and pitch wheel. Cleaned it up and it works perfectly as a second midi station controller. Automap does work on Windows 10

[@eyefeed5383]

Hey nice one. I have the 49. You need to update the firmware and then everything works in Ableton.

[@Tokiofritz]

Man, I liked the vibe of this board and was about to buy it, but I never knew it was 10 years old! Not to mention all the Mac problems. Amazon UK have a bit of a cheek selling it for £257.

[@Collins690]

At first it had rejected to work on my Mac too,but when I reached out to their help center they told me to upgrade the HUI instead of using Automap,and bro,the thing works just fine. It’s the clicky clacky sound that somehow irritates me but it’s cool.

[@Johnmike]

I tried to figure out the HUI for this video but couldn’t get it to work with Logic and gave up…99% of folks that buy this board aren’t gonna think about using HUI…and most probably won’t even know what HUI is lol…so they’ll be stuck with basically keys only that click and clack lol

[@Collins690]

@@Johnmike Very true 😂😂😂😂 It takes some prep work to crack it up

[@JayaLove]

Yeah what is HUI, lol😅

[@lowandodor1150]

@@JayaLove Hui Lui and the nui...a band from the 80s ˘J˘

[@marinasalmon]

Hi! I was searching for just that if it still usable, I discovered that Novation have put videos of how to control map without Automap. You need to install HUI (was a very lengthy process ) but it works, so far. Big Sur user.

[@lowandodor1150]

Sonoma user here, been trying all night to get this to work with no success, did the hui sys ex procedure, but once i was done with the midi audio setup, the Impulse still did nothing. Anything you could think of i could do, i'd be more than grateful...i need to get into making music with all those brilliant sounds and instruments, just need to get the keyboard going! thank you!

[@buckycore]

Dang, Jasmine is slaying it with them divine vocals 🔥🔥🔥

[@altmanidan]

I used to have a Nord electro and I also had the launchkey MKIII before I decided to get this one. The keys / responsiveness on this keyboard are my favourite from pretty much any keyboard I've had / tested. I don't really care about daw control etc, I just use the keys / pads for playing instruments and the faders / mute buttons to control the UAD console mixer

[@rcolba]

I have my Impulse listed twice in Configure External Devices. Select New Keyboard and enter manufacture & device name, select all midi channels, set Receive from to "Impulse" and set send to "Impulse". That way you can play you instruments (soft synths & external hardware). Next select add device choose Mackie then select HUI. Set Receive from to MIDIIN 3 (Impulse) set send to MIDIOUT2 (Impulse). Hope this helps anyone.

[@swo8on]

Thanks 👍

[@lowandodor1150]

It should but i am. a total idiot when it comes to midi....not only that but....especially midi....i tried the hui update last night but could not get the Impulse to run, i did it along their video and article...i bought it used about a year ago, i don't know, i could not hit enter on the keyboard, perhaps that encoder is broken but it is more likely i did something wrong..... i am sorry to bother you with this, i d be more than grateful if you have any tips or suggestions for me. I am on OS Sonoma, DAW is LUNA. I will try the way you described already, thank you

[@kstyle12]

I got this keyboard in 2014 and at time was one the best all in one Midi Keyboards like M-axiom pro or Oxygen , Nectar etc ... but one thing amazing is still today hold value great pads , keys , faders , knobs ... and about Automap ... and mapping you have to make a firmware update in the Keyboard and install HUI control surface in your DAW to use the faders , knobs etc mapped . I am using today in Logic pro X with Mac OS Ventura ... works just fine . If you are looking this keyboard used for a good price is not a bad idea just keep in mind today you have better integration with DAW / VST and Fancy lights with the new ones. By the way great review bro .

[@lowandodor1150]

Hi, i just did the whole HUI update, trying to get the Impulse to work in LUNA in OS Sonoma but no success so far. I no nothing about midi, never really got it, never needed it, now that i do and really want to get to playing all these incredible sounds and instruments at my disposal, i can't get this thing to work. Bought it used a while ao but my computer broke down and everything was old and out of date, now i got a newer mac from 2019 and Sonoma and i am getting into Luna, it's all overwhelming and a lot to take in for an analog thinking guy like myself, but yeah, if you happen to have any suggestions or tips of what i could do or try, i'd be forever grateful... ˘J˘

[@kamosaxug]

Am lucky to land on such information. I was about to buy this keyboard. I don't know it has issues with mac. Soo i must have a window laptop or install HUI for mac hope i got it well!!

[@definitelynotnick2454]

You have the best reviews

[@Johnmike]

Thanks!

[@kellsmadeit]

You are off on this one brother. I just grabbed one of these in 2024. Its universal basic midi commands, compatible with anything. I just made scripts for Omnisphere, avenger analog lab and cubase in an hour. Its absolutely fire

[@lowandodor1150]

I know NOTHING about midi, but now got this macbook pro with os Sonoma, my DAW is LUNA and i bought the Impulse used about a year ago, just now getting around to it and tried the whole hui update last night but without success...so are you connecting your keyboard through usb then or those midi in/out slots? Sorry man, i really feel. like such an idiot, this midi thing is like an alien dialect from ....anyway, i now have all these incredible instruments and sounds in front of me but i can-ät get this keyboard to work... HEEEEELLLP! Pleeeease ˘J˘

[@tonylancer7367]

Thanks Rev for looking into it. This board has the same problem as the current board that I have, the software that's designed for it (AKAI: VIP, Novation: AutoMap) gets dropped after 2-3 years and makes you lose all those features if there's an OS upgrade. I'm hitting myself now because I wish that AKAI actually implemented Komplete Kontrol software instead of theirs because VIP has not been updated for almost 4 years now. But it's a MIDI keyboard, so it is what it is. 🤷🏾‍♂

[@Johnmike]

Yup!

[@heidijohn3937]

Love your playing! Great vid

[@Johnmike]

🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@mousehouse4617]

I've always been interested in the Novation Impulse so thanks for the review. May be me but the video seems a little dark especially the camera shots of the keyboard?

[@marcusarmstard216]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXPSeIuVj7yXrJY

[@henrikgustav2294]

My emu xboard is so noisy. I had to open the board and every single key I put a piano felt, and now it feels expensive

[@callummoir1452]

yo bro i feel your energy. love from the UK. people like you influence me to further my knowldge within this field as i am a novice music producer. I think im going to buy the Launchkey 49 [MK3] so i can control abeton suite while also learn the fundimentals of music throey. Thank You

[@iengineer_247]

My favorite worship song!!! Good cover y'all!!!

[@Johnmike]

Thanks!

[@kobekeyz2456]

The Hui update unlocks all the features.... You have to update the firmware.. its only takes 5min.....Good review but more research should've been done on this.

[@juanantonioredondo5367]

What last firmware version for Update muy impulse 49 ? Very Thanks so much !!!

[@neo1st]

there is new firmware update from this keyboard that allow you to use all the control without automap useing HUI firmware.

[@uselessoldman7964]

I have the Impulse 61 and still to this day love it, dont agree on the keys being noisy its quieter than the NI S61mk2 (specifically the black keys). Anyways I use it with Windows 11 and Nuendo/Cubase ver 12 have also used it with Studio One with no problems. I have setup specific templates for the DAWS but I now almost exclusively use Nuendo over Studio One cos I have been messing around with Atmos and Studio One does not support Surround. Its a midicc/mc controller so it will work with all new and old systems mac or PC and any DAW so long as you understand how to program midicc. They replaced it with the LaunchKey which is a cheaper model with cheaper keys, the Impulse is a really decent keyboard. You set up the left buttons mixer to control the DAW and midi is for midicc to play your instruments and on the right plugins is Kontakt and midi is vsts basically the same as a NI S61mk2

[@francismumba5569]

Hello I need help I got the 61 keys version off eBay but my keys are not working so I want to ask if they work if you connect it directly to the computer or you need to use an audio interface using the midi port for the keyboard keys to work ???

[@fulviabarkstonash]

I love your videos John. I'm looking for a good controller, but dislike "clicky clacky" keys, as you put it perfectly. I've been through lots of your videos but it seems to be such a common problem. Can you recommend a non-weighted quiet action?

[@Johnmike]

I like the Arturia essential 49/61 and the native instruments S61 and the Novation SL61…m-audio oxygen and keystation series are much quieter than this one

[@fulviabarkstonash]

@@Johnmike many thanks! Keep up the great work 👍

[@DeanVidal]

@@Johnmike will the keybed of the Novation SL61 Mkii be better than this? I'm in a huge debate between buying the T6, Impulse 61 or the Essential 61. 😔

[@donniesimpson9639]

Just a beginner here, with a volunteer 49. Can't seem to get it to play through my Mac-Mod.

[@dekenparker-lynch1630]

Good looking. The board is very interesting but I’m a Mac guy as well. No go 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@davidsindelka1659]

Clicky Clacky can be an issue when using with my grand piano. But is there any other choice? Any tips for more silent similar to this one?

[@wilkopiano]

Nektar are really clicky clacky too, but how do the keys feel?. I cant help but get the feeling as time goes on the quality of manufactured keybed seems to get worse. Its and old keyboard but second hand would be best. The launchkey 88 is good but no aftertouch.

[@Johnmike]

Keys feel good apart from that!

[@ElviraSongalla]

good advice

[@kamosaxug]

Secondly after installing HUI which is the best production software to use, FL studio or Logic? Am just joining production need help❤

[@trsfworld460]

Curious but knowing you like all the studiologic controllers but have u ever got ur hands on the numa boards? I've been thinking getting one of those as well giving the fact that the board has built in interface

[@Johnmike]

Definitely…I’ve been wanting to check them out but haven’t gotten to yet

[@thiagohenrique7627]

Qual a sua preferência irmão: Oxygen pro 61 ou Impulse 61? Saudações do Brasil pelo seu belíssimo trabalho 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@davineiva895]

Up

[@bitmagie]

automap didn't work for me on windows10, but Impulse HUI firmware did.

[@MrAndy91486]

great video! I am trusting in God for a revamped setup.

[@seunstickstv1666]

Can i use it for gigs?

[@Devinop]

Hi John Mike. How would you compare this model to the M-Audio Oxygen Pro (49/61), especially in key feel? And from how expressive the keys allow you to play music?

[@uselessoldman7964]

The M-Audio is more like the Launchkey where as the Impulse is superior in every way

[@marcustvchannel5885]

Good piano

[@Trancelistic]

I got the impulse 61. I love the keys. But Now i got a FL keys 61 as well. The keys are really weird compered to the impusle 61

[@djGreenALERT]

Hi John, thank you for uploading this. I'm deciding whether to get the Impulse or Launchkey mk3 (for integration with Ableton) I'm still using with Windows 7, so I shouldn't have any problems wit auto mapping ?

[@Johnmike]

Probably not

[@djGreenALERT]

@@Johnmike The biggest headache is the choice between the one you're using and the Launchkey. I cant get an answer from Novation regarding that. I don't suppose you'd know how yours compares to the Launchkey?

[@marcustvchannel5885]

Pretty cool

[@LiorFez]

I am new to this. Please help me. I have impulse 25 key midi. it does not make sound when I hit record button, but makes sound when not recording. what am I missing?

[@paulwiggerts5693]

How well does it work with Windows 11 on fl studio? Is automap still possible?

[@Silvestian]

What EP did You used? ❤️ Nice playing. +1 Sub

[@Johnmike]

Thanks! Scarbee Ep

[@DeanVidal]

Hey John. I loved your review on this... I'm looking to buy a 61 key midi controller to play piano/ep but I can't test out the keybed of any. I'm in a huge debate between the Keylab Essential, Novation Impulse, Akai MPK261 and the Nektar T6. I'd really appreciate your advice on this...

[@Johnmike]

Best Keybed between all those is the Novation SL61

[@DeanVidal]

@@Johnmike I guess I'll pull the trigger on a 2nd-hand SL61 MKii Thanks a lot!!

[@DaBeatm8ker]

@@Johnmike the mii or either

[@xie_prjct]

Hi Mike, How would you compare the Keybed of the Impulse to the SL MK3? I just bought the Novation Launchkey and it's not suitable for the way I play. I used to own the M-Audio Axiom and enjoyed the chunkier keys so looking for something like that. Thanks!

[@Johnmike]

No comparison between those…I’d get the SL no question

[@xie_prjct]

@@Johnmike Much appreciated!

[@doonguitarlessons]

Nice melodies

[@anzatzi]

$230 for a quality keybed? How does this compare to Launchkey MK2 49? Thanks!

[@Johnmike]

Launchkey is way better imo

[@erickcervantes4537]

Alguien me podria decir como se llama el sonido que usa en kontack? porfavorrr

[@kosisochukwuobiekwe1213]

Give away the controller to a fan in Cyprus (Turkish Republic of North Cyprus) pretty please 🥺

[@michaelolusanya9650]

Please use headphones🥺 Dayyyyyummmmm

[@IsmoGnc]

Hi,is there any chance to make a note repeat with drums depending on tempo rates like 1/4 1/8 1/16 etc. ?

[@antoinegilliet797]

Might be too late but: yes there is with the arpegiator

[@simonsimon325]

I was going to ask about the room noise of the keys and you answered it anyway. I tried a Komplete Kontrol A61 and the sharp keys sounded like someone rapping their knuckles on an empty coffin. It was really annoying and even made ith through headphones. Do you have any tips for a quieter keyboard, but with a decent feel for playhing as opposed to just inputting info. You obviously play these things.

[@Johnmike]

Some of the quieter semi-weighted boards I’ve played are the Irig keys I/o 49, keystation 49es, Roland A49, native instruments S61 and the Novation SL61

[@simonsimon325]

@@Johnmike thanks. appreciate the reply.

[@IMaiden89]

How do the keys compare to the m audio oxygen 5?

[@Johnmike]

Oxygen is miles better

[@erickcervantes4537]

hermano que sonido es ese? de Kontack

[@simeonthomas2]

Is an audio interface necessary to use with this?

[@Johnmike]

Not totally necessary but if you want to connect to monitors yes

[@simeonthomas2]

Thanks Mike. Appreciate the response

[@issiewizzie]

I've had it for 6 years

[@braveheartbraveheart78]

Is this plug and play without any gadgets my friend

[@Johnmike]

Need a computer

[@braveheartbraveheart78]

@@Johnmike is it playable alone using its usb chord?

[@Johnmike]

@@braveheartbraveheart78 if you plug it to a computer

[@braveheartbraveheart78]

@@Johnmike how about iPhone bro

[@issiewizzie]

automap has been superseded ...the new software is on the site

[@PatrickBuzoMusic]

clicky clacky awesome

[@maxheadrom3088]

Aparently they use Fatar keys ... famously klicky.

[@oldmate86]

Hold up, so this is a pretty new keyboard that can only run certain features if you have an old computer? Sounds like a severe oversight.

[@Johnmike]

No actually not new…the impulse has been out for several years….Novation still sells it but they haven’t updated it in years

[@oldmate86]

@@Johnmike Ah ok. That's a bit disappointing. I've been looking for a decent midi keyboard with left side faders that I can map for orchestral scoring. Do you recommend anything for that?

[@outbakjak]

@@oldmate86 this keyboard still works well with Windows, he only had trouble because he's using a newer Mac workstation. According to another commenter, you can also get it working on Mac just fine but the auto mapping of the sliders/knobs might not work. They said they reached out to Ableton support and they helped get it set up

[@ejmikk]

Yeah I sold mine because of the clicky-clacky keybed...

[@qwe1231]

Novation gave up on Automap years ago. And good riddance. Even when it was 'supported' it was a buggy bag of hurt. Novation makes great hardware but don't trust their drivers or software.

[@Tsietsithelele]

Is she off key? She sounds like it or is it the keys? 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Johnmike]

yea this was the "RAW" audio from her instagram post...this was not a "produced" track...I was just Viking to something she was singing bro...nothing serious

[@geerhoar]

You can do keyboard splits with this!!

[@WTFBI5]

these vocals r out of tune

[@kelvinmusic572]

MEHHHH, this impulse 49 isn't really classic compare to date. #stiffkeys. i use it though