Novation 61SL MKII

The SL Mk II combines a high quality semi-weighted keyboard with a full DAW and plug-in control surface, that visually feeds back all control information to the user. A giant 144-character display, back lit LED buttons and LED ringed encoders show the status of all controls. Ultra-quick mapping of all 56 knobs, faders and buttons is managed by the groundbreaking Automap 3 PRO software.

The SL Mk II has been designed to equip the modern DAW user with every dimension of hardware control, enabling a hands-on approach to navigating software, mixing and controlling plug-ins. It represents extraordinary value as a controller, integrating a DAW control surface with a quality semi-weighted keyboard (with after-touch) and the most intuitive plug-in mapping capabilities available - presided over by Automap 3 PRO; unquestionably the most advanced control software on the market.

The SL Mk II upholds Novation's reputation for building quality hardware (like the SL Mk I, they will also appeal to performers who need a well-constructed keyboard on stage). Quality is not just reflected in their robustness, but more importantly in the way the SL Mk II has been designed with every detail calculated to maximise workflow. The SL Mk II's visually feeds back all controller information to the user with back lit buttons and encoder LED rings.

• High quality professional keyboard
It uses the same velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted action keyboard from Fatar that the orininal SL does, with assignable after-touch. Novation deliver the feeling of playing an instrument, rather than just a computer peripheral.

• Illuminated controls provide instant visual feedback
Brightly lit LED rings around the eight smooth encoders, and backlit buttons throughout provide instant visual feedback for every physical control, further reducing reliance on the computer screen.

• Giant 144-character LCD screen
Frees the artist from being chained to the computer screen, placing all the essential data right alongside the relevant controls.

• Huge array of touch-sensitive controls
Full control surface supporting ultra flexible DAW control and Auto-mappable plug-in controls, 16 knobs, 8 faders and 32 assignable backlit LED buttons.

• Automap 3 PRO Control Software
SL Mk II comes with Automap software which enables you to instantly map software parameters to faders, buttons, encoders and pots and other controllers.

• MIDI control interface.
Built in MIDI I/O Interface and comprehensive MIDI implementation provide complete control over all external hardware synths and other external MIDI devices.

• Novation’s unique ‘speed dial’
A touch-sensitive rotary encoder that instantly takes control of whatever your mouse is focused on, providing real time access for composers and performers alike.

• Programmable ‘soft-feel’ drumpads
Eradicates the need for a separate set of drumpad triggers, providing the ideal platform for sketching out beats or triggering samples

• Unique 2-Axis Controls
Fantastic ‘Xpression’ pad and adjustably sprung pitch/mod joystick, both freely assignable in MIDI Controlling mode

• Dedicated, yet fully-assignable transport buttons.
Control the sequencer’s start/stop/loop/record/forward/rewind actions, direct from the MIDI controller, reducing reliance on mouse and screen, or switch them out to allow use of more assignable buttons. SL Mk II recalls how these buttons were previously assigned.

• USB buss powering
Provides the artist with a mobile MIDI control solution, freeing them from the confines of the studio

• Includes the Xcite+ bundle
Featuring a host of royalty-free loops and samples, a full-fledged soft-synth and Ableton Live 7 Lite, providing an affordable upgrade path to Ableton Live.

Physical controls

Assignable controls:
• 8 Encoders (Infinite Rotation) with touch-sensitivity and 11 segment Led rings
• 8 Pots (270 Rotation) with touch-sensitivity
• 8 Sliders with touch-sensitivity
• 32 Buttons with integrated LEDs (37 in MIDI mode]
• 8 soft feel Trigger pads
• Xpression Pad (as on existing SL)
• Xpression Stick (as on existing SL)
• Touch sensitive Speed Dial (as on Nocturn)

System buttons:
• General Automap Operation Buttons (Learn, View, Browser Groups etc.)
• Octave up/down buttons with LED indicator

The central system buttons from the SL have been simplified; there is now:

• 1 Automap button with LED to toggle Automap mode on and off (this replaces the PLAY button) – this way, manual MIDI mode is separate from Automap mode and can be avoided completely if preferred
• Template and Edit modes have been combined into one edit mode, for editing both individual controls and overall settings within one Template

Connectivity

Rear Panel connections are as follows:
• Data Port: 1 x USB (Win XP/Vista and Mac OSX – Not Class Compliant
• MIDI: MIDI ONE: IN, OUT and Thru, MIDI TWO: OUT
• Sustain Pedal: 1 x 1/4 Jack Input
• Expression pedal: 1 x 1/4 Jack Input
• Power switch: Ext DC/USB

Minimum Operational Requirements (taken from Nocturn):

Mac OSX 10.4.0 or greater (Leopard also supported) or Windows XP with
Service Pack 2 or greater (Vista 32/64 also supported)

Minimum Computer spec: Mac - G4/1GHz, both with 256MB RAM or
PC Pentium 3/1GHz/256MB RAM (machines running Vista will require a higher spec)

Dimensions and Weight
• W=965mm, H=68mm, D=293mm
• 6.1kg / unit