Novation SL MK II

Novation has introduced the Novation SL MkII control keyboard at Musikmesse 2009.

The second generation of Novations controllers are the enhancements of the popular Novation Remote series. Since the Remote 25 SL is one of my central and most important components within my dj-setup, I am really expactant on the revised version of the controller.

The new SL MkII will be available again as 25/49/61 Model. Also a ZeRO SL MkII without the integrated Fatar keyboard will be available.

The first big change that catched my eye when I saw the controller are the new backlit LED buttons and encoders with LED rings that provide instant visual feedback. This a very good function that I really missed on the first edition.
Another thing I first noticed is that the top-right LED screen has been completly removed. The explanation by Novation herefor is the now featured new Automap Heads-up GUI.

Official product information:

buttons The Novation SL Mk II features a semi-weighted Fatar ‘fast touch’ keyboard, combined with a full DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and plug-in control surface that visually feeds back all control information to the user.

All knobs and faders are touch sensitive. By touching a control, all mapping information automatically appears on the giant 144 character LCD display. Back lit LED buttons and LED ringed encoders instantly show the status of controls.

SL Mk II also includes full transport control, an XY “Xpression Pad”, 8 drum pads, sprung pitch/mod joystick and a unique “Speed Dial” encoder, which enables the user to grab any parameter the cursor is positioned over.

In addition to 25, 49 and 61 key versions, a keyboardless “Zero” will be available with longer-throw faders and a central crossfader.

automap_small Ultra-quick mapping of all 56 knobs, faders and buttons is managed by Novation’s groundbreaking Automap 3 PRO software, which provides instant and intelligent control of all your music software. As well as extensive DAW control, parameters on VST and AU plug-ins can be assigned by simply touching the controller and clicking the parameter.

Perhaps Automap 3 PRO’s biggest asset is “Keystroke Assignment”, this enables almost any QWERTY or ASCII keyboard shortcut (and combination shortcuts) to be instantly assigned to the SL Mk II controls – providing unprecedented DAW control.

Automap 3.0 also introduces “Autoview”, where the ‘heads up GUI’ (showing the current status of all controls) can be programmed to automatically appear whenever a controller is touched, then disappear upon release.

Pricing:
The 25-key and 61-key models are shipping worldwide, April 2009. Zero SL MkII and the 49-key model will follow shortly after.

• Novation SL Mk II 25-Keys 409,99 EUR
• Novation SL Mk II 49-Keys 509,99 EUR
• Novation SL Mk II 61-Keys 619,99 EUR
• Novation Zero SL MkII 409,99 EUR

So what are the differences between ReMOTE SL and SL MkII?

ReMOTE SL vs SL MkII
• Mk II ships with the latest Automap 3 PRO
• All dials and faders are now touch-sensitive
• All SL Mk II’s buttons are illuminated
• Single Top-LED screen (as it now features the Automap Heads-up GUI)
• SL MK II’s top row of dials have 11-LED rings for instant feedback
• Top row of encoders are now smooth, rather than detented.
• SL Mk II’s transport control buttons can be used as fully assignable buttons.
• SL Mk II features new ‘soft-feel’ drum pads.
• No longer features batteries

The Novation SL controller series is a very powerfull and high-quality series of midi-controllers. The new features and functions seem to be really good improvements which make the controller even more efficient.
I really do recommend the controller as a powerful Digital DJ Weapon!

More information at:
http://www.novationmusic.com/products/sl_mkii