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Average Price: $306
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Description
Combines a high quality semi-weighted keyboard with a full DAW and plug-in control surface.
The Novation 25 SL Mk II Keyboard Controller equips the modern DAW user with every dimension of hardware control. The Novation controller enables a hands-on approach to navigating music software, audio mixing and controlling plug-ins. The 25SL MKII is an extraordinary MIDI controller value, integrating a DAW control surface with a quality semi-weighted keyboard-with after-touch-and the most intuitive plug-in mapping capabilities available. All of these goodies are presided over by Automap 3 PRO-perhaps the most advanced control software on the market.
25 SL Mk II upholds Novation's reputation for building quality hardware and it will appeal to performers who need a well-constructed keyboard on stage. Quality is not just reflected in the controller's robustness, but more importantly in the way the 25 SL Mk II has been designed with every detail calculated to maximize workflow. The 25 SL Mk II' visually feeds back all controller information with back-lit buttons and encoder LED rings.
The difficulty with other control surfaces is knowing what is assigned to what. Novation 25 SL Mk II has a giant 144-character ultra-bright LCD screen that displays all the parameter names and values for the currently selected row of controllers. All 8 faders and 16 knobs are touch sensitive, so the moment one is touched, the display shows the names and values on that row and puts brackets around the controller that is currently being touched. This enables the user to see which parameter is assigned to the controller without having to change the value, or refer to their software. 25 SL Mk II also has a dedicated Speed Dial knob, which changes the value of any parameter the cursor is positioned over without making any assignments whatsoever.
The 8 continuous rotary encoders have 11 segment LED rings around each allowing encoders to behave like pots so you see the value before moving them. All the buttons have LED lights underneath them so users can instantly see their status without having to press them. There are 8 soft-feel drum pads, a pitch/modulation wheel and an X/Y Xpression touchpad which, (along with footswitch and sustain pedal inputs), are all fully assignable to any parameter with the Automap software
The 25 SL Mk II has been designed to draw minimum current so it can be used as a USB buss-powered device, and an optional 9V DC power supply can be added for stand-alone use. As well as USB interfacing, the 25 SL Mk II has 1 MIDI in, 1 MIDI thru and 2 MIDI outs.
The power behind the 25 SL Mk II's unique ability to map controllers at the touch of a button is contained within the included Automap software. Automap 3 PRO enables users to map controllers with incredible speed and ease-no more digging through MIDI continuous controller numbers, the Automap server takes care of it all. Automap's GUI gives the user a visual representation of all the current mappings on screen, as well as the ability to save and manage mappings across different projects. There is also an option to only bring up the GUI when a controller on the 25 SL Mk II has been touched!
High quality professional keyboard
Velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted action keyboard from Fatar, 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
25 SL Mk II comes with Automap software which enables you to instantly map software parameters to faders, buttons, encoders and pots and other controllers.
Product specs
| Brand | Novation |
| Model | ReMOTE 25 SL MKII MIDI Controller |
| Finish | Gray |
| Year | 2008 |
| Categories | Keyboard MIDI Controllers, Pad MIDI Controllers |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Semi-Weighted |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI |
| Number of Keys | 25 Keys |
| Number of Pads | 8 Pads |
FAQs
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How easily does the Novation 25SL Mk II integrate with popular DAWs?
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The Novation 25SL Mk II is designed for seamless integration with major DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Cubase. It features Automap software, which simplifies the mapping of controls to your DAW, enhancing workflow efficiency.
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What are the standout features of the Novation 25SL Mk II's control surface?
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The Novation 25SL Mk II boasts a highly responsive semi-weighted keyboard, 8 velocity-sensitive pads, and a comprehensive set of controls including faders, encoders, and buttons, all designed for intuitive control over your music production.
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Is the Novation 25SL Mk II suitable for live performance?
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Yes, the Novation 25SL Mk II is well-suited for live performance thanks to its robust build, responsive controls, and the ability to quickly switch between multiple control templates for different software and hardware setups.
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Does the Novation 25SL Mk II require an external power supply?
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The Novation 25SL Mk II can be powered via USB, eliminating the need for an external power supply, which makes it convenient for both studio and live use.
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What connectivity options does the Novation 25SL Mk II offer?
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The Novation 25SL Mk II provides comprehensive connectivity options, including MIDI In/Out/Through ports and USB MIDI, allowing it to connect easily with both hardware and software setups.
Videos
Novation
Novation // SL MkII: Anything, Anywhere
Reviews
PROS
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Full-size, excellent feel keys enhance playing experience
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Highly customizable: every button, knob, slider programmable
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Supports 32 templates for storing settings
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Keyboard can be split into 4 zones for versatile play
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Handy octave up/down feature for extended play range
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Mappable x/y pad offers unique control options
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Semi-weighted keys and lit-up knobs improve user interaction
CONS
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Thick and heavy, not ideal for portability
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Learning curve for programming can be steep
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Automap software issues, making MIDI programming unreliable
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Single layout may not suffice for extensive soft synth collections
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation 25SL Mk II.
Features and functionality
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Despite the dated templates, users can modify them to fit current needs, providing some flexibility.
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Templates can be linked as multiple pages, allowing control over complex devices with more parameters than a single template can handle.
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The SL Mk II can control multiple hardware devices via a MIDI hub, requiring users to map each knob to specific CC functions manually.
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The keybed is noted for its high quality, featuring aftertouch and release velocity, but the velocity curve is considered suboptimal.
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The screen on the 25SL Mk II is highlighted as highly useful, showing real-time control changes, a feature not common on many MIDI controllers.
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Use cases and applications
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Users can set up templates to control hardware like Novation Circuit, DX11, and CZ1000, although it requires detailed manual configuration.
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User experience
Software and compatibility
Value and pricing
Comparisons
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SL MK3 or Launchkey MK3 models offer superior integration capabilities compared to the SL MK2.
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Build quality
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Some owners mention that the upper row of knobs on the 25SL Mk II can become loose and may not function properly over time.
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The LCD screen has a limited viewing angle, making it difficult to read unless viewed directly from the top.
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The encoders and faders have noticeable wobble and large dead zones at their ends, impacting precision.
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The joystick has a significant dead zone, and the pots may fail to return to zero, affecting usability.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 32 Ratings
123
a MIDI controller from the past
I have about 40 soft synths and twice as many effects. This midi controller has only one layout. Programming it is a disaster. If you do succeed to program it... and you want to upgrade an old track... 90% chance all MIDI programming (via automap software) is not working anymore... Thus starting over completely. Recently I discovered Lemur, which is a fully configurable tablet MIDI controller app. You can program your VST GUI as is and link up to 15 tablets at once. I have two sofar... I expect more will follow.. Also Image Line (FL Studio) comes with IL remote which is quite similar to Lemur. Lemur comes with a Windows programming interface for setting up your VST GUI. With IL Remote programming happens on the tablet. This proves to be a pain in the a$$... I have piggy fingers.. so go figure
Artist usage
Add artist
In this photo, Skrillex is seen working at the Red Bull Studios, London with his Novation 25 SL Mk II MIDI Controller.
Flume doesn't say much about his ReMOTE 25SL in his feature on MusicRadar, but his particular model has his name printed in purple on the right-most note on the keyboard.
The Crystal Method tweets a photo of the setup they use to produce their Community Service radio show. The keyboard controller on the table is the Novation 25 SL Mk II USB MIDI Controller. They say, "A look inside prepping for #CommunityService radio on @SiriusXMElectro. #TheCrystalMethod" (Nov 2014)
During the whole video, Eskmo is preforming with the Novation 25 SL Mk II USB MIDI Controller. On the back it even says Novation.
In this photo shared by j.viewz, his Novation 25 SL MkII Keyboard Controller can be seen, adorned with stickers and labels. He says, "Before and After. Novation ur good to me, thank u! @wearenovation"
In a later Instagram post, he says, "Graphic designer Sedki Alimam made a beautiful illustration of my dear SL25 (w the stickers and all...). Check out his full project: http://on.be.net/1LkEZqr"
Vidéo réalisée en Décembre 2015 // December 2015 – 0:44 - 1:05 "En concert j'utilise Ableton Live qui est piloté par le SL-Mk II (NOVATION) et le Launchpad Pro (NOVATION) qui est un hub qui va me permettre de piloter plusieurs synthés dont un Bass Station (NOVATION), un Tetra (DAVE SMITH INSTRUMENTS), un VERMONA [Mono Lancet]" => "In concert, I use Ableton Live which is controlled by the SL Mk II (NOVATION) and the Launchpad Pro (NOVATION). The Launchpad allows me to control several synths : the Bass Station (NOVATION), the Tetra (DAVE SMITH INSTRUMENTS), the VERMONA [Mono Lancet]"
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Novation 25SL Mk II, it is most commonly used with the following gear.