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Novation Impulse 61 USB Controller Keyboard

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$290.87 to $440.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (49)

8 Reviews

Find out who is using Novation Impulse 61

4 community setups

11 wishlisted

95 saved

Page last updated Jun 30, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated June 30, 2026.

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3.3 (28)

$399.99

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4.5 (6)

$399.99

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4.5 (523)

Used

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4.0 (6)

$290.87 5 available New

$147.84 7 available Used

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4.0 (6)

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5.0 (5)

$399.99

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4.5 (9)

$399.99

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4.4 (194)

$292.00

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£277.00

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Average Price: $352

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, Novation Impulse 61 USB Controller Keyboard is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Novation Impulse 61 USB Controller Keyboard". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Elevate your music-making experience with the Novation Impulse 61 USB Controller Keyboard, a professional USB/MIDI controller designed for precision and control. This versatile instrument features a semi-weighted, 61-key precision keyboard that is highly responsive and designed to feel like an instrument, not a computer peripheral. This means you can translate musical expression extremely effectively and your performance is reflected accurately by the synth or software instrument you are triggering.

The Impulse 61 also comes equipped with 8 back-lit drum pads that can warp arpeggios, roll beats, and launch clips in Ableton Live. These pads are velocity-sensitive with aftertouch and back-lit with 3-color LEDs, offering unique features that other drum pads can't.

The control surface allows you to get hands-on control for your DAW and plug-ins. With the help of Novation's Automap control software, you can make full use of faders, knobs, and buttons on Impulse to get hands-on with your music software. This software makes it fast and simple to control your music software with knobs, buttons, and faders, offering instant mapping to the things you need to control.

Key Features:

61-key precision semi-weighted keyboard with assignable aftertouch
8 back-lit drum pads for warping arpeggios, rolling beats, and launching clips in Ableton Live
Full control surface powered by Novation's Automap control software for instant hands-on access
Compatible with all major DAWs and plug-in instruments and effects
Comes with Ableton Live Lite, Novation's Bass Station synth, and a 4GB Loopmasters sample pack
Dimensions: 1022 x 332 x 100 mm; Weight: 6.5 kg

Product specs

Type	Keyboard Controller
Number of Keys	61
Type of Keys	Semi-weighted
Velocity Sensitive	Yes
Aftertouch	Yes
Pads	8
Other Controllers	Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
Encoders/Pots	8
Faders	9
Dedicated Transport Control	Yes
Zones	4
Pedal Inputs	1 x 1/4" (sustain), 1 x 1/4" (expression)
MIDI I/O	In/Out/USB
USB	1 x Type B
Computer Connectivity	USB
Software	Ableton Live Lite
Hardware Requirements - Mac	Dual Core processor or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
Hardware Requirements - PC	Dual Core processor or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
OS Requirements - Mac	OS X 10.7 or later
OS Requirements - PC	Windows 7 or later
Power Supply	USB Bus Powered, AC-DC USB Adapter (sold separately)
Height	3.94"
Width	40.24"
Depth	13.07"
Weight	14.3 lbs.

FAQs

Is the Novation Impulse 61 compatible with Ableton Live?: Yes, the Novation Impulse 61 comes with Ableton Live Lite and is designed to integrate seamlessly with Ableton Live, offering dedicated controls for easy navigation and performance.
Does the Novation Impulse 61 have aftertouch capability?: Yes, the Novation Impulse 61 features aftertouch, allowing for expressive playing by responding to the pressure applied to the keys after the initial strike.
What type of keys does the Novation Impulse 61 have?: The Novation Impulse 61 features 61 semi-weighted keys, providing a balance between the feel of a traditional piano and the responsiveness needed for dynamic playing.
Can the Novation Impulse 61 be powered via USB?: Yes, the Novation Impulse 61 is USB bus-powered, meaning it can be powered directly through a USB connection to your computer without the need for an external power supply.
How many pads are included on the Novation Impulse 61?: The Novation Impulse 61 includes 8 velocity-sensitive pads, which can be used for triggering samples, loops, or drum sounds during live performances or studio sessions.
What are the main connectivity options for the Novation Impulse 61?: The Novation Impulse 61 offers MIDI In/Out and USB connectivity, allowing it to interface with a wide range of music production setups and external MIDI devices.

Videos

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Reviews

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PROS

Easy to create own controller setups in DAWs
Traditional pitch and mod wheels preferred by some users
Semi-weighted keys offer better feel than many MIDI controllers
Drum pads are solid and reliable for long-term use
Automap software facilitates quick setup with DAWs
Intuitive programming for Logic users with full control over mixer and plugins
USB powered for convenience and portability
Quality build, described as durable despite being plastic
Specific features like ARP function for creative patterns
Designed for easy use, not very complicated for beginners

CONS

Keys may feel too stiff for some, not as light as expected
Spring-weighted keys not as piano-like as advertised
Automap software can be risky or cause annoyance for some users
Some users report issues with knobs and precision control
Configuration can be non-intuitive, with a learning curve
Dependent on DAW skills for full potential, challenging for DAW beginners
Physical build feels cheap to some, lacking in weight and sturdiness
Compatibility issues with certain DAWs, like Ableton, reported
Occasional hardware problems like random data sending to DAW
Some regret over keybed quality compared to professional keyboards

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation Impulse 61 USB Controller Keyboard.

Build quality

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The Impulse 61's keybed frame contributes to its weight, indicating a sturdier build compared to lighter models.
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The keys have a slight click due to minor wobble, contributing to a somewhat plasticy feel, despite having good resistance and weight.
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Features and functionality

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The aftertouch on the Impulse 61 requires significant pressure, which may affect playability for those seeking a lighter touch.
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The Impulse 61 generates two MIDI inputs via USB, one for the 5-pin DIN MIDI input and another for DAW-specific commands, providing flexibility in complex DAW setups.
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The dual MIDI interface allows for more complex DAW mappings, enhancing the controller's integration with software that supports MIDI scripting.
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Comparisons

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The Novation Remote 37 SL Mk 1's keybed is praised for smooth dynamics and easier aftertouch activation compared to the Impulse 61.
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The Novation SL61 Mk2 offers a better key action and build, though it features a unique joystick for pitch and modulation.
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Use cases and applications

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The Impulse 61's weight is manageable for gig transport in a standard gig bag despite its heavier build.
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Other

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Consideration of alternative models is suggested, such as the Roland RD-64, highlighting a preference for different keybed characteristics.
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Software and compatibility

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Users can safely disable the extra MIDI input port in DAWs if not utilizing the 5-pin DIN MIDI input, streamlining their digital audio workflow.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the dual MIDI input feature once they understand its purpose, finding it beneficial for advanced virtual and hardware setups.
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One owner, after 3 years, moved to an Akai MPK 261 but still uses the Impulse 61 occasionally for its control panel and pads.
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Value and pricing

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At $150, it's considered a reasonable option with good panel controls and acceptable pads, despite potential keybed concerns.
Source

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 8 Reviews and 49 Ratings

5 star

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2 star

1 star

chuck_cohen

612

almost 7 years ago

Fantastic controls, not-so-great quality keyboard.

This was purchased at the time when I lacked other controllers for DAW and VSTs parameters and thought I would need these controls. I was initially OK with the keybed, but later regretted the purchase as it didn't seem to be of very good quality (as compared to other pro keyboards & synths). I also initially had problems with the driver & set-up software (not quite so user-friendly). It does a great job for playing synth and organ, but I do wish now that I had gotten the Novation SL Mark II just for better keybed.

Roles:

Keyboardist Music Producer DJ

Genres:

Rock Progressive rock Jazz fusion

From Gear Setup

_r_a_m_o_n

over 9 years ago

Incredible versatile piece of gear!

I use this as my main MIDI Keyboard. Map faders, knobs and trigger samples. Use the ARP function to make interesting patterns, use cliplaunch to trigger clips in Ableton. Use trigger pads to trigger samples.

milessullivan

110

almost 13 years ago

Versatile keyboard with cool design and functional keys

"This is great, I use it to write all my tracks, I also use the RD-700 NX, I bought it because it looked cool and I liked the keys, it's also somewhere where I can put my vodka"

anders_ohlsson

over 10 years ago

Sweet midikeyboard, nice feeling with the semi-weighted keys. Lots of knobs and dragbars :) I like it!

I don´t know what more to say than what i wrote in the summary above. It seems like a good designed midi keyboard with a lot of options. Not very complicated to use.