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Average Price: $245

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Description

The Novation SL61 MkII is a versatile 61-key MIDI keyboard controller designed for musicians who crave precision and flexibility in their creative process. This controller seamlessly integrates with your DAW, making it an ideal choice for both studio and live performances. Equipped with semi-weighted keys, the SL61 MkII offers an authentic playing experience that caters to pianists and synthesizer enthusiasts alike.

Each key is individually illuminated with RGB LEDs, providing visual feedback that adapts to your workflow, whether you're triggering samples or playing complex chord progressions. The SL61 MkII also features a comprehensive selection of assignable controls, including touch-sensitive faders, rotary knobs, and velocity-sensitive drum pads, allowing you to customize your setup to suit your unique style.

With its intuitive Automap 4 software, connecting and configuring your favorite plug-ins and instruments is straightforward, ensuring that you're always in control of your sound. Additionally, the SL61 MkII's high-resolution LCD screen keeps you informed about your settings, helping you to stay focused on your music.

Key Features:

  • 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch for expressive playability
  • RGB LED backlit keys for visual feedback
  • Fully assignable controls including faders, knobs, and pads
  • Touch-sensitive controls for dynamic interaction
  • Automap 4 software for effortless integration with DAWs and plugins
  • High-resolution LCD screen for real-time parameter visualization
  • Compatible with both Mac and PC systems
  • USB powered, eliminating the need for an external power source
  • MIDI I/O for connecting additional gear

Product specs

Brand Novation
Model ReMOTE 61 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 61 Keys
Number of Pads 8 Pads

FAQs

Does the Novation SL61 MkII have aftertouch?

Yes, the Novation SL61 MkII features aftertouch, allowing for expressive control over your performances by responding to the pressure applied to the keys after the initial strike.

How does the Novation SL61 MkII integrate with DAWs?

The Novation SL61 MkII offers deep integration with popular DAWs, featuring Automap software that maps the controller's knobs, faders, and buttons to your DAW's parameters for seamless control.

What connectivity options are available on the Novation SL61 MkII?

The Novation SL61 MkII provides MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, and USB MIDI, ensuring versatile connectivity with both hardware and software setups.

Are the keys on the Novation SL61 MkII full-sized and semi-weighted?

Yes, the Novation SL61 MkII features 61 full-sized, semi-weighted keys, offering a comfortable and responsive playing experience similar to a traditional piano.

How many pads does the Novation SL61 MkII have, and are they velocity-sensitive?

The Novation SL61 MkII includes 8 velocity-sensitive pads, which allow for dynamic and expressive performance control, ideal for triggering samples and beats.

Novation

Novation

Novation // SL MkII: Anything, Anywhere

Video thumbnail for Novation // SL MkII: Anything, Anywhere by Novation

Novation // SL MkII: Anything, Anywhere

Novation

Novation

Video thumbnail for Novation SL MkII Tutorial -- Part 1 of 4 by Focusrite

Novation SL MkII Tutorial -- Part 1 of 4

Focusrite

Focusrite

Video thumbnail for Novation // SL MkII and Automap Tutorial with Johnny Juice by Novation

Novation // SL MkII and Automap Tutorial with Johnny Juice

Novation

Novation

Video thumbnail for Kraft Music - Novation SL MkII MIDI Controllers with Paul Heyerdahl by Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Novation SL MkII MIDI Controllers with Paul Heyerdahl

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for Novation SL MKII most powerful MIDI controller by Tiho

Novation SL MKII most powerful MIDI controller

Tiho

Tiho

Video thumbnail for Novation Remote SL61 MkII Keyboard Piano Test -   Hozier - Take Me To Church by BioCompStudioMusic

Novation Remote SL61 MkII Keyboard Piano Test - Hozier - Take Me To Church

BioCompStudioMusic

BioCompStudioMusic

Reviews

PROS

  • Durable, reliable for long-term use

  • Offers extensive controls: over 24 knobs/sliders and array of buttons

  • Aftertouch feature for expressive playing

  • Pitch/mod section positioned to the left of the keybed

  • LED rotary knobs provide visual feedback

  • Touch-sensitive knobs/sliders enhance usability

  • Screen displays parameter names and values

  • Convertible pitch/mod joystick feels solid

  • Effective Ableton automapping

  • Semi-weighted keys for a good piano feel

CONS

  • Requires multiple software downloads for full functionality

  • Automapping for Logic Pro less effective

  • XY pad requires significant pressure, lacks smooth modulation

  • XY pad build feels cheap, can be noisy

  • Some users may find software setup overly complicated

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation SL61 MkII.

Build quality

  • The upper knobs are prone to becoming loose and may stop functioning properly over time.

    Source
  • The Novation SL MkII 61 offers a durable build with two MIDI OUTs, which enhances its connectivity for live performances and studio settings.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The drum pads require significant force to register input, limiting their usability.

    Source
  • The XY touchpad needs to be pressed firmly to work, which can be inconvenient during performance.

    Source
  • The LCD display on the Novation SL MkII 61 is noted for its utility in studio use, providing clear and comprehensive feedback.

    Source
  • Users mention that the SL61 MkII can sometimes require additional power when connected to iPads, suggesting a powered USB hub to avoid power issues.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • At $375, the Novation SL61 MkII is considered expensive given its age and the availability of more modern alternatives.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Launchkey Mk3 is noted for better build quality and integration with Ableton Live compared to the SL MkII.

    Source
  • The Studiologic SL 61 shares the same Fatar keybed as the Novation SL MkII but lacks the LCD and multiple knobs/faders, making the Novation preferable for live performances.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its weight, the Novation SL MkII 61 is portable enough to be carried under one arm, making it suitable for both travel and stationary use.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Novation SL MkII 61 for its reliable connectivity with modern synths and software, highlighting its versatility despite being an older model.

    Source
  • Owners using iPads have found that a message indicating excessive energy consumption may appear, necessitating the use of a power adapter.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A power adapter is recommended if using the SL61 MkII with external MIDI devices via a 5-pin DIN connection, rather than USB to a computer.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Novation 61SL MkII

soundonsound.com

The Novation SL61 MkII offers a blend of innovative touch-sensitive controls and effective visual feedback, enhancing the user experience for music producers. However, the removal of one LCD display compromises its usability, making it challenging to navigate quickly. While the Automap feature shines, initial control assignments can be hit or miss, and the closely packed controls may lead to accidental engagement. Overall, it’s a solid update with significant strengths, but a few design choices leave room for improvement.

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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F

Good quality and nice keys

My first midi controller and aimed for something with semiweighted keys, supposed to have good quality. Very happy so far, but haven’t gone deeply into mapping knobs and faders. Works were well to control synths and daw, and for keyboard practice with reasonable piano feeling

Artist usage

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See how David Tort uses Novation SL61 MkII

David Tort

DJ

...
Verified via Photo

In this user-uploaded photo, David Tort's minimalist personal studio features the Novation SL61 MkII MIDI Keyboard Controller.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Novation SL61 MkII, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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micolas

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