Novation 49SL MkIII 49-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard and Sequencer with DAW integration

Product Information

If the firmware update for your Novation device via Components fails, there are a number of troubleshooting steps we recommend trying. Frankly, the ability to sequence and control analogue hardware, MIDI-equipped instruments, plugins and your DAW all from one interface and clock source is excellent.

Please note that you will not be able to use the web-based Components app in browsers such as Safari, Firefox, and Internet Explorer as these browsers do not support webMIDI. Its synth-style semi-weighted keybed is both expressive and responsive, with a luxurious spring-like action. Its velocity-sensitive RGB pads also boast polyphonic aftertouch, providing you with an ultra-expressive way to launch clips, input steps into the sequencer, and tap out drum patterns.Each of the eight parts now have individual, independent arpeggiators, for building complex polyrhythmic patterns. The SL MkIII presents its primary features via five main modes: InControl (DAW control), Zones, Sequencer, Scales and Arp. Then, select the SL MKIII as a control surface, and select the input and output to Novation SL MKIII (MIDI2), which is how the InControl mode is displayed on PC.

The keyboard itself bears more than a passing resemblance to NI’s S‑series controllers, and not just because the previous generation’s greys and silvers are replaced with matte black. With a bit of perseverance you can work it into an okay workflow, but overall its uninspiring and does not lend itself to live use at all.

You can now use your DAW’s MIDI editing tools to quantise and edit your part if desired, just as you would with any softsynth. I’d prefer that the other way around so you can flip between rehearsing and recording with one hand. Ableton Live users get the best deal, with near plug-and-play setup and tight interaction with most Live elements, including parameter feedback provided by the five screens.

There’s a fair bit of mode juggling if you’re taking advantage of all the features, but it’s quite easy to learn, and I’m confident the SLMkIII will be refined further over time: just look at how the Circuit has continued to develop with new features since its launch. It has seamless integration into your DAW, control voltage outs, MIDI clock outs, and its own sequencer separate from your DAW. Even better would be some kind of tethered Launchpad or Circuit triggering function where you could use a larger pad grid for Pattern launching. Alternatively, Expand view mimics Ableton Live, with two Patterns from all eights Parts displayed in columns.This has all the features you’d want from an arp, and lets you create rhythmic variations by muting steps on the pads. Its exceptionally high scan rate of 10 kHz gives the keys a super dynamic feel for expressive performances.