Novation

Novation NOVSL49MK3 49SL MkIII MIDI Controller

4.4 (193 reviews)

Unleash Your Creative Potential with a Powerful MIDI ControllerThe Novation 49SL MkIII MIDI Controller is the ultimate centerpiece for your studio. Seamlessly integrate hardware and software, and create your next masterpiece with its intuitive sequencer and comprehensive controls. Brand: Novatio...

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Overview

Unleash Your Creative Potential with a Powerful MIDI Controller

The Novation 49SL MkIII MIDI Controller is the ultimate centerpiece for your studio. Seamlessly integrate hardware and software, and create your next masterpiece with its intuitive sequencer and comprehensive controls.

  • Brand: Novation
  • Model: NOVSL49MK3
  • Keys: 49-Key
  • Type: MIDI Controller
  • Sequencer: 8 Track Polyphonic
  • Connectivity: MIDI, CV/Gate

Key Features

Absolute hardware control - Bring MIDI hardware and CV/Gate synths together by plugging them all into SL MkIII, taking total control directly from the internal eight-track polyphonic pattern-based sequencer

It's the feel: SL MkIII boasts our finest and most playable synth-style semi-weighted keybed, with a sprung action tuned to the needs of the experienced player

The perfect controller for Live - We worked with Ableton to create a stunning keyboard controller for their Live music-making software. The five color LCD screens give you full parameter feedback, enabling you to see everything you are controlling

Internal 8 track pattern based sequencer

Keys to the DAWs - Deep integrations with Logic and Reason – plus HUI compatibility with Cubase, Pro Tools, Studio One and Reaper – mean SL MkIII can open up any DAW

One routable clock for the whole system - Whether you're in the box or outside the box, the MIDI and analogue clock and transport controls keep everything running in time

Specifications

Key Count
49
Keybed Type
Synth-style Semi-Weighted
Sequencer
Internal 8-Track Polyphonic Pattern-Based
Hardware Control
MIDI, CV/Gate Synths
DAW Integration
Ableton Live, Logic, Reason, Cubase, Pro Tools, Studio One, Reaper (HUI)
Display
5 Color LCD Screens
Clock System
One Routable Clock (MIDI & Analogue)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Offers absolute hardware control, enabling direct integration of MIDI hardware and CV/Gate synths from the controller
  • Incorporates an internal eight-track polyphonic pattern-based sequencer for standalone music creation and arrangement
  • Boasts Novation's finest synth-style semi-weighted keybed, providing a highly playable and responsive feel for musicians
  • Delivers deep integration with Ableton Live, offering full parameter feedback on five color LCD screens
  • Provides extensive DAW compatibility including Logic, Reason, Cubase, Pro Tools, Studio One, and Reaper via HUI
  • Features one routable clock for the entire system, ensuring synchronized operation across all MIDI and analog gear

👎 Cons

  • The 49-key layout might be restrictive for pianists or keyboardists who require a wider range for certain performances
  • While offering extensive control, mastering all the features of the internal sequencer may require a significant learning investment
  • The presence of five color LCD screens means visual attention is needed to interpret parameter feedback, potentially distracting from tactile control
  • Full utilization of hardware control requires external MIDI or CV/Gate synthesizers, which are not included
  • The specific HUI compatibility ensures basic DAW control, but may not offer the custom depth of dedicated native integrations for every DAW

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Novation 49SL MkIII features an internal eight-track polyphonic pattern-based sequencer, allowing for standalone music creation.
It boasts Novation's finest and most playable synth-style semi-weighted keybed, designed for an experienced player's feel.
Yes, it is designed as a perfect controller for Live, offering deep integration and full parameter feedback on its five color LCD screens.
Yes, it provides absolute hardware control, allowing you to bring MIDI hardware and CV/Gate synths together by plugging them directly into the SL MkIII.
It offers deep integrations with Logic and Reason, and HUI compatibility extends its use to Cubase, Pro Tools, Studio One, and Reaper.