Gearank

Overview

Far from an ordinary MIDI keyboard, the strength of the Novation 61 SL MKII is in its wealth of control options and convenient automatic mapping with popular DAW software that include Ableton, Logic 9, Pro Tools, Cuebase/Nuendo, Reason/Record, and Sonar.

Most notable of these controls are the 8 touch-sensitive encoders that feature 11 segment LED rings and infinite rotation.

Other controls include transport buttons, 8 pots, 8 sliders, 8 soft feel trigger pads, and a touch sensitive speed dial.

It also comes with an Xpression Pad and Xpression Stick for modern expressive control over sound and effects.

All these features make this MIDI keyboard appealing to electronic musicians and home studio producers.

Surprisingly it does not skimp on the keyboard, with 61 semi-weighted synth action keys that are velocity-sensitive and have after-touch.

It has been proven to work well with most of the popular DAWs, including Pro Tools, Reaper, Cubase, and of course with Ableton, which is the DAW software that it comes bundled with.

If you're looking for a feature packed MIDI keyboard with multiple DAW control options then the Novation 61 SL MKII is highly recommended.

Specifications

• Keys: 61 / semi-weighted / synth style / velocity-sensitive / aftertouch
• Pads: 8 velocity-sensitive pads
• Octave: Octave Up and Down
• Controls: 24 assignable Q-Link controllers that include 8 encoders, 8 knobs, 8 trigger pads, 8 faders, and Speed Dial
• Bundled Software: Ableton Live Lite, Xcite+ Loops and Samples, Software Synthesizer
• Power: DC Power Supply / USB Bus Powered
• Connectivity: USB, 5-pin MIDI In/Out/Thru ports, Footswitch and Expression pedal jacks
• Compatibility:Windows 7,8,10 & Mac OS X (10.8,10.9,10.10), iOS (via Apple Adapter)
• Dimensions: 11.5 x 38 x 2.7 inches
• Weight: 13.4 lbs