Novation SL MkIII
R
eplete with knob,
fader and pad
controls, combined
with Novation’s
Automap system,
the SL II range
stood out as some of
the most flexible MIDI controllers
amongst 2009’s crowded
marketplace. A lot has changed since
then though; for all its flexibility, the
server-based Automap setup now
looks exceptionally cumbersome
compared to the plug-and-play
compatibility offered by systems like
standard MIDI controllers. Yes, you
can still plug the SL MkIII into a
computer and use it to adjust your
DAW, but with an eight-channel
onboard sequencer and multiple
forms of digital and analogue output,
this latest SL really can do much
more besides.
The SL MkIII comes in 49 and 61
key varieties, but aside from the range
of the keyboard the hardware is the
same for both. In either variety, the
keyboard is full sized, semi-weighted
and aftertouch-equipped. It’s a
classic synth-style keyboard feel, but
it’s fast and comfortable to play,
which is exactly what you need from
an all-rounder controller like this. The
velocity curve is adjustable, with a
fixed option available too.
The keyboard is joined by
solid-feeling pitch and mod wheels
placed to the left, along with a
generous crop of buttons, pads,
rotaries and faders, and five clear
LCD screens. The hardware itself is
lightweight enough to move around
without difficulty, but still feels robust
and well built. The top panel is matt
black and combined with the backlit
NI’s NKS or Akai’s Advance range,
and with the rise of Bluetooth MIDI
and resurgence of CV, many
musicians find that they need more
from their controllers than simple
USB and MIDI.
With the introduction of the SL
MkIIIs, Novation are once again
looking to up the flexibility stakes.
While the range of controls that sit
across its front panel aren’t a million
miles away from those found on its
predecessor, the new hardware ups
the connectivity and feature set in
order to go well beyond the realms of
THE PROS & CONS
+
Excellent, easy-to-
use sequencer
Flexible range of
digital and
analogue control
Components
system makes it
easy to manage and
edit template
-
No per-channel
swing
Some
randomistation/
variation tools
would be nice
Novation SL MkIII | Reviews
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FMU338.rev_novation.indd 83 29/10/2018 11:30