Updated Novation ReMOTE SL Line, and the Controller Keyboard Battle Heats Up
Novation has unveiled their revised SL line of controllers, dubbed the SL Mk II. The changes are subtle, but significant.
Looks awesome:
- Fatar semi-weight “fast touch” keyboard action
- Touch-sensitive controls for immediate feedback on the LED screen
- Buttons are now backlit
- Encoders are ringed with red LEDs
- Dedicated buttons for enabling Automap and switching modes (effects, mixing, etc.)
- Speed Dial!
- Bundled with Automap 3 PRO software, which now features keystroke assignment and a heads-up display (and PRO is free with a new keyboard, as expected, though there’s still an upgrade fee if you’re a current owner)
- The ZeRO now has a crossfader
- Lovely new silver-colored knob and fader caps – and a prettier-looking design, in general
- The pads may be flatter on top (the old model has odd, stiff raised pads – I’m hoping that’s improved here)
- It’s the tried-and-trusted SL – with all the software support that entails
Looks less awesome:
- The pads are still tiny
- The X/Y joystick for pitch/mod can be an acquired taste
- Novation has dropped the second LED screen strip above the faders, leaving only the one above the encoders. (not a deal killer, probably, because you can look at the physical position of the faders)
- No crossfader on the keyboard models (Edirol is the one keyboard maker I know of who have done this)
- The transport controls have been relocated to the buttons under the faders, which looks like they’ll be a little tougher to access
- Apparently in the interest of cost savings, the SL mk II will still have the same controller layout on the bigger keyboards – meaning if you have a 49-key or 61-key model, there’s a big blank space instead of more room for controllers (just as on the original SL). Put your iPod touch / iPhone there for extra controls, perhaps. This time, it’s centered, instead of all at one end.
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