Hey sorry, I’m considering buying this keyboard, do you think it’s still a good idea even if it’s 4 years old now? It would be my first keyboard ever but I really like to start going all in
@@Ego_S.B. hi. It depends what you are looking. If you just need a keyboard, don't buy it. There are much cheaper options. If you need a hub for other external devices such as synths etc., then it is a beast which can rule them all even without a computer. It also good for Abelron & Logic Pro. And has an amazing sequencer and other features like scales. To be honest if you are not planning performance outside your studio, then you can use a cheaper option with 67 keys and use a sequencer in your DAW. If you just creating music and don't have much equipment, then buy a cheap keyboard with 49 keys or even less and see how you develop. Save your money for good monitors. Check youtuber Taetro and see what he does with his little keyboard. Hope that helps
Finally, this is what I wanted the Komplete keyboard to be but is much more too and standalone without having to rely on a computer for the extended functions like scales, zones etc. An idea for future firmware would be to add probability or play once every 1,2,3... bars to the seq/arp steps and maybe a randomise function to fill the sequencer in one go as the Elektron sequencers do. I've got the 61key version on order, can't wait to get this and clear out a few other keyboards inc the Komplete.
Very late to the party, but I recently bought this controller used (like new, got it for a bargain) and I was also going through a "creative crisis". While I'm not a very good keyboardist, this has brought me a new perspective in music making that has allowed me to start writing again! Apart from the aftertouch on keys, which is a bit "jumpy" (goes from 0 to 100 almost instantaneously), I absolutely love this thing! Props to Novation for making such a useful controller!
Amazing demonstration ! I am French and I really do not master English but the explanations are so simple, clear and precise that I understood everything except two or three functions that I did not manage to translate in my head. Thank you very much -CALC- ♥️
Had the keyboard for just under a year and I love it. Probably my Best Buy and well worth the price tag. One way I like to use it is to fill a sequence up with complex chords I’d struggle to play live and use it as a trigger pad when over dubbing a track in ableton. If novation are listening it would be an awesome update to include some kind of save/recall feature for favourite chords in the menu so that you can quickly apply and build a sequence, perhaps taking some inspiration from the Kordbot? Extending choices and suggestions for progressions, also transpose of steps, racheting would be killer updates. All in all though it’s an amazing product as it is and I keep returning to these videos to learn something new.
Clearly needs a small display above/below the 8 sliders - he has to guess at what each track is. The SL MK1 had this and it makes it much easier without having to look at the computer screen. Other than that, and dropping 8 knobs from the MK1/MK2, this is a pretty awesome looking controller. I absolutely love the scale mode LEDs as I need help when it comes to scales! The new displays above the knobs are a massive improvement over the older models. CV/gate options *almost* replaces the need for a Beatstep pro.
If you hold Shift and move the slider it displays the parameter it is controlling without adjusting anything - essentially showing the names of each fader.
Phenomenal video. I’ve had my SL Mk III for a while but I’ve been wanting to get more out of it - I’ve just been happy using it to play my other synths. I got a lot out of this the first time, but I guarantee I’ll be watching it again in front of the keyboard as I go through everything. Thank you!
Hey chris, after eventually getting mine updated with the firmware, i absolutely love the SLMK3 49. I use it for controlling multiple synth modules via Cakewalk . And it is superb, I know it is very powerful, but taking it slow and using it in my context it is bearing fruit, i don't use all the features, but i dare say once i get my head around it's many features, i will...in time.
I've had my SL49 for about a year now and absolutely love it, though will admit that I didn't even know of most of these features. Well explained and in-depth vid. Cheers.
Great video. I learned more watching this than I did reading the user manual twice! Amazingly powerful device. Once you wrap your mind around what it can do, you can work wonders. Never have I had so much hardware working so seamlessly with software. I no longer have to open Live just to fool around, but if I do open it, I’m presented with a zillion more options. Anybody wanna buy my Mkii cheap?
@@NovationTV I really have been enjoying my time with the SL and have come to know it pretty well. Perhaps you could answer a couple of questions for me though. 1. Do the 'Right Arrow' (to the right of the pads) have any function? I can't find any use for them in any mode. I've never seen them light up - indicating that they have an available function. 2. With respect to sequencing. I know I can store up to 16 steps in a pattern and then store eight patterns in per part in a session. I also know that I can multi select patterns to have them play in order. Given that, is there any way to have more of a song oriented playback? Ie, play pattern 1 a few times, then pattern 2, then pattern 1 again a few times, then pattern 3, etc. I realize that I can copy patterns and place them in the order necessary, but this becomes difficult to follow and I eventually start running out of available pattern space. Actually, I run out pretty quickly. It would be great if a session could be thought of more like a song - in terms of sequencing. I really am impressed by the SL though. The hardware control alone - paired with an excellent key bed is worth the price of admission to me. I've created maxed out templates for a Rev2, ModX, Omnisphere, Uno, Skulpt, Moog Grandmother and several others and while I would LOVE to have more pages of controls available, in each case, I can focus on the controls most important to me. The 'Right Arrow' button thing is driving me crazy though. I feel like I'm missing out on some cool feature!
Hey guys @novation My sincerest request is that if you can issue a firmware update where in you can have a dedicated polychord mode....where you can map custom chords across the keybed (a feature present in the behringer deepmind 12) it will be a game changer for composition and orchestration!!!!
guys you should release a sequencer controller with 8 tracks in the circuit-mk3 format like the beatstep pro , I bet you are working on it already, thank u for your amazing products
Hey Chris! This is 99% perfect. Put in some Kordbot chords type programming in a future software update and this MIDI CTRL from Novation will sell like hot bread. One word: Brilliant!
Thanks for your feedback, Joao. We're glad you're excited about SL MkIII! Using the Sequencer and Scale modes it's possible to quickly create custom palettes of one-finger chords. We can't wait to hear what you create with it!
Hello again Chris! I'm very excited about the SL MKIII, is it possible to show us "Chord Mode" in a short little video. This is a very desirable feature for many users and since it was not talked about in this video i would like to see it in action. I tried to read the manual to know more about this, but there's little info. A video would be really great and it would also help sales. Please...
Hello Chris....is there any special reason you are selecting the specific number of the midi channel (for example, #6 here at 37:30) that you will use? Or are you just randomly selecting a channel as you film the tutorial? I'm wondering if I should be concerned about this? T hanks. Chris M Montreal, Canada
The LABS piano plug-in is set to receive MIDI from channel 6 so in order for SL MkIII to take control of this instrument, the corresponding MIDI channel must be selected.
@@NovationTV Thanks for the response-MUCH appreciated....so, because you (randomly?) chose channel 6 for your LABS piano plug-in, of naturally, you would have to choose channel 6 on the MK III for the midi channel, correct? Chris, Montreal
Hi Novation I'm a very happy user of the 61 SL MkIII and I really like it a lot. But I am missing one function and its the "Scale Chord" for the Pads from the Launchkey Series. When you select a scale on the Launchkey Series, the "Sclae Chord" function on the Pads puts the chords i-vii from the Scale (Major, Minors, 7ths, even 9ths) on the Pads, so you can easily play them and try out Chord progressions from the selected scale. That is such a useful tool for non-piano-players like me, that I really wish it would be available on the 61 SL MkIII. Since that's the flagship controller from novation, one would assume, that things like this from the smaller keyboards are of course also available on the big one, but unfortunately it's not. So heres's my question/feedback/input/improvement-suggestion: Can you PLEASE add the "Scale Chord" function from the Launchkey Series to the SL MkIII ? I'm sure there are a lot of players who would appreciate it and it should be easy to implement with a firmware update, because its just a matter of software and not hardware. Thank you in advance :) kind regards
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your suggestion with us, Michael. Afraid we don't have any news to share at the minute regarding any possible updates to SL MkIII but your feedback has been shared with the team for their consideration.
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I've wanted to get the Novation SL for many years but I wish the drum pads was like on the AKAI / had after-touch too so I would have all in one. Haven't bought any MIDI thingy whatsoever because I want a good keyboard + the good pads too. Guess having an XY-pad aswell would add even more functionality.
Wahouu ! OKayyyy ! I see a game changer here. A perfect "remote midi keyboard" for all my synth set up, hardware and software ! Great game changer here but i've already said it !
Hiya, re the automation lanes. Can you mute individual lanes? Say I have a lead I want to use pitch bend on. Can I add that and then mute and unmute the automation lane (not the lead sound) Regards
I'm totally new at this and lost! I bought a Novation launchkey MK3 61 and I'm using Ableton 10 Lite. I downloaded the Standalone features into it thinking that I was supposed too! Now I can't get back to the original settings that came with the controller, when I turn the launchkey MK3 61 on it automatically comes on in the Custom Modes as in the user manual 3.0 Standalone Features. I want to use it the way it in user manual 2.1 Session Mode! How do I change it?
Just got my sl mkiii and this really helps!! Going through the manual got me understanding how to navigate the controller, but left me w/ some workflow questions; this helps to see a little farther down the road. Question. How a bout a deep dive into components?? It is absolutely killing me right now lol. I’m ready to map but just do not understand how components works. Ty!!
Glad to hear that you're enjoying SL MkIII, Mike! Thanks for your feedback, we will certainly look into creating that. You can give us a call if you would like to discuss how to navigate Components: bit.ly/NovationSupport There is also a built-in Tutorial for each element of Components, that you can access from the main menu.
Wish it had a scales easy like the komplete kontrol keyboards have. The scales are mapped to the white keys in order from c regardless of root note selected.
Major oversight on this product, but easily fixed: Relying on Midi Thru to communicate with a fleet of hardware is not ideal when you have a lot of Controller data travelling the same cables like Sysex data for instance. We have 'Midi Networking' these days, where each Midi DIN or 'USB Host Port' has a dedicated connection. Note data is transmitted in a separate pipe from Controller/ Timing data. 2 Din plugs is good...but the 'USB Host Port' needs to enumerate at the bare minimum 16 'Virtual Midi Ports' so that Network software such as Copperlan can push the SL MKIII's data to a swag of gear independently. The SL MKIII should be the Master of a Network...but never will be without 'Virtual Midi Ports'.
Thanks for taking the time to share your initial reactions, Chris. Where you hoping for MIDI thru via USB? We're not sure that we agree that there has been an oversight as SL MkIII is primarily designed to function as a musical instrument and source of MIDI data.
Each Template should have the flexibility to be assigned to a port rather than a channel...when outputting from the SL MkIII. As an example, the iConnectAUDIO4+ interface 'enumerates 29 total, 16-channel MIDI Ports which are available for routing'
@@dustinpowell6507 Can you make them play consecutively without pressing a button yourself everytime to switch patterns? Dont got the keyboard yet, thinking about buying it
I love this. It's SO close to perfect. I'm itching to get the 61. Is there no way to build a custom model with polyphonic aftertouch at the keys themselves? It would be easy to use it only on the pads, as according to the specs they send polyphonic AT, but that limits what you can do somewhat with technique. Hmm...
I'm completely new to this, and ordered the SL....and I'm lost trying to follow. I'm worried because there seems to not be much tutorials, so i'm going to be on my own. I don't understand why they don't put out more tutorials...especially beginner level. These buttons have so many functions. I will say it's not as bad as ableton who shows how to install it, then literally says "now have fun". Edit: ok sorry I found a few video's from ableton that are helping break the ice of understanding. Also there are simple lesson's to the left of the program that I'm starting. Understand that a beginner is clueless when teaching how to use.
We're very sorry to hear that you're feeling a little lost. Please give our Support Team a call or use their 'Live Chat' feature to discuss this with them today - bit.ly/NovationSupport They can explain how to get started and make the most of your SL MkIII. We've also written a detailed User Guide that you might find helpful - fael-downloads-prod.focusrite.com/customer/prod/s3fs-public/downloads/SL%20MkIII%20User%20Guide%20V2%20English.pdf
Hi there, Just got the SL MK3 and having difficulty moving the red grid in ableton. The red grid that shows which scenes the SL is controlling. I can do one up one down, but not sure how to set it in ones left or right, it will move in 4's 5's but not one by one. thanks
Is the Ableton a preset template or something that we would need to configure ourselves? I don't see it as a factory preset on the Novation help centre page.
Ableton Live features dedicated MIDI Remote Scripts for our hardware that allows devices to intelligently take control. Providing you're working with Ableton Live 10 or above, you should find that you have access to the required script. We explain how to set it up here - th-cam.com/video/-oc1KpsWxfw/w-d-xo.html
Thanks 4 all the great information ; few questions 4 u 1. I’m using the motu av usb from long ago to connection all my instruments but compatible windows drivers are hard to find for most of the instruments as well as av, i want to start just using my sl 61 to control everything how would you create mappings that will just do simple changes of instrument patch’s? I don’t really need to change ‘LFO’ ex. instrumentS Yamaha tx81z, Roland jx8p Thanks in advance
You should find that you're able to use Components online to create dedicated SL MkIII Templates for each of your instruments. You can determine the behaviour and messages sent by the rotary controls, faders, buttons, pads, wheels, pedals and keys for each Template. You could create custom assignments that send program change messages to your instruments for functions such as Patch change. You can check out Components online here: components.novationmusic.com/slmkiii/librarian If you need assistance, our Support Team can help you set this up - bit.ly/NovationSupport John // Novation UK 🇬🇧
Is the CV Gate control sample accurate? I mean, when using it with a DAW such as Ableton, and then you sequence a CV/Gate analogue synth, will it all sync nice and tight (the MIDI and CV/Gate together)? Thanks by the way, very good video.
SL MkIII is designed for exactly that: To be used as a central point of sequencing and control for a setup that features both hardware and software and can certainly provide tight integration of all elements.
Just bought the 49SL mk3. Awesome!!! Is there an explanation of the the stock templates for the Octatrack, Rytm somewhere? Would you guys have a template for the Deepmind as well?
does it also have the "scale chord mode" with predefined chords (triads, 5ths, 7th,...) according to the selected scale, like the Launchkey? I would really need that... is it possible to implement in a firmware update maybe? :)
Hi Chris How do I go about connecting my circuit to the novation Sl mk3 and what midi port do I use As there is nothing in the manual to help you also how do you chain synths together Thanks
Nice! What I want to know is how it coops with paraphonic synths like the Dreadbox Erebus. I like to sustain one note/osc and play the other one/osc. As long as I play that with a midi keyboard this goes well. But does the Novation sequencer work also like that? So for instance, I want to play a low whole note and some high sixteenth notes over that. Will this be recorded and played back like that or will both oscillators reset on the first sixteenth note it encounters because a note-off will be sent with that 16th note?
This needs its own sound module, with breath controller, expanded sequencer, with 16track midi, and 16 track audio, and a mic input. and a touch screen app for android, ipad, fire tablets. everything tighly integrated, with no need for a computer, although the tablet could be used for the daw gui.
Is there anyway to get a hotter gate signal from the CV outs? I’m trying to sequence some older gear that needs a bit more than 5v and o can’t seem to find a way to adjust this anywhere.
Awesome tutorial! I just got it too, but when I enter scales mode and change the root key to say F, if I want to step record in a sequencer, it doesnt record the key I press. If I press a step in a sequencer and then press F note, it actually triggers A sharp note. Any ideas?
After watching this I wondered can you control the tempo and cue volume level for the timing click (I can do both on my AKAI APC 40 MKII) and can you solo multiple tracks too? If it can do this, I am sold and will sell the Akai and Novation SL61 MK2; the MK 3 seems like both of the best features in one unit and with CV/Gate for the old external synths. Love your 2600 by the way.
When working with Ableton Live, Logic and Reason, SL MkIII can be used to toggle the click track or metronome on/off but SL MkIII doesn't provide access to the tempo or volume level of the click track. This may be possible using MIDI learn.
I really wish Novation could make the pads have multiple banks per template. Or be able to have the pads mirror the keyboard notes, so i can arrow up and down to plays different notes on the pads. So i can have an ipad Koala sampler template
Thanks for your feedback on this. Afraid you are currently limited to 16 notes/pads. If you're looking for a controller with additional pads for a larger playable surface, have you considered Launchpad X or Pro?
When I click Shift +Templates, my options look a bit different I don't have the ability to choose colors or change channel. I can only select a template, and turn USB, DIN1, DIN2 CV/Gate1 CV/Gate2 on / off. I cannot - for example - select a different MIDI channel. Why?
You need to update your Firmware...I had the same issue...Those great guys at Novation helped me...Now i would cut your arm off if you tried to take my SLMK3 49 away from me.. One great thing i did not realise, if you are using the 2 midi out sockets to control multiple synth modules like i do, you can select midi out 1 or out 2 or out BOTH. Just another wee gem i found by trial and error.
Thanks for your interest, Thomas. We haven't created any dedicated templates for plug-ins but you can quickly take control of virtually any plug-in using SL MkIII in InControl mode or create a custom template using Components. components.novationmusic.com
Hi, can you help me? I cannot send immediate midi messages with each Session change. Can't find info on the Operation Manual.. I think it is important to be able to send midi messages (program changes or control changes) and save them in each Session. Thank you
What happens if you're running Ableton and Reason at the same time with "InControl"? Will the SL swap between them depending on which DAW has focus? Is there any way to play tracks from both at the same time? Thank you
I see how this would be great in any situation in which you’d want you keyboard sequencer to be the “master” and Ableton almost turns into another piece of hardware, but for us who currently record and compose in Ableton, and use Ableton to export arrangements, it seems like this keyboard does not support that workflow? In other words, I’d love to use this keyboard to sequence when away from Ableton and then be able to import the midi data into Ableton’s session view, and then eventually turn that into an arrangement which will get bounced. When using the SL to control Ableton along with the sequencer data it has stored, how do you efficiently take that and record all of it? Back into Ableton’s arrangement view? If so, that seems like almost extra work, unless I’m missing something here?
I could also see this getting really complicated if you had to trigger rows of Ableton clips at the same time change the playback from the SL? I would love a video on taking what you made and recording/ bouncing it down.
Hi. I'm on the hunt for a DAWless sequencer/controller and have narrowed it down to either the Keystep Pro or one of the Novation SL3 keyboards. What is the note resolution of the SL3s? How off grid is unquantised recording? Can you match/surpass the Keystep Pro's 48ppq (effectively 12 microsteps)?
Which version of Ableton Live are you using? Specifically what kind of control are you looking for? SL MkIII automatically controls Ableton Live using Control Surface support that was added in Ableton Live 10.0.4. John // Novation UK 🇬🇧
Do you plan in a future update to allow browsing and loading samples, instruments or devices directly from the SLMK3? That would be awesome so you don't need to use a mouse and have all ableton control onboard including VSTs :)
Interesting idea. We can certainly appreciate why that would be useful. Access to those parameters would require extensive collaboration with DAW developers.
@@NovationTV It could give a similar experience as with a push but in a keyboard version. So you can compose live, search and load instruments/devices. Simple access to your DAW and Hardware controls to get the best workflow, create live and forget about your mouse :) I am sure it might be challenging to develop but that's a feature that I would love to see ! Cheers!
Will the Key LED Zones interact with NI Kontakt instruments in a similar way that the Kontrol series keyboards do? If not, will it be possible setup presets that mimic the look of the Kontakt instrument?
SL MkIII doesn't currently support NKS so it is likely that it won't perform as you are hoping. SL MkIII is primarily designed to function as a central hub for a variety of different creative configurations be that all hardware, in the box or a hybrid of the two.
Still very relevant review in 2023. Could not have been done better! Thank you, Chris!
Hey sorry, I’m considering buying this keyboard, do you think it’s still a good idea even if it’s 4 years old now? It would be my first keyboard ever but I really like to start going all in
@@Ego_S.B. hi. It depends what you are looking. If you just need a keyboard, don't buy it. There are much cheaper options. If you need a hub for other external devices such as synths etc., then it is a beast which can rule them all even without a computer. It also good for Abelron & Logic Pro. And has an amazing sequencer and other features like scales. To be honest if you are not planning performance outside your studio, then you can use a cheaper option with 67 keys and use a sequencer in your DAW. If you just creating music and don't have much equipment, then buy a cheap keyboard with 49 keys or even less and see how you develop. Save your money for good monitors. Check youtuber Taetro and see what he does with his little keyboard. Hope that helps
Finally, this is what I wanted the Komplete keyboard to be but is much more too and standalone without having to rely on a computer for the extended functions like scales, zones etc.
An idea for future firmware would be to add probability or play once every 1,2,3... bars to the seq/arp steps and maybe a randomise function to fill the sequencer in one go as the Elektron sequencers do. I've got the 61key version on order, can't wait to get this and clear out a few other keyboards inc the Komplete.
I just ordered the 61. I cant wait. I've been waiting for these types of features in a controller for years!
Very late to the party, but I recently bought this controller used (like new, got it for a bargain) and I was also going through a "creative crisis". While I'm not a very good keyboardist, this has brought me a new perspective in music making that has allowed me to start writing again! Apart from the aftertouch on keys, which is a bit "jumpy" (goes from 0 to 100 almost instantaneously), I absolutely love this thing! Props to Novation for making such a useful controller!
Would love a transpose sequence & ratcheting features for the sequencer
Amazing demonstration ! I am French and I really do not master English but the explanations are so simple, clear and precise that I understood everything except two or three functions that I did not manage to translate in my head. Thank you very much -CALC- ♥️
Glad it was helpful!
Calc is really a product specialist! extremely well done and explained! thanx
This guy looks like British Super Mario
I love it
More like Obelix without braids
JSupper then the SL mk3 is the green mushroom
@@ckay7665 a talented non-alcoholic Gerard Depardieu
I've been waiting this for a while! Excellent controller!
Thanks, man! We think you're really going to like this.
Can't wait to put my sequences on display with this monster!
Alba Ecstasy Hey there! I’m all over this as well!
Had the keyboard for just under a year and I love it. Probably my Best Buy and well worth the price tag. One way I like to use it is to fill a sequence up with complex chords I’d struggle to play live and use it as a trigger pad when over dubbing a track in ableton.
If novation are listening it would be an awesome update to include some kind of save/recall feature for favourite chords in the menu so that you can quickly apply and build a sequence, perhaps taking some inspiration from the Kordbot? Extending choices and suggestions for progressions, also transpose of steps, racheting would be killer updates. All in all though it’s an amazing product as it is and I keep returning to these videos to learn something new.
Awesome MIDI controller, and amazing way of explaining everything, a very nice useful video! Thank you, sir!
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
The tune at 43:40 is good. This guy's got some skill.
4 years after the making of this video I put this controller on my wishlist. And as with most things Novation, wishing means buying ;-) Thanks Chris.
Thanks for your continued support! 🙌🙏
Clearly needs a small display above/below the 8 sliders - he has to guess at what each track is. The SL MK1 had this and it makes it much easier without having to look at the computer screen. Other than that, and dropping 8 knobs from the MK1/MK2, this is a pretty awesome looking controller. I absolutely love the scale mode LEDs as I need help when it comes to scales! The new displays above the knobs are a massive improvement over the older models. CV/gate options *almost* replaces the need for a Beatstep pro.
If you hold Shift and move the slider it displays the parameter it is controlling without adjusting anything - essentially showing the names of each fader.
^pro tip right there^^^
@@NiElsir I’ll be dammned. Thanks.
Wow! Now, that's a really capable sequencer! I almost missed this great innovation because of the Moog One hype :-)
This is the kind of machine that makes any synth great. Good for them who kept all theirs...
I can’t wait to open up my sl mkiii 61 tomorrow in the mail. Nice watch by the way
Phenomenal video. I’ve had my SL Mk III for a while but I’ve been wanting to get more out of it - I’ve just been happy using it to play my other synths. I got a lot out of this the first time, but I guarantee I’ll be watching it again in front of the keyboard as I go through everything. Thank you!
Thanks for your feedback! It's great to hear that you found this inspiring.
Marketing team: The focus group responded positively to the word 'powerful'
Great to see someone else has an Electric Storm print on their wall.
Thanks for providing such a video. Super nice to really have an idea of the workflow.
Hey chris, after eventually getting mine updated with the firmware, i absolutely love the SLMK3 49. I use it for controlling multiple synth modules via Cakewalk . And it is superb, I know it is very powerful, but taking it slow and using it in my context it is bearing fruit, i don't use all the features, but i dare say once i get my head around it's many features, i will...in time.
I've had my SL49 for about a year now and absolutely love it, though will admit that I didn't even know of most of these features. Well explained and in-depth vid. Cheers.
Tuning through the CV calibration was slick, just ordered one up!
This is awesome :o Who'd want the KeyStep Pro when this is out there?
Great video. I learned more watching this than I did reading the user manual twice! Amazingly powerful device. Once you wrap your mind around what it can do, you can work wonders. Never have I had so much hardware working so seamlessly with software. I no longer have to open Live just to fool around, but if I do open it, I’m presented with a zillion more options. Anybody wanna buy my Mkii cheap?
Thanks for taking the time to share this with us, Gregory! This is great to see. We're really glad you're enjoying working with SL MkIII.
@@NovationTV I really have been enjoying my time with the SL and have come to know it pretty well. Perhaps you could answer a couple of questions for me though.
1. Do the 'Right Arrow' (to the right of the pads) have any function? I can't find any use for them in any mode. I've never seen them light up - indicating that they have an available function.
2. With respect to sequencing. I know I can store up to 16 steps in a pattern and then store eight patterns in per part in a session. I also know that I can multi select patterns to have them play in order.
Given that, is there any way to have more of a song oriented playback? Ie, play pattern 1 a few times, then pattern 2, then pattern 1 again a few times, then pattern 3, etc.
I realize that I can copy patterns and place them in the order necessary, but this becomes difficult to follow and I eventually start running out of available pattern space. Actually, I run out pretty quickly.
It would be great if a session could be thought of more like a song - in terms of sequencing.
I really am impressed by the SL though. The hardware control alone - paired with an excellent key bed is worth the price of admission to me.
I've created maxed out templates for a Rev2, ModX, Omnisphere, Uno, Skulpt, Moog Grandmother and several others and while I would LOVE to have more pages of controls available, in each case, I can focus on the controls most important to me.
The 'Right Arrow' button thing is driving me crazy though. I feel like I'm missing out on some cool feature!
I'm very thankful for this super deep dive! It was enlightening.
Really nice tutorial - clear and easy to follow. Cheers.
Amazing presentation and clearly explained
Hey guys @novation My sincerest request is that if you can issue a firmware update where in you can have a dedicated polychord mode....where you can map custom chords across the keybed (a feature present in the behringer deepmind 12) it will be a game changer for composition and orchestration!!!!
oh wow, look at that. my X-Station's replacement is finally coming out!
Chris always does great work
Just got mine and this helped me learn a ton! Thank you!
Hey Calc, hope all well. Great in-depth demo... answered many questions I had 👍🏼
Thanks! Glad you found this useful.
guys you should release a sequencer controller with 8 tracks in the circuit-mk3 format like the beatstep pro , I bet you are working on it already, thank u for your amazing products
Excellent video man, cheers. Is that the White Noise: An Electric Storm album I see on the wall there Chris? Oh, and by the way, THAT watch! 👌
This is what Circuit 2 will come from
just got my si49 today. this video really helped me out. thank you so much. a big thumbs up and sub from me.
🙌
I think I'm going to get the 61 to replace my mk1 :) should work very nicely as a master keyboard and optional sequencer for deluge
I would love a SL25 to work with the Deluge because this looks very easy to use! Greetz and thanx for all your great vids on Deluge 👍✌️👌
Hey Chris! This is 99% perfect.
Put in some Kordbot chords type programming in a future software update and this MIDI CTRL from Novation will sell like hot bread. One word: Brilliant!
Thanks for your feedback, Joao. We're glad you're excited about SL MkIII! Using the Sequencer and Scale modes it's possible to quickly create custom palettes of one-finger chords. We can't wait to hear what you create with it!
Hello again Chris! I'm very excited about the SL MKIII, is it possible to show us "Chord Mode" in a short little video. This is a very desirable feature for many users and since it was not talked about in this video i would like to see it in action. I tried to read the manual to know more about this, but there's little info. A video would be really great and it would also help sales. Please...
Joao Filipe Santos I agree!
Excellent demo!
Superb , maybe some note shift and ratchet features would really pay off too.
The placement of your left hand, with the red circle in your t shirt makes it look like you’re holding a table tennis bat! 😂😂😂
Hello Chris....is there any special reason you are selecting the specific number of the midi channel (for example, #6 here at 37:30) that you will use? Or are you just randomly selecting a channel as you film the tutorial? I'm wondering if I should be concerned about this?
T hanks.
Chris M
Montreal, Canada
The LABS piano plug-in is set to receive MIDI from channel 6 so in order for SL MkIII to take control of this instrument, the corresponding MIDI channel must be selected.
@@NovationTV Thanks for the response-MUCH appreciated....so, because you (randomly?) chose channel 6 for your LABS piano plug-in, of naturally, you would have to choose channel 6 on the MK III for the midi channel, correct?
Chris, Montreal
Hi Novation
I'm a very happy user of the 61 SL MkIII and I really like it a lot. But I am missing one function and its the "Scale Chord" for the Pads from the Launchkey Series.
When you select a scale on the Launchkey Series, the "Sclae Chord" function on the Pads puts the chords i-vii from the Scale (Major, Minors, 7ths, even 9ths) on the Pads, so you can easily play them and try out Chord progressions from the selected scale.
That is such a useful tool for non-piano-players like me, that I really wish it would be available on the 61 SL MkIII. Since that's the flagship controller from novation, one would assume, that things like this from the smaller keyboards are of course also available on the big one, but unfortunately it's not.
So heres's my question/feedback/input/improvement-suggestion: Can you PLEASE add the "Scale Chord" function from the Launchkey Series to the SL MkIII ? I'm sure there are a lot of players who would appreciate it and it should be easy to implement with a firmware update, because its just a matter of software and not hardware.
Thank you in advance :)
kind regards
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your suggestion with us, Michael. Afraid we don't have any news to share at the minute regarding any possible updates to SL MkIII but your feedback has been shared with the team for their consideration.
I've wanted to get the Novation SL for many years but I wish the drum pads was like on the AKAI / had after-touch too so I would have all in one. Haven't bought any MIDI thingy whatsoever because I want a good keyboard + the good pads too. Guess having an XY-pad aswell would add even more functionality.
Great to hear that you're interested in SL MkIII! Similarly to the Keys, the SL MkIII Pads also feature poly aftertouch.
Great video, love my slmk3
Wahouu ! OKayyyy ! I see a game changer here. A perfect "remote midi keyboard" for all my synth set up, hardware and software ! Great game changer here but i've already said it !
Thanks for checking it out! It's great to hear that you're a fan 🙌
Hiya, re the automation lanes.
Can you mute individual lanes? Say I have a lead I want to use pitch bend on. Can I add that and then mute and unmute the automation lane (not the lead sound)
Regards
I'm totally new at this and lost! I bought a Novation launchkey MK3 61 and I'm using Ableton 10 Lite. I downloaded the Standalone features into it thinking that I was supposed too! Now I can't get back to the original settings that came with the controller, when I turn the launchkey MK3 61 on it automatically comes on in the Custom Modes as in the user manual 3.0 Standalone Features. I want to use it the way it in user manual 2.1 Session Mode! How do I change it?
This is awesome
Just got my sl mkiii and this really helps!! Going through the manual got me understanding how to navigate the controller, but left me w/ some workflow questions; this helps to see a little farther down the road.
Question. How a bout a deep dive into components?? It is absolutely killing me right now lol. I’m ready to map but just do not understand how components works. Ty!!
Glad to hear that you're enjoying SL MkIII, Mike! Thanks for your feedback, we will certainly look into creating that. You can give us a call if you would like to discuss how to navigate Components: bit.ly/NovationSupport There is also a built-in Tutorial for each element of Components, that you can access from the main menu.
Wish it had a scales easy like the komplete kontrol keyboards have. The scales are mapped to the white keys in order from c regardless of root note selected.
Major oversight on this product, but easily fixed:
Relying on Midi Thru to communicate with a fleet of hardware is not ideal when you have a lot of Controller data travelling the same cables like Sysex data for instance.
We have 'Midi Networking' these days, where each Midi DIN or 'USB Host Port' has a dedicated connection. Note data is transmitted in a separate pipe from Controller/ Timing data.
2 Din plugs is good...but the 'USB Host Port' needs to enumerate at the bare minimum 16 'Virtual Midi Ports' so that Network software such as Copperlan can push the SL MKIII's data to a swag of gear independently.
The SL MKIII should be the Master of a Network...but never will be without 'Virtual Midi Ports'.
Thanks for taking the time to share your initial reactions, Chris. Where you hoping for MIDI thru via USB? We're not sure that we agree that there has been an oversight as SL MkIII is primarily designed to function as a musical instrument and source of MIDI data.
Each Template should have the flexibility to be assigned to a port rather than a channel...when outputting from the SL MkIII.
As an example, the iConnectAUDIO4+ interface 'enumerates 29 total, 16-channel MIDI Ports which are available for routing'
Would be much nicer if the sequencers could have 32 steps and also if it had some kind of in scale chords mode like the Launchpad Pro
It has microsteps. 16 eight part steps. 128 steps.
@@ThreeBeingOne Yes, you could have 2 patterns consecutively for 32-steps.
@@dustinpowell6507 Can you make them play consecutively without pressing a button yourself everytime to switch patterns? Dont got the keyboard yet, thinking about buying it
This seems like what the Native Instrument mk2 wanted to be.... but its reliance on NI software is its greatest limitation IMO...
I love this. It's SO close to perfect. I'm itching to get the 61.
Is there no way to build a custom model with polyphonic aftertouch at the keys themselves?
It would be easy to use it only on the pads, as according to the specs they send polyphonic AT, but that limits what you can do somewhat with technique. Hmm...
LOVE IT!
Great video!
Amazing!
i'm selling so much crap when this comes out!
I've been selling shyte and pretty damn near have enough to score one too lol
Great tutorial, thank you for making it. Can you quantise a sequence in Ableton directly from the mklll?
Yes. You'll set the quantisation in Ableton itself.
I'm completely new to this, and ordered the SL....and I'm lost trying to follow. I'm worried because there seems to not be much tutorials, so i'm going to be on my own. I don't understand why they don't put out more tutorials...especially beginner level. These buttons have so many functions. I will say it's not as bad as ableton who shows how to install it, then literally says "now have fun". Edit: ok sorry I found a few video's from ableton that are helping break the ice of understanding. Also there are simple lesson's to the left of the program that I'm starting. Understand that a beginner is clueless when teaching how to use.
We're very sorry to hear that you're feeling a little lost. Please give our Support Team a call or use their 'Live Chat' feature to discuss this with them today - bit.ly/NovationSupport
They can explain how to get started and make the most of your SL MkIII. We've also written a detailed User Guide that you might find helpful -
fael-downloads-prod.focusrite.com/customer/prod/s3fs-public/downloads/SL%20MkIII%20User%20Guide%20V2%20English.pdf
We really need 88 semiweighted-keys version of sl mk3! Pleeeeeeeease)
very helpful i will buy one
That's great to hear!
please do a video tutorial on 1.2 and 1.3 firmware updates. :)
Great! But even greater would be a 32 or 64 step sequencer. Is there anything out there?
Hi there, Just got the SL MK3 and having difficulty moving the red grid in ableton. The red grid that shows which scenes the SL is controlling. I can do one up one down, but not sure how to set it in ones left or right, it will move in 4's 5's but not one by one. thanks
Is the Ableton a preset template or something that we would need to configure ourselves? I don't see it as a factory preset on the Novation help centre page.
Ableton Live features dedicated MIDI Remote Scripts for our hardware that allows devices to intelligently take control. Providing you're working with Ableton Live 10 or above, you should find that you have access to the required script. We explain how to set it up here - th-cam.com/video/-oc1KpsWxfw/w-d-xo.html
this might sound REALLY SIMPLE but how do you control the master volume of Ableton?
There are probably a number of ways to allocate a fader, but what are people finding to be the best way to set this up?
Stay in the "InControl" button mode. AFAIK with Ableton 11 live and firmware 1.4
Thanks 4 all the great information ; few questions 4 u 1. I’m using the motu av usb from long ago to connection all my instruments but compatible windows drivers are hard to find for most of the instruments as well as av, i want to start just using my sl 61 to control everything how would you create mappings that will just do simple changes of instrument patch’s? I don’t really need to change ‘LFO’ ex. instrumentS Yamaha tx81z, Roland jx8p Thanks in advance
You should find that you're able to use Components online to create dedicated SL MkIII Templates for each of your instruments. You can determine the behaviour and messages sent by the rotary controls, faders, buttons, pads, wheels, pedals and keys for each Template. You could create custom assignments that send program change messages to your instruments for functions such as Patch change. You can check out Components online here:
components.novationmusic.com/slmkiii/librarian
If you need assistance, our Support Team can help you set this up - bit.ly/NovationSupport
John // Novation UK 🇬🇧
How can I make the keyboard slave of the tempo of abelton in order to have the sequencer and the arp sync with the software?
lots to like here and nice music
Thanks, Hank. Glad you're a fan 🙏
Is the CV Gate control sample accurate? I mean, when using it with a DAW such as Ableton, and then you sequence a CV/Gate analogue synth, will it all sync nice and tight (the MIDI and CV/Gate together)? Thanks by the way, very good video.
SL MkIII is designed for exactly that: To be used as a central point of sequencing and control for a setup that features both hardware and software and can certainly provide tight integration of all elements.
Just bought the 49SL mk3. Awesome!!! Is there an explanation of the the stock templates for the Octatrack, Rytm somewhere? Would you guys have a template for the Deepmind as well?
does it also have the "scale chord mode" with predefined chords (triads, 5ths, 7th,...) according to the selected scale, like the Launchkey? I would really need that... is it possible to implement in a firmware update maybe? :)
Hi Chris
How do I go about connecting my circuit to the novation Sl mk3 and what midi port do I use
As there is nothing in the manual to help you also how do you chain synths together
Thanks
Nice! What I want to know is how it coops with paraphonic synths like the Dreadbox Erebus. I like to sustain one note/osc and play the other one/osc. As long as I play that with a midi keyboard this goes well. But does the Novation sequencer work also like that? So for instance, I want to play a low whole note and some high sixteenth notes over that. Will this be recorded and played back like that or will both oscillators reset on the first sixteenth note it encounters because a note-off will be sent with that 16th note?
This needs its own sound module, with breath controller, expanded sequencer, with 16track midi, and 16 track audio, and a mic input. and a touch screen app for android, ipad, fire tablets.
everything tighly integrated, with no need for a computer, although the tablet could be used for the daw gui.
I don't get it. I chose peak but when I change the frequency knob, nothing is happening. What am I doing wrong?
Is there anyway to get a hotter gate signal from the CV outs? I’m trying to sequence some older gear that needs a bit more than 5v and o can’t seem to find a way to adjust this anywhere.
Hi there, our Support Team would love to discuss this, please reach out at bit.ly/NovationSupport.
Awesome tutorial! I just got it too, but when I enter scales mode and change the root key to say F, if I want to step record in a sequencer, it doesnt record the key I press. If I press a step in a sequencer and then press F note, it actually triggers A sharp note. Any ideas?
So will I be able to set zones when in InControl mode? I wanted to have different zones for software instruments on my DAW
After watching this I wondered can you control the tempo and cue volume level for the timing click (I can do both on my AKAI APC 40 MKII) and can you solo multiple tracks too? If it can do this, I am sold and will sell the Akai and Novation SL61 MK2; the MK 3 seems like both of the best features in one unit and with CV/Gate for the old external synths. Love your 2600 by the way.
When working with Ableton Live, Logic and Reason, SL MkIII can be used to toggle the click track or metronome on/off but SL MkIII doesn't provide access to the tempo or volume level of the click track. This may be possible using MIDI learn.
@@NovationTV Thanks very much for both replies, it helps me decide on what to do about selling the APC 40MKII and my Novation SL61 MK2.
Question - I just got this one. May I ask how to clear the sequencer? It has a demo pattern I can't seem to get rid of.
Thanks!
Al
I really wish Novation could make the pads have multiple banks per template. Or be able to have the pads mirror the keyboard notes, so i can arrow up and down to plays different notes on the pads. So i can have an ipad Koala sampler template
Thanks for your feedback on this. Afraid you are currently limited to 16 notes/pads. If you're looking for a controller with additional pads for a larger playable surface, have you considered Launchpad X or Pro?
When I click Shift +Templates, my options look a bit different I don't have the ability to choose colors or change channel. I can only select a template, and turn USB, DIN1, DIN2 CV/Gate1 CV/Gate2 on / off. I cannot - for example - select a different MIDI channel. Why?
You need to update your Firmware...I had the same issue...Those great guys at Novation helped me...Now i would cut your arm off if you tried to take my SLMK3 49 away from me.. One great thing i did not realise, if you are using the 2 midi out sockets to control multiple synth modules like i do, you can select midi out 1 or out 2 or out BOTH. Just another wee gem i found by trial and error.
Are there any VST control templates out of the box? Or just best to use the editing software?
Thanks for your interest, Thomas. We haven't created any dedicated templates for plug-ins but you can quickly take control of virtually any plug-in using SL MkIII in InControl mode or create a custom template using Components. components.novationmusic.com
Hi, can you help me? I cannot send immediate midi messages with each Session change. Can't find info on the Operation Manual.. I think it is important to be able to send midi messages (program changes or control changes) and save them in each Session. Thank you
Our Support Team would ike to help you with that - bit.ly/NovationSupport
Are there going to come new updates for this?
The automation just doesn't work for me. I pressed play and record, change the knob, and it doesn't turn red and doesn't record anything.
What happens if you're running Ableton and Reason at the same time with "InControl"? Will the SL swap between them depending on which DAW has focus? Is there any way to play tracks from both at the same time? Thank you
Hi, great video. I know it's off-topic, but what type of watch is that on your wrist? :)
And if I want to record directly in real time a notes sequence or automations of 32 or more steps? Is it possible?
Can you have the arpeggiator running while playing other sounds and then also still be able to morph and tweak the arpeggiator live?
I see how this would be great in any situation in which you’d want you keyboard sequencer to be the “master” and Ableton almost turns into another piece of hardware, but for us who currently record and compose in Ableton, and use Ableton to export arrangements, it seems like this keyboard does not support that workflow? In other words, I’d love to use this keyboard to sequence when away from Ableton and then be able to import the midi data into Ableton’s session view, and then eventually turn that into an arrangement which will get bounced. When using the SL to control Ableton along with the sequencer data it has stored, how do you efficiently take that and record all of it? Back into Ableton’s arrangement view? If so, that seems like almost extra work, unless I’m missing something here?
I could also see this getting really complicated if you had to trigger rows of Ableton clips at the same time change the playback from the SL? I would love a video on taking what you made and recording/ bouncing it down.
Hi. I'm on the hunt for a DAWless sequencer/controller and have narrowed it down to either the Keystep Pro or one of the Novation SL3 keyboards. What is the note resolution of the SL3s? How off grid is unquantised recording? Can you match/surpass the Keystep Pro's 48ppq (effectively 12 microsteps)?
Hi Dino! We'd love to chat more with you about these specifics and any other questions you have. Please reach out at bit.ly/NovationSupport
How do you control the volume in standalone mode?
Where to get the Ableton Template?
Which version of Ableton Live are you using? Specifically what kind of control are you looking for?
SL MkIII automatically controls Ableton Live using Control Surface support that was added in Ableton Live 10.0.4.
John // Novation UK 🇬🇧
Do you plan in a future update to allow browsing and loading samples, instruments or devices directly from the SLMK3?
That would be awesome so you don't need to use a mouse and have all ableton control onboard including VSTs :)
Interesting idea. We can certainly appreciate why that would be useful. Access to those parameters would require extensive collaboration with DAW developers.
@@NovationTV It could give a similar experience as with a push but in a keyboard version. So you can compose live, search and load instruments/devices. Simple access to your DAW and Hardware controls to get the best workflow, create live and forget about your mouse :) I am sure it might be challenging to develop but that's a feature that I would love to see ! Cheers!
Will the Key LED Zones interact with NI Kontakt instruments in a similar way that the Kontrol series keyboards do? If not, will it be possible setup presets that mimic the look of the Kontakt instrument?
SL MkIII doesn't currently support NKS so it is likely that it won't perform as you are hoping. SL MkIII is primarily designed to function as a central hub for a variety of different creative configurations be that all hardware, in the box or a hybrid of the two.