Novation 49SL Mk3 – 49-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard w/ 16 Velocity-Sensitive Pads & 8-Track Sequencer
OVERVIEW
The 49SL MkIII is the centrepiece for your whole studio, both in and out of the box.
Create one seamless workflow between your DAW and all your hardware with premium semi-weighted keys, all the essential transport and mixing controls, and an eight-track polyphonic sequencer.
Sprawling setup? Bring MIDI hardware and CV/Gate synths together by plugging them all into your MIDI keyboard controller and keep everything perfectly in sync with one routable clock for the whole system.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Total Control:
Get to work with your favourite hardware with all the benefits of a DAW at your fingertips; no need to look at a computer screen. Pull your DAW out of the box and combine it with your hardware synths – connecting everything through SL MkIII. Then easily control everything with highly customisable mappings for your hardware and software. Or create your own in the software editor.
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. It’s got aftertouch too, assignable to anything. Its exceptionally high scan rate of 10 kHz gives the keys a super dynamic feel for expressive performances. And you can see scales, modes, and zones instantly with vibrant on-key RGB LED feedback.
SL MkIII’s velocity-sensitive RGB pads have multiple functions too: they can be used for launching clips, as steps in the sequencer, for finger drumming, and have polyphonic aftertouch.
Internal Eight-Track Pattern-Based Sequencer:
Input notes step-by-step, or record as you go; you can play and edit your sequences directly from the keyboard. Then record parameter automation straight onto the sequencer, bringing your productions to life. You can choose an arp type, set a sync rate, tweak note and pattern lengths, and use the pads to design your rhythms in real time.
Keys for Live:
We’ve worked with Ableton® to create an unprecedented integration with Live™. SL MkIII truly pulls your sessions out of the box. The full colour LCD screens give you full visibility of your parameters, while the pads, buttons, eight faders and eight knobs get you hands-on with your music – and in any major music software, using InControl.
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.
FEATURES
- Easily integrate hardware with your DAW – get the best of both worlds, recording any electronic performance from one studio centrepiece
- The perfect controller for Live – full parameter feedback across five colour LCD screens, so you can see everything you are controlling.
- Internal eight-track pattern-based sequencer – record in real time or input notes per step, then edit your sequences directly from the keyboard and record automation
- LED feedback directly above each key – work with scales and keys and see all your zones and layers with vibrant RGB feedback
- Comprehensive connectivity – route anything anywhere with USB; MIDI In, Out, Out 2/Thru; three pedal inputs; Analogue Clock Out; and two CV Pitch, Gate, and Mod outputs
INCLUDED SOFTWARE
Everything You Need to Create
SL MkIII includes a unique software bundle to get you creating straight away. Ableton Live Lite and Cubase LE help you capture your ideas, while Klevgrand provides two premium plugins for mixing and effects. You’ll also receive instruments from GForce, XLN Audio, AAS, LABS, Native Instruments, and Melodics lessons.
Instruments
Get genre-tailored sounds with Komplete 15 Select from Native Instruments. Play rich strings with Spitfire LABS, classic keys with XLN’s Addictive Keys, and iconic synth tones with the AAS Session Bundle. Plus, create deep, analogue-style bass with the Bass Station plugin, built in collaboration with GForce.
Effects
Shape your sound with R0Verb’s lush reverb and DAW Cassette’s warm, lo-fi textures. Whether you’re adding space or creating a retro vibe, these effects bring character to every performance.
DAWs
Ableton Live Lite makes it easy to arrange loops, launch clips, and sketch out full tracks. Cubase LE is ideal for structured songwriting and production, with multiple audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks so you can start creating straight away.
NKS-READY HARDWARE
TECHNICAL SPECS
Keybed:
Keys: 49 Velocity-Sensitive, Individually Sprung
Key Type: Synth-Style, Semi-Weighted
Key Illumination: 49 RGB Keybed LEDs
Key Size: Full Size
Screens:
Displays: 5 x RGB TFT LCD
Performance Controls:
Pitch Bend: RGB Backlit Wheel
Modulation: RGB Backlit Wheel
Rotary Knobs: 8 Continuous
Sliders/Faders: 8
Drum Pads: 16 RGB Backlit, Velocity-Sensitive
Pad Pages: 2
Scene Launch Buttons: 2
Assignable Grid: 32 Pads (2 Pages of 16)
Navigation:
Assignable Buttons: 32 (2 Pages of 16)
Mode Switching Buttons: RGB Backlit (including InControl)
Octave/Transpose Buttons: Up and Down
Track Navigation Buttons: 2
Transport & Workflow:
Transport Buttons: 6 Dedicated
Additional Backlit Buttons: 59 with Tact Switches
Sequencer:
Sessions: 64
Tracks per Session: 8
Patterns per Track: 8 (16 Steps Each, 128 Steps Total)
Real-Time Record: Notes with Velocity & Automation
Quantisation: Notes to Steps, Automation to 6 Events per Step
Automation: 8 Lanes Maximum (Assignable Controls)
Internal Tempo: 40–240 BPM
Swing: 20–80%
Real-Time Performance:
Scales: 16 Types + Chromatic Transposition
Key Zones: Up to 8 Split Zones
Pattern Expand View: Flip the Grid
Pattern Control: Start/End, Direction (Including Random)
Pattern Chaining: Configurable
Session Switching: Instant or Queued
Editing:
Per Step: Velocity & Gate
Gate Lengths: Multiple (via Real-Time Record)
Automation: Editable per Step
Clear Functions: Step, Automation Parameter, Pattern, Session
Duplicate Functions: Step, Pattern
Connectivity (Rear Panel):
MIDI: 3 x 5-Pin DIN (In, Out, Out2/Thru)
Pedal Inputs:
- Sustain (1/4” TRS)
- Expression (1/4” TRS)
- Footswitch (1/4” TS)
CV/Gate/Modulation: 2 Sets via 3.5mm Jacks
Clock Output: 1
USB Port: USB-B 2.0 Socket
Power Switch: 1
Power Input: DC Socket
Security: Kensington Lock Slot
Software:
Included Software: Ableton Live Lite
Sound Content: 4 GB of Loopmasters Samples
Power Requirements:
Consumption: 12V, 1000mA
Power Supply: Included (Not USB Powered)
Dimensions:
Width: 817mm
Depth: 300mm
Height: 100mm