NOVATION REMOTE SL25 USB MIDI CONTROLLER (SOFT LABEL)
2-Octave MIDI Controller with Semi-Weighted and Aftertouch responsive Keyboard

ReMOTE SL (Soft Label) 25. The 2-octave USB controller keyboard contains many of the popular features from the ReMOTE series, along with 2 major innovations.

The ReMOTE SL25 heralds a completely new era of MIDI control. It’s the first controller keyboard that detects the software you are using in your virtual studio and logically ‘automaps’ that software’s controllers to the keyboard’s own front panel knobs and sliders, all at the click of a button. In short, no more fiddly overlays as the keyboard takes all the hard work out of assigning its controls to the software you are using.

The SL25 also quite literally set the world alight with two massive, brightly-lit LCDs which can show 16 different parameter names to match with the fascia controls, so that the user knows exactly what all the knob and sliders are assigned to. These, combined with a wealth of additional controls plus an on-board memory for 40 templates, mean that any SL user is in total control of their software at all times.

And now the SL revolution continues with the announcement of new, larger SL keyboards that bring all of that functionality to the pro playing market. The new models – a 3-octave (37-key) NOVATION REMOTE 37 SL and 5-octave (61-key) NOVATION REMOTE SL 61 – retain all of the features, ease of use and logical layout of the original and bring its futuristic design to keyboard players the world over.

These larger keyboards complete Novation’s already extensive keyboard portfolio which was itself recently bolstered by the 4- and 5-octave additions to the LE range, the company’s compact series designed to run straight out of the box, plug n play stylee with a host of popular software packages. Like the SL, these retain all of the original keyboard’s features and usability and are a superb, simple and cost effective controller solution.

The first life-changing improvement shines a new light on the world of MIDI control, as well as giving the SL its name. Two large brightly-backlit 144-character LCD screens reside at the top of the front panel, which can display 16 parameter names and values simultaneously. This means that Template overlays or having to rely on the user’s memory are a thing of the past and music creation and performance is as simple and pleasurable as possible. Furthermore, Menu navigation is significantly quicker as each Menu page is now displayed side by side along the large screens for immediate access and modification. Of course, a stylish Template Editor software package is also available free of charge.

39 of the 40 onboard Template Memories are factory preset (and also user programmable) so that the SL will work with all popular software applications, virtual instruments and external MIDI equipment straight out of the box. However, the remaining onboard Template is used for a new and special purpose, which is actually an infinitely expanding amount of Templates rolled into one. This cutting edge feature, we call Automap, is set to change the way music is made forever. When an Automap-supported application (currently Reason 3 and Cubase SX3, more to follow very soon) is booted up, the SL automatically loads this intelligent Template and maps all active components within the session to itself. Then, all the user needs to do is click once with the mouse or press one button to switch between controlling different instruments or sections of the session. Throughout the process, all information is displayed clearly on the screens to make everything crystal clear.

As well as boasting the X/Y Touchpad, joystick, a total of 56 assignable pots, encoders, sliders and buttons and the “best-feeling keys on the market”, the SL also offers highly responsive trigger pads. These allow the user to create even more dynamic performance effects, playing drums or chord stabs through a software sampler for example.

PRESS RELEASE:
The next generation ReMOTE 25 SL USB MIDI controller keyboard is Novation's new flagship controller, featuring logically positioned pots, encoders, sliders and buttons, along with two brightly backlit LCDs to display 16 different parameter names and values at any one time.

This means that controlling 'in the dark' is a thing of the past and the user can focus on the controller alone, without having to constantly move back and forth between the keyboard and the computer or rely on remembering which encoder does what. In addition, the screens make Menu navigation infinitely simpler, having multiple pages simultaneously on view on the left screen, with helpful information and instructions on the right.

For too long, the performing and producing musician has been plagued by overlay sheets, or having to rely on limited displays and therefore their own memory. This has been compounded by the need to continually switch between controlling different VSTs and instruments, making the job of the controller keyboard even more demanding. Until now, Novation controllers have done their best to make the task as easy as possible for the user but, to some extent, these problems have held people back and added valuable time and effort to the music making process. Such concerns are now a thing of the past.

The ReMOTE SL also boasts a brand new 'intelligent' Automap mode for controlling multiple plug-ins and instruments within certain applications. Complete integration with Reason3 and Cubase VST instruments is available straight out of the box, with other sequencers to follow soon after the product ships. In the Automapping mode, all of the plug-in's or instrument's controls are cleverly and intuitively mapped to defined areas of the ReMOTE SL.

For example, all filter controls are sent to the first four encoders and all amplitude envelopes to the first four sliders. Consequently, the user simply needs to select one Template (the factory preset 'intelligent' Template) and then press one button on the SL to step between controlling all of the plug-ins within the sequencer -- the first truly generic VST control surface.

All of the popular features from the previous ReMOTE series have been continued into the SL range, such as the top-of-the-range keys, the X/Y Touchpad and the combined pitch bend/modulation joystick with selectable spring mechanism. There are also dedicated Transport controls and a total of 56 assignable encoders, pots, sliders and buttons, now with a further 8 musically-responsive pads for triggering drums and samples. The onboard memory similarly allows for over 40 Templates, which will be factory preset to cover all popular software and hardware. A stylish Template editor is also accompanied, and the unit can be powered by batteries (which can be recharged over USB) or via the USB port.