Novation I love your work!! Rocking a launchpad and peak and plan on getting this amazing piece of art. The small details Novation puts in the hardware is what it makes so amazing
Killed it AGAIN with this update! Someone else said in the comments but this really is the best in class controller on the market. I’ve forgotten more than I know about everything that it does. Some really awesome creativity enabling features, and the thing I love most about the keyboard is how easy it is to navigate and perform on. So worth the price tag. The chord bank trick was something I was wondering about for a while, nice little bonus in there at the end. Big ups for another great demo Calc, keep at it Novation!
No dedicated single-press button for Session Record in Live 10 with SL61 MkIII? Ever wonder why you never see them actually build a loop from the ground-up IN LIVE, in any of Novation’s official videos? I am talking about building a loop where they layer element after element while the loop plays, without ever stopping the transport (as you would want to do for example while building up a drum/percussion loop). Every time, they either do it using the built-in sequencer, or they use a such a clip in Live which was already recorded, before the video starts. Perhaps this is because this might expose a serious design flaw in what might otherwise be the perfect controller for Live. I had watched countless videos while I was trying to decide which keyboard controller to go with and I had not really noticed this myself. Of course, I was in for a big surprise after it arrived 3 weeks ago and I realized that there is no single key to turn Session Record On/Off. I should say that overall, I am very pleased with the SL61 MkIII: it’s a wonderful keyboard controller, with really deep integration with Live indeed, except for that serious omission. I did find a workaround which I describe at the end of this post. The Rec button turns Arrangement record on/off. If you spend most of your time in Arrangement view, this is exactly what you want. But it you spend a lot of time in Session view, your only option for overdubbing is to use Shift + Record. As these 2 keys are at the extreme opposite ends of the keyboard, it necessitates moving both hands away from the keybed and this is a major workflow killer. When in Session view, the Record button should behave the same as it does in the SL's own sequencer: In that case, you can go in and out of record at the press of a single button and thus you can quickly build up parts (particularly useful for drums & percussion) while the loop continues to play. To accomplish this in Live's session view, you need to use two hands for what should be a simple, quick operation. Let me explain though this example: 1. Load a drum plugin in Live 2. Engage inControl 3. Press a red pad to start recording 4. Lay down kick & snare 5. Press the same pad as in step 3 to stop recording. Loop keeps playing. Everything is cool so far. 6. Audition hi hats while kick & snare is playing 7. Now you want to record the hi hats on top of the kick/snare. 8. You need to press Shit + Record. You must move both hands away from the keybed 9. Lay down the hats 10. To get out of overdub mode, in order to audition the next element (say the claps), you must use Shift + Rec, again moving both hands away from the keybed. As you can see, in order to build up a drum loop (repeating steps 6 - 10), every time you want to engage overdub recording on/off you need to move both hands away from the keybed. That kills workflow: if you at least had one hand anchored to the proper area of the keybed, you could get into a nice grove for doing this. When you move both hands away, you can easily lose your place and so at a minimum you have to wait for the loop to cycle back around before you can overdub, which really impedes the creative process. Even worse, you may end up recording the wrong element, so you have to undo, then get back in the groove and try again, which really gets in the way of creativity. As I said, this process is flawless with the SL's own sequencer: overdubbing on and off requires just pressing the Rec key. We should be able to do the same in Live directly. If we were to use SL's sequencer, we would ultimately have to manually "transfer" those parts into a Live clip by recording them live - a laborious process, especially for more than a couple of clips. So what are our options? 1. I would advocate for an Option in the Global menu. The default setting would be as it is now, the alternative option would be to invert the current setup so that the Rec button behaves as Session Record and then Shift + Rec behaves as Arrangement Record. To me this would be a reasonable approach. Users can then choose which option best suits them depending on what they are currently working on. 2. Give us access to the Transport buttons in Components. Currently, we do not have access to them. I tried to use Midi Learn in Live. Assigning Session Record to the Rec button does override the current setup, but it just flashes the Session Record on and off. If you continue to hold the Rec button, then you can do overdub recording, but that's not really a viable option, because you tie up your right hand altogether. If we could program the transports in Components, we could make that work, similarly to the footswitch workaround I describe below. This is what I did to start/stop session Record (overdub) in Live 10 with a footswitch: - I created a template in Components and I assigned a high note to the footswitch. I set the behavior to Trigger/On Push. - I chose the highest possible note (127) on channel 10 (typically used for drums). I figured I would probably never really need that note anyway, particularly on a drum kit. And besides, it’s way beyond the physical range of the SL 61. - I uploaded the template to the SL and assigned it to each SL part and then saved that as a session on the SL. I load that session every time I work in Live. - I then midi-learned that note in Live and assigned it to Session Record. I saved this in my Live default template. Now I can trigger overdub recording on/off with just the footswitch and have both hands free for the keyboard. The other cool thing is that it works regardless of the inControl setting. Workaround non-withstanding, I would still advocate that the Global option is provided, so you can make this work with a single key press, right out of the box, without a foot controller. Finally, I contacted Novation support. Although the exchange has been cordial, they have essentially passed the buck: “we need to get with the Ableton team…because they provide the remote script…” To me Live provides this functionality already (the solid and hollow circles on the toolbar), and the remote script obviously provides access to both of these functions, since they do both of these already with Rec and Shift+Rec. I would rather they would have said something like “we might consider doing this in a future firmware update”, or “you are the only person that’s even brought this up, so sorry there is nothing we can do”. I would rather get such a response than passing the buck.
@@bluegroove777 Unfortunately, no. It’s a shame really b/c it wouldn’t take much to turn this into the coolest controller for Live. But, you can still use the same trick, without a pedal. Just midi-learn a key you won’t be using for making beats and assign it to Session Record. I’d go for the highest key on the keyboard, so you can “find” it quickly. This way you’ll just use one key to turn overdub on/off. You end up sacrificing that key, but more than likely you won’t miss it for making beats. Then, you can always “forget” the assignment when you do need the key for playing melodies.
@@alkal_alkal Thank you, I'll try that for sure. Just got my SL Mkiii a few days ago and still learning all the ins and outs, so I really appreciate this tip.
You actually can easily delete a clip in Ableton using In Control mode. :) You can either "Undo" or you can simply press on the clip you want to delete (the clips are ALL represented on the velocity sensitive RGB pads) and press "Clear" on the SL and and bam, the clip is deleted.
I noticed you can edit velocity and gate per note if you have multiple notes on a step. I don't see this option for chance. Implementing that would be awesome for a scenario where you're programming a beat and you only want to apply chance to snares or hats (or any sound). All around this is an amazing update! Proud to have one of these. :)
@@RadekPilich I'm more so pointing out that the UI functionality to control this exists for velocity and gate, and that not having it for chance is inconsistent (and that it would be awesome in a future update.) Thanks for the tip on the work around!
@@JoshuaLauerMusician I understand, I've noticed myself yesterday another inconsistency, where probability view doesn't shrink to a single step when holding a step as velocity and gate does but rather displays probability of all pattern steps all the time.
These videos are very helpful but here is my feedback as an owner. I don't want to have to scour these videos for all the control tips such as shift + sliders etc. The manual was fairly limited in its initial release and now its almost useless with all the new features and controls and fixes. Please update the user manual to include a comprehensive list of controls and include all these great new features!
So, so much this. Or at LEAST release a video walkthrough which actually covers ALL THE CURRENT FEATURES IN ONE VIDEO! Even going through EVERY novation video there are still knowledge gaps, which imo is unacceptable in a flagship product of any kind.
Would be great to see the ability to use the velocity from the pad hit when you "perform" the chords from the "chord bank" as done in the video. They sound very mechanical when performed like this since the velocity is the same every time. Although if anyone is still working on firmware for the SL mk3 it would be even better to just get the chord functions of the Launchkey series!
Yes, easily. Press and hold on the clip you want to delete (all clips are represented on the velocity sensitive RGB pads) and press "Clear" on the SL to delete it.
Maybe it's just me, but I feel like you have a product gap: I am looking for a midi-controller for ableton with this features: + endless knobs + light guide + scale chord mode Launchkey mk3: - horrible knobs (not endless and cheap plastic feel) - no light guide + but scale chords (awesome) SL mk3: + light guide + great knobs - no scale chords - lots of stuff I dont need (cv, control for external gear) - but I dont mind paying for it if my main needs are met unfortunately, I'm left in the middle of nowhere because none of them has everything I need. Dont get why the bigger SL doesnt have everything the smaller Launchkey has (scale chords). Will this be added in a future firmware update maybe 🙏 , since you obviously have the code already, just need to bring it into the SL with a shift-combination? I am missing a product in between, that is better than the very basic launchkey but isnt as overpowered as the SL is (not everyone needs so much control over external gear, still wants a quality midi/DAW-controller). I like Novation best btw, other companys don't come even close if you ask me 😎👍🏻
we want to know if this tool works with Fl Studio 20, for full integration ? In our studios we are working on Fl Studio and would like full integration.
I've been researching it for the past weeks. I really want to pull the trigger but am concerned another firmware may not come and they announce a MK4 soon.
I really wish they'd do a desktop version of this without a keybed, like the old Zero Remote series. Also, is there any technical reason why you can only map 2 rows of 8 controllers to the pots? It would be much more flexible if you could configure 4 rows, or more.
I would buy this hands down if the sequencer was 64 step and had a chain/song mode like Elektron A4n or Rytm Also change the pads. Nobody's gonna finger drum on this they can get an mpc or something. Change the pads to the way the KSpro is set up1-16 small pads. Then add 3 more rows. Now we can see the entire 64 step sequencer!!!! Halualah!!! Rows of 8 are not how bars of music are made. you need rows of 16 steps X4 =64 visual steps!! I'm waiting for mk4 or getting a KSpro, But I really like what this can do.
Learn to spell and realize that your ideas are personal and don't include everyone. When you can change each loop by adding more bars or linking bars together, your only bitch is actually just being able to see the fancy colors at once. You send false claims about things you know nothing about.
@@billbradleymusic Rytm is how it is spelled on the Electron Rtym…. Of coarse my opinions are my opinions… I really like 16 step sequencer on all high end Electron products.
16 steps, yes, but each step has 6 "steps" or "parts", so you actually have 96 steps in one pattern, and you can have 8 patterns playing one after another automatically, so that's essentially 768 steps. Not bad huh? That's way more than 64. Not only that, there's also 64 sessions each containing 8 patterns each containing 16 steps each step containing 6 steps, and you can play the sessions one after another too, so you end up with 49,152 steps in total. Now if that's not impressive I don't know what is. In a previous video this dude mentioned he recorded 40 min of music using only 8 sessions... :)
I disagree, you shouldn’t count the 6 micro steps per step because you can’t really see them as individual steps on the sequencer. They are there, but only recorded in live mode.
Well I stand corrected. Just saw the microstep editing at the hour mark of this video. I can’t fathom why’d they pick 6 but I guess somebody likes trap triplets.
Great controller. But why only 2 pages for the encoders??? I mapped a lot of soft-synths and most of the time I have to split it in 2 parts. Would be also great if in Cubase the transport controls could be used not only for InControl or in "midi remote".
This product is so deep! I wish it had been available when I had the SL mk1! The best feature you could give this is to allow real 32 note patterns - even if it means you only get 4 of them instead of 8. Can you control 8 or 16 parameters with the encoders per track or is it only 8 or 16 parameters with the encoders spread over all 8 tracks? Ratchet per step would be sweet and being able to play the sequence forwards, back, ping pong, etc. It would also be really cool if you could select a scale and key and the LEDs above the keys would show you what the correct notes are. Is there any way to shift an individual step off the grid to customise your swing?
1. You can actually make 96 step patterns because each of the 16 available steps also has 6 steps in itself. 2. You can play the sequence forward, backward, random already. 3. Regarding scales - that's all there and more. 4. Regarding step off grid - yes you can do that. Also you can record without quantization.
I just bought one with two akai apc40mk2s the level of ableton control is brilliant. I have one question though, if I turn off automated quantisation, is there a quantise button like on the launchpad latest range. Basically turning off auto quantise keeps things real but I still want a macro button to be able to quantise if needed.
Glad to hear you're enjoying the integration! There is a quantise function with Launchpad that can be used to quantise selected regions, cells, or events.
These firmware updates are much appreciated. If I could make an ask for the next one... The blue pad buttons play at full velocity when you hit them. It would be great if they could play at the velocity set by the step menu. That way you can tap across them and hear your actual sequence information and make quick edits. I often perform on these free form using them as a chord memory too
No, all tracks can be controlled from the hardware. Pressing the ‘InControl’ button will put SL MkIII into InControl mode which integrates with DAWs like Pro Tools, Cubase, Reaper, Logic, Reason and Ableton Live. The Track Left/Right buttons can then be used to move the bank (eight channels) one channel to the left or right. You can also hold Shift and press Track Left and Right to bank eight channels at a time.
This is really tempting. The one question I have is around the feel of the keybed… What kind of response does it have? Obviously, I’m not expecting a piano feel but some kind of weight for expression is desirable. I currently use a Moog Matriarch for main keyboard duties and that has a lovely Fatar keybed that I quite like so I was wondering how it would compare.
Hi, the SL MkIII boasts our finest, most playable, and expressive synth-style semi-weighted keybed, with a sprung action, our highest scan rate, and aftertouch.
Thanks for checking it out! SL MkIII features a synthesiser-style, semi-weighted keybed, with a sprung action that's tuned to the needs of the experienced player. It was developed by Novation and in blind testing with a variety of high-quality keybeds, including Fatar, this came out on top. Its exceptionally high scan rate of 10 kHz gives the keys a super dynamic feel for expressive performances. We'd suggest that you take it for a test run at your local Novation dealer.
@@NovationTV Thanks for a swift reply. What you say sounds promising… Sadly, I don’t live close to any decent instrument stores so I’d have to take a pint ordering online. I must say, even if the keybed falls short, the range of features available on this instrument is just amazing so I expect I’ll not be disappointed!
The SL MkIII keybed aftertouch implementation uses 'Channel Pressure' so a single aftertouch message is essentially shared across the whole keybed. SL MKIII doesn't currently feature polyphonic aftertouch (a different aftertouch value per-key) but it might technically be something that could be implemented without a change in the hardware domain - I'm not entirely sure but I will certainly share your feedback with our Dev Team for their consideration. John // Novation UK 🇬🇧
No. SL MkIII does feature a powerful Arp with lots of creative, expressive controls such as Sync Rate control, per step Chance and a variety of arp types such as Random and Chord and Pattern control using the pads but it doesn't have the Mutate and Deviate options. They're exclusive to Launchkey [Mk3].
Still no Sysex control? I was thrilled to finally find a decent keyboard/controller/sequencer and was about to buy when I found that the Mkiii drops the SYSEX support of the MKii. I have a Roland JD-Xi that I want to gain access to some parameter functions that can only be accessed by menu diving, but can be controlled through SYSEX messages (longer than 15 bytes). I'm amazed at how few controllers at there will do this... Damn. Back to the drawing board. C'mon Novation, put some decent SYSEX control in this.
Great to hear that SL MkIII is on your radar! Dropped notes certainly aren't a common complaint but we have seen similar feedback from those who are working with note quantise switched on. When working with quantise engaged, notes will "snap" to adhere to the sequencer resolution. When working with quantise switched off, notes are captured much more accurately as they adhere to the Micro Steps: Each step of the sequencer features six smaller micro-steps for greater resolution of the sequencer.
@@NovationTV I appreciate the feedback NovationTV. I see there are still firmware updates being released so I'm hoping there is a long life support to this product. I unfortunately got burned on my last midi keyboard and support for that went away pretty fast and many functions became useless.
Are updates done for this model? I think there is a standing request for the same behavior of record (session/arrangement) that is in the Launchkey (where the record button doesn't require you to hit shift for session record when in arrangement view - it just adapts based on where you are)
Afraid we don't currently have any announcements or news to share regarding possible firmware updates for any of our devices but we appreciate your feedback on this. The changes that you're describing sound like they may need to be implemented by the DAW manufacturer but we will certainly share your feedback with our Dev Team.
It's a great product but I think Novation abandoned it. Didn't expect for a company that is famous for its updates, to leave behind their flagship controller after just two years of its release. I'm sure the hardware can handle few more software improvements. Even if SL MK4 is in the works, abandoning SL MK3 would be a bad call. I hope Novation will show more commitment to their customer base!
Can you help me to set the chord on the pad and then at the same time play the keyboard? I mean I need play chord with one finger (I have disability) and with the other hand play normally all the keyboard (with one finger too 🙈). I need a guide step by step cause I’m not of the branch of keyboard or electronic music (I’m a trombone player just started conservatory and need this to open my ear and knowledge of sound and I always preferred analog world. I found out this solution to allow me play keyboard. My mates of the course play acoustic piano actually but with this technology I could play something I never could. Also I love Stevie Wonder and now this could be a way to make me closer to his music and maybe I could play something of his songs)
Unlike Launchkey [Mk3], SL MkIII doesn't have a dedicated Chord Mode for the pads but you can still create your own palette of custom chords that you can trigger from the SL MkIII pads whilst also being able to play along using the keys. If you give us a call or use our Live Chat feature, we can explain how to set this up - bit.ly/NovationSupport
@@NovationTVwhy was the Chord Mode removed on this keyboard if it is supposed to be building on everything the Launchkey has and costs much more? Can this be added in a firmware? Very disappointing to see that feature not included on the next level product.
..was looking for an standalone allover keyboard/ sequencer/ hub to control my little hardware collection..I only had concernes with this one pattern/ 16 steps recording at once-restriction..but with update 1.3 and 1.4, this should be fixed..meaning, I can predefine an amount of patterns and can record f.e. pad chords over more than one bar, right??!
16 steps, yes, but each step has 6 "steps" or "parts", so you actually have 96 steps in one pattern, and you can have 8 patterns playing one after another automatically, so that's essentially 768 steps. Not bad huh? That's way more than 64. Not only that, there's also 64 sessions each containing 8 patterns each containing 16 steps each step containing 6 steps, and you can play the sessions one after another too, so you end up with 49,152 steps in total. Now if that's not impressive I don't know what is. Also, each step holds 8 notes. Also, you can record without quantizing. In a previous video this dude mentioned he recorded 40 min of music using only 8 sessions... :)
Hi Chris, apologies for a silly question, but does the sequencer and apregiator work with Ableton Live instruments as well, or just with hardware instruments? And does the Novation SL MKiii come with VST instruments?
That's a great question. Absolutely, all of the MIDI generated by the SL MkIII, from the keys, arp and sequencer can be used to control both external devices and software instruments within Ableton Live and other DAWs. It's designed exactly for that, to provide a central point of control for setups that combine hardware and software. SL MkIII comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite, 4 GB of Loopmasters sounds and samples and an Addictive Keys virtual instrument from XLN Audio. You will also be able to access the current and all future Sound Collective offers, we share a new plug-in offer approx' every 2 months - novationmusic.com/en/sound-collective
Absolutely. You can change the responsiveness of the SL MkIII keyboard using the ‘Velocity Curve’ settings. You can customise the Pad velocity range when creating custom Templates using Components.
Tbh, this video was hard to follow. I'm not sure a live stream is the best format to talk about new features...it could use editting and section marks on the timeline.
I’ve had my sl MK3 for a few years now and I’d love to update the firmware but I can only connect it to my iPad. I don’t have a computer within 3,000 miles of my sl MK3. Please make components work on iOS. Please.
We're sorry to hear that you're having trouble updating. Components is a website that communicates with our hardware using any web browser that supports the Web MIDI API. Unfortunately, there currently isn't a web browser for iPad that fully supports the Web MIDI API to enable updating our hardware using Components but we appreciate your feedback on this.
Hi Chris. Thanks for your excellent review, as usual.. I am writing you here since i need some light to understand..May be you or someone else can help me understand... I am trying to see how i can put some of these things you explain here in my workflow and i just can´t see it.. .....I own Launchpad 49 SL Mkiii for more than a year but, honestly, I still have not used the sequencer, arpeggiator, and most of the amazing features it has.. . I use it as a normal cheap 50 € midi keyboard, to play keys and occasionaly some extra functions like key lock, keyboard split, Ableton live controller....All my synths are vst in Ableton live.. So I do not have external gear, no hardware synths. except a Roland TR8s that i use as an external toy, to experiment with rhythms, but not to make songs, because I still have not found the way to integrate it in my Ableton workflow.and i love the immediacy and easy of use of Captain beats. to make my drums .. Why I do not use MKiii sequencer and arpeggiator?... I still do not understand why do I need this sequencer, and now 8 arpeggiators in the hardware keyboard if I already have Ableton Live sequencer with infinite tracks and can put infinite Ableton Live arpeggiators with infinite variations , and dozens of midi effects and hundreds max for live devices and hundreds of vst on each one of my Ableton Live tracks... Can anyone explain me why do I need to learn all this futures and all the new features explained here if I already have those and 1.000 more options in Ableton live and Max for Live?. Thanks.
Dude. If you really need to ask this question and expect someone to justify why it’s a great piece of kit to you after watching that hour long demo then this keyboard is not for you. Sell it immediately and buy something that makes you happy, like more vst plugins.
@@DiegoFuego87 Thank you Diego... That´s an option. But may be there are features I did not appreciate... and some other I do appreciate like the fact of being able to split the keyboard in four areas... I did not see anything in these sequencer and arpeggiator, that to my knowledge I can not do in my daw.. But I am new in music production. So.. there might be things I do not know or I can not appreciate.. And that´s why i ask the experts... And I want to know them in order to try them and maybe include them in my workflow. If you are an expert, as you seem to be, by the way you give advice, and know them , let me know..Thanks.
@@andreumateulamas I have spend some time exploring all the possibilitites of the SL 49 and after some experimentation I have found one of the biggest advantages of making music with it... Just the fact to be able to use all your fingers to sequence, stop, play, play keys etc.. it´s much more fun and give more possibilities that making music with a mousse in Ableton... More physical, more fun.. More fingers , more control. I will keep exploring . On your video you say to give you questions.. I did but Novation does not answer. It would be nice if you answer.. Just trying to compare this sequencer to all the possibilities with software.
This is by far the best controller on the market, imo. Continuous fun and so powerful for live performance, and improvisation. Thx
Thinking of buying a controller and a beatbox, Novation is my favorit.. since you guys keeps updating all your stuff! I really like that!
Novation I love your work!! Rocking a launchpad and peak and plan on getting this amazing piece of art. The small details Novation puts in the hardware is what it makes so amazing
Killed it AGAIN with this update! Someone else said in the comments but this really is the best in class controller on the market. I’ve forgotten more than I know about everything that it does. Some really awesome creativity enabling features, and the thing I love most about the keyboard is how easy it is to navigate and perform on. So worth the price tag. The chord bank trick was something I was wondering about for a while, nice little bonus in there at the end. Big ups for another great demo Calc, keep at it Novation!
After all this time I am finally going to really use it yeah. Thank you.
Mine has Changed my entire workflow, I love my SLMK3
Best MIDI controller on the market;-)
No dedicated single-press button for Session Record in Live 10 with SL61 MkIII?
Ever wonder why you never see them actually build a loop from the ground-up IN LIVE, in any of Novation’s official videos? I am talking about building a loop where they layer element after element while the loop plays, without ever stopping the transport (as you would want to do for example while building up a drum/percussion loop). Every time, they either do it using the built-in sequencer, or they use a such a clip in Live which was already recorded, before the video starts. Perhaps this is because this might expose a serious design flaw in what might otherwise be the perfect controller for Live.
I had watched countless videos while I was trying to decide which keyboard controller to go with and I had not really noticed this myself. Of course, I was in for a big surprise after it arrived 3 weeks ago and I realized that there is no single key to turn Session Record On/Off.
I should say that overall, I am very pleased with the SL61 MkIII: it’s a wonderful keyboard controller, with really deep integration with Live indeed, except for that serious omission. I did find a workaround which I describe at the end of this post.
The Rec button turns Arrangement record on/off. If you spend most of your time in Arrangement view, this is exactly what you want. But it you spend a lot of time in Session view, your only option for overdubbing is to use Shift + Record. As these 2 keys are at the extreme opposite ends of the keyboard, it necessitates moving both hands away from the keybed and this is a major workflow killer.
When in Session view, the Record button should behave the same as it does in the SL's own sequencer: In that case, you can go in and out of record at the press of a single button and thus you can quickly build up parts (particularly useful for drums & percussion) while the loop continues to play. To accomplish this in Live's session view, you need to use two hands for what should be a simple, quick operation.
Let me explain though this example:
1. Load a drum plugin in Live
2. Engage inControl
3. Press a red pad to start recording
4. Lay down kick & snare
5. Press the same pad as in step 3 to stop recording. Loop keeps playing. Everything is cool so far.
6. Audition hi hats while kick & snare is playing
7. Now you want to record the hi hats on top of the kick/snare.
8. You need to press Shit + Record. You must move both hands away from the keybed
9. Lay down the hats
10. To get out of overdub mode, in order to audition the next element (say the claps), you must use Shift + Rec, again moving both hands away from the keybed.
As you can see, in order to build up a drum loop (repeating steps 6 - 10), every time you want to engage overdub recording on/off you need to move both hands away from the keybed. That kills workflow: if you at least had one hand anchored to the proper area of the keybed, you could get into a nice grove for doing this. When you move both hands away, you can easily lose your place and so at a minimum you have to wait for the loop to cycle back around before you can overdub, which really impedes the creative process. Even worse, you may end up recording the wrong element, so you have to undo, then get back in the groove and try again, which really gets in the way of creativity.
As I said, this process is flawless with the SL's own sequencer: overdubbing on and off requires just pressing the Rec key. We should be able to do the same in Live directly. If we were to use SL's sequencer, we would ultimately have to manually "transfer" those parts into a Live clip by recording them live - a laborious process, especially for more than a couple of clips.
So what are our options?
1. I would advocate for an Option in the Global menu. The default setting would be as it is now, the alternative option would be to invert the current setup so that the Rec button behaves as Session Record and then Shift + Rec behaves as Arrangement Record. To me this would be a reasonable approach. Users can then choose which option best suits them depending on what they are currently working on.
2. Give us access to the Transport buttons in Components.
Currently, we do not have access to them. I tried to use Midi Learn in Live. Assigning Session Record to the Rec button does override the current setup, but it just flashes the Session Record on and off. If you continue to hold the Rec button, then you can do overdub recording, but that's not really a viable option, because you tie up your right hand altogether. If we could program the transports in Components, we could make that work, similarly to the footswitch workaround I describe below.
This is what I did to start/stop session Record (overdub) in Live 10 with a footswitch:
- I created a template in Components and I assigned a high note to the footswitch. I set the behavior to Trigger/On Push.
- I chose the highest possible note (127) on channel 10 (typically used for drums). I figured I would probably never really need that note anyway, particularly on a drum kit. And besides, it’s way beyond the physical range of the SL 61.
- I uploaded the template to the SL and assigned it to each SL part and then saved that as a session on the SL. I load that session every time I work in Live.
- I then midi-learned that note in Live and assigned it to Session Record. I saved this in my Live default template. Now I can trigger overdub recording on/off with just the footswitch and have both hands free for the keyboard. The other cool thing is that it works regardless of the inControl setting.
Workaround non-withstanding, I would still advocate that the Global option is provided, so you can make this work with a single key press, right out of the box, without a foot controller.
Finally, I contacted Novation support. Although the exchange has been cordial, they have essentially passed the buck: “we need to get with the Ableton team…because they provide the remote script…” To me Live provides this functionality already (the solid and hollow circles on the toolbar), and the remote script obviously provides access to both of these functions, since they do both of these already with Rec and Shift+Rec. I would rather they would have said something like “we might consider doing this in a future firmware update”, or “you are the only person that’s even brought this up, so sorry there is nothing we can do”. I would rather get such a response than passing the buck.
Great post. Have there been any updates on this? Unfortunately using a footswitch isn't a viable option for me due to a spinal cord injury.
@@bluegroove777 Unfortunately, no. It’s a shame really b/c it wouldn’t take much to turn this into the coolest controller for Live.
But, you can still use the same trick, without a pedal. Just midi-learn a key you won’t be using for making beats and assign it to Session Record. I’d go for the highest key on the keyboard, so you can “find” it quickly. This way you’ll just use one key to turn overdub on/off. You end up sacrificing that key, but more than likely you won’t miss it for making beats. Then, you can always “forget” the assignment when you do need the key for playing melodies.
@@alkal_alkal Thank you, I'll try that for sure. Just got my SL Mkiii a few days ago and still learning all the ins and outs, so I really appreciate this tip.
Considering the limitation you encountered would you buy this controller today considering the new arturia Keylab mk3 ?
Please add a clip delete function like the launch pad pro mk3. It would literally make this unit the perfect in my opinion. Thank you!
You actually can easily delete a clip in Ableton using In Control mode. :) You can either "Undo" or you can simply press on the clip you want to delete (the clips are ALL represented on the velocity sensitive RGB pads) and press "Clear" on the SL and and bam, the clip is deleted.
Step divide for ratcheting would be great!
I noticed you can edit velocity and gate per note if you have multiple notes on a step. I don't see this option for chance. Implementing that would be awesome for a scenario where you're programming a beat and you only want to apply chance to snares or hats (or any sound). All around this is an amazing update! Proud to have one of these. :)
You can do that if you spread your beat across multiple parts.
@@RadekPilich I'm more so pointing out that the UI functionality to control this exists for velocity and gate, and that not having it for chance is inconsistent (and that it would be awesome in a future update.) Thanks for the tip on the work around!
@@JoshuaLauerMusician I understand, I've noticed myself yesterday another inconsistency, where probability view doesn't shrink to a single step when holding a step as velocity and gate does but rather displays probability of all pattern steps all the time.
It pains me to read the comments with so many people saying SL MKIII does not have this or that when it has all of those things and more. :D
These videos are very helpful but here is my feedback as an owner. I don't want to have to scour these videos for all the control tips such as shift + sliders etc. The manual was fairly limited in its initial release and now its almost useless with all the new features and controls and fixes. Please update the user manual to include a comprehensive list of controls and include all these great new features!
So, so much this. Or at LEAST release a video walkthrough which actually covers ALL THE CURRENT FEATURES IN ONE VIDEO! Even going through EVERY novation video there are still knowledge gaps, which imo is unacceptable in a flagship product of any kind.
12:05 Arp lesson begins after starting from scratch.
I have one on the way, trying to learn about it in the mean time, what an amazing controller, thanks for your tips.
Thanks for your support! We look forward to hearing what you create with it. We're here if you need any assistance with anything.
@@NovationTVI got it and it exceeds my expectation in nearly every way. The excellent sequencer is inspiring, an idea generator :)
Would be great to see the ability to use the velocity from the pad hit when you "perform" the chords from the "chord bank" as done in the video. They sound very mechanical when performed like this since the velocity is the same every time. Although if anyone is still working on firmware for the SL mk3 it would be even better to just get the chord functions of the Launchkey series!
Chord mode please!! Or let me know if I am missing something.
Hi there, can one delete clips in Ableton via the sl mk3? Like the Push? Thank you.
Yes, easily. Press and hold on the clip you want to delete (all clips are represented on the velocity sensitive RGB pads) and press "Clear" on the SL to delete it.
Wheres your watch?
NOVATION!! This man needs a pay rise and a new gold watch!
Maybe it's just me, but I feel like you have a product gap: I am looking for a midi-controller for ableton with this features:
+ endless knobs
+ light guide
+ scale chord mode
Launchkey mk3:
- horrible knobs (not endless and cheap plastic feel)
- no light guide
+ but scale chords (awesome)
SL mk3:
+ light guide
+ great knobs
- no scale chords
- lots of stuff I dont need (cv, control for external gear) - but I dont mind paying for it if my main needs are met
unfortunately, I'm left in the middle of nowhere because none of them has everything I need. Dont get why the bigger SL doesnt have everything the smaller Launchkey has (scale chords). Will this be added in a future firmware update maybe 🙏 , since you obviously have the code already, just need to bring it into the SL with a shift-combination?
I am missing a product in between, that is better than the very basic launchkey but isnt as overpowered as the SL is (not everyone needs so much control over external gear, still wants a quality midi/DAW-controller). I like Novation best btw, other companys don't come even close if you ask me 😎👍🏻
This is something i'm wondering too!
Same as me we need this
we want to know if this tool works with Fl Studio 20, for full integration ? In our studios we are working on Fl Studio and would like full integration.
Lets get a new firmware update for this controller!!!! I just picked it up and it would be wonderfully if we had MPE control for LIVE 11
I've been researching it for the past weeks. I really want to pull the trigger but am concerned another firmware may not come and they announce a MK4 soon.
A new firmware for the novation circuit mono station sequencers (abandoned, by now?) with some of the new Sl features, would be nice
Glad to see these new features and great job with the demo. Any chance for ratcheting or transposing via the keybed down the road?
I really wish they'd do a desktop version of this without a keybed, like the old Zero Remote series.
Also, is there any technical reason why you can only map 2 rows of 8 controllers to the pots? It would be much more flexible if you could configure 4 rows, or more.
If you can add 8 arps can you add independent pattern transposing within key and scale in the pattern menu?
I would buy this hands down if the sequencer was 64 step and had a chain/song mode like Elektron A4n or Rytm Also change the pads. Nobody's gonna finger drum on this they can get an mpc or something. Change the pads to the way the KSpro is set up1-16 small pads. Then add 3 more rows. Now we can see the entire 64 step sequencer!!!! Halualah!!! Rows of 8 are not how bars of music are made. you need rows of 16 steps X4 =64 visual steps!! I'm waiting for mk4 or getting a KSpro, But I really like what this can do.
Has this changed yet? I def want 64 steps... not sure why they didnt add that to this. I would buy as well if it had that feature.
Learn to spell and realize that your ideas are personal and don't include everyone. When you can change each loop by adding more bars or linking bars together, your only bitch is actually just being able to see the fancy colors at once. You send false claims about things you know nothing about.
@@billbradleymusic Rytm is how it is spelled on the Electron Rtym….
Of coarse my opinions are my opinions… I really like 16 step sequencer on all high end Electron products.
It has 128 steps. Just use half of them and you’ve got your 64.
@@chriscopeman8820 this is so 4 yrs ago… haha
I was going to buy this but then I found out you can only do 16 steps while sequencing. I don’t understand why they didn’t go with 64...
16 steps, yes, but each step has 6 "steps" or "parts", so you actually have 96 steps in one pattern, and you can have 8 patterns playing one after another automatically, so that's essentially 768 steps. Not bad huh? That's way more than 64. Not only that, there's also 64 sessions each containing 8 patterns each containing 16 steps each step containing 6 steps, and you can play the sessions one after another too, so you end up with 49,152 steps in total. Now if that's not impressive I don't know what is.
In a previous video this dude mentioned he recorded 40 min of music using only 8 sessions... :)
I disagree, you shouldn’t count the 6 micro steps per step because you can’t really see them as individual steps on the sequencer. They are there, but only recorded in live mode.
Well I stand corrected. Just saw the microstep editing at the hour mark of this video. I can’t fathom why’d they pick 6 but I guess somebody likes trap triplets.
@@freefinancialadvice Yes, the 6 steps are weird. 8 would have been great. Maybe we can request that in the future update :)
Thanks for the video. Chris can you help us explaining how to set all those arp directly to Ableton 10? Thanks.
Great controller. But why only 2 pages for the encoders???
I mapped a lot of soft-synths and most of the time I have to split it in 2 parts. Would be also great if in Cubase the transport controls could be used not only for InControl or in "midi remote".
This product is so deep! I wish it had been available when I had the SL mk1! The best feature you could give this is to allow real 32 note patterns - even if it means you only get 4 of them instead of 8. Can you control 8 or 16 parameters with the encoders per track or is it only 8 or 16 parameters with the encoders spread over all 8 tracks? Ratchet per step would be sweet and being able to play the sequence forwards, back, ping pong, etc. It would also be really cool if you could select a scale and key and the LEDs above the keys would show you what the correct notes are. Is there any way to shift an individual step off the grid to customise your swing?
Most of your wishes are already there.
1. You can actually make 96 step patterns because each of the 16 available steps also has 6 steps in itself.
2. You can play the sequence forward, backward, random already.
3. Regarding scales - that's all there and more.
4. Regarding step off grid - yes you can do that. Also you can record without quantization.
I just bought one with two akai apc40mk2s the level of ableton control is brilliant. I have one question though, if I turn off automated quantisation, is there a quantise button like on the launchpad latest range. Basically turning off auto quantise keeps things real but I still want a macro button to be able to quantise if needed.
Glad to hear you're enjoying the integration! There is a quantise function with Launchpad that can be used to quantise selected regions, cells, or events.
These firmware updates are much appreciated.
If I could make an ask for the next one...
The blue pad buttons play at full velocity when you hit them. It would be great if they could play at the velocity set by the step menu.
That way you can tap across them and hear your actual sequence information and make quick edits.
I often perform on these free form using them as a chord memory too
if in ableton you have a song with 20 tracks, can you only control 16 of them from the keyboard?
No, all tracks can be controlled from the hardware. Pressing the ‘InControl’ button will put SL MkIII into InControl mode which integrates with DAWs like Pro Tools, Cubase, Reaper, Logic, Reason and Ableton Live. The Track Left/Right buttons can then be used to move the bank (eight channels) one channel to the left or right. You can also hold Shift and press Track Left and Right to bank eight channels at a time.
It's so nice.
any chance we will see the mutate function from the Launchkey series added to the SL mk3?
Thanks for your interest! Sorry to say we can't comment on future versions of products.
Bri // Focusrite US 🇺🇸
This is really tempting. The one question I have is around the feel of the keybed… What kind of response does it have? Obviously, I’m not expecting a piano feel but some kind of weight for expression is desirable. I currently use a Moog Matriarch for main keyboard duties and that has a lovely Fatar keybed that I quite like so I was wondering how it would compare.
Hi, the SL MkIII boasts our finest, most playable, and expressive synth-style semi-weighted keybed, with a sprung action, our highest scan rate, and aftertouch.
Thanks for checking it out! SL MkIII features a synthesiser-style, semi-weighted keybed, with a sprung action that's tuned to the needs of the experienced player. It was developed by Novation and in blind testing with a variety of high-quality keybeds, including Fatar, this came out on top. Its exceptionally high scan rate of 10 kHz gives the keys a super dynamic feel for expressive performances. We'd suggest that you take it for a test run at your local Novation dealer.
@@NovationTV Thanks for a swift reply. What you say sounds promising… Sadly, I don’t live close to any decent instrument stores so I’d have to take a pint ordering online. I must say, even if the keybed falls short, the range of features available on this instrument is just amazing so I expect I’ll not be disappointed!
@@NovationTV Are there any plans to build a script for Bitwig integration?
Is it techincally possible to implement polyphonic aftertouch for the keybed with a patch?
It would be a killer feature!
The SL MkIII keybed aftertouch implementation uses 'Channel Pressure' so a single aftertouch message is essentially shared across the whole keybed. SL MKIII doesn't currently feature polyphonic aftertouch (a different aftertouch value per-key) but it might technically be something that could be implemented without a change in the hardware domain - I'm not entirely sure but I will certainly share your feedback with our Dev Team for their consideration.
John // Novation UK 🇬🇧
@@NovationTV Thank you for the specific answer and taking this to the further investigation!
Is SL MK3 has the Arpeggio Mutate and Deviate functions as Launchkey mk3 has?
No. SL MkIII does feature a powerful Arp with lots of creative, expressive controls such as Sync Rate control, per step Chance and a variety of arp types such as Random and Chord and Pattern control using the pads but it doesn't have the Mutate and Deviate options. They're exclusive to Launchkey [Mk3].
Still no Sysex control? I was thrilled to finally find a decent keyboard/controller/sequencer and was about to buy when I found that the Mkiii drops the SYSEX support of the MKii. I have a Roland JD-Xi that I want to gain access to some parameter functions that can only be accessed by menu diving, but can be controlled through SYSEX messages (longer than 15 bytes). I'm amazed at how few controllers at there will do this... Damn. Back to the drawing board. C'mon Novation, put some decent SYSEX control in this.
Thanks for the feedback. Sorry to disappoint with this one!
Really looking into buying this. One thing I've read is it drops notes if you play fast. Has anyone experienced this?
Great to hear that SL MkIII is on your radar! Dropped notes certainly aren't a common complaint but we have seen similar feedback from those who are working with note quantise switched on. When working with quantise engaged, notes will "snap" to adhere to the sequencer resolution. When working with quantise switched off, notes are captured much more accurately as they adhere to the Micro Steps: Each step of the sequencer features six smaller micro-steps for greater resolution of the sequencer.
@@NovationTV I appreciate the feedback NovationTV. I see there are still firmware updates being released so I'm hoping there is a long life support to this product. I unfortunately got burned on my last midi keyboard and support for that went away pretty fast and many functions became useless.
Are updates done for this model? I think there is a standing request for the same behavior of record (session/arrangement) that is in the Launchkey (where the record button doesn't require you to hit shift for session record when in arrangement view - it just adapts based on where you are)
Afraid we don't currently have any announcements or news to share regarding possible firmware updates for any of our devices but we appreciate your feedback on this. The changes that you're describing sound like they may need to be implemented by the DAW manufacturer but we will certainly share your feedback with our Dev Team.
It's a great product but I think Novation abandoned it. Didn't expect for a company that is famous for its updates, to leave behind their flagship controller after just two years of its release. I'm sure the hardware can handle few more software improvements.
Even if SL MK4 is in the works, abandoning SL MK3 would be a bad call. I hope Novation will show more commitment to their customer base!
It got my attention 🤣
Can you help me to set the chord on the pad and then at the same time play the keyboard? I mean I need play chord with one finger (I have disability) and with the other hand play normally all the keyboard (with one finger too 🙈). I need a guide step by step cause I’m not of the branch of keyboard or electronic music (I’m a trombone player just started conservatory and need this to open my ear and knowledge of sound and I always preferred analog world. I found out this solution to allow me play keyboard. My mates of the course play acoustic piano actually but with this technology I could play something I never could.
Also I love Stevie Wonder and now this could be a way to make me closer to his music and maybe I could play something of his songs)
Unlike Launchkey [Mk3], SL MkIII doesn't have a dedicated Chord Mode for the pads but you can still create your own palette of custom chords that you can trigger from the SL MkIII pads whilst also being able to play along using the keys.
If you give us a call or use our Live Chat feature, we can explain how to set this up - bit.ly/NovationSupport
@@NovationTVwhy was the Chord Mode removed on this keyboard if it is supposed to be building on everything the Launchkey has and costs much more? Can this be added in a firmware? Very disappointing to see that feature not included on the next level product.
..was looking for an standalone allover keyboard/ sequencer/ hub to control my little hardware collection..I only had concernes with this one pattern/ 16 steps recording at once-restriction..but with update 1.3 and 1.4, this should be fixed..meaning, I can predefine an amount of patterns and can record f.e. pad chords over more than one bar, right??!
16 steps, yes, but each step has 6 "steps" or "parts", so you actually have 96 steps in one pattern, and you can have 8 patterns playing one after another automatically, so that's essentially 768 steps. Not bad huh? That's way more than 64. Not only that, there's also 64 sessions each containing 8 patterns each containing 16 steps each step containing 6 steps, and you can play the sessions one after another too, so you end up with 49,152 steps in total. Now if that's not impressive I don't know what is.
Also, each step holds 8 notes.
Also, you can record without quantizing.
In a previous video this dude mentioned he recorded 40 min of music using only 8 sessions... :)
It would be much much better if you could transpose each sequencer individually.
Hi Chris, apologies for a silly question, but does the sequencer and apregiator work with Ableton Live instruments as well, or just with hardware instruments? And does the Novation SL MKiii come with VST instruments?
That's a great question. Absolutely, all of the MIDI generated by the SL MkIII, from the keys, arp and sequencer can be used to control both external devices and software instruments within Ableton Live and other DAWs. It's designed exactly for that, to provide a central point of control for setups that combine hardware and software.
SL MkIII comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite, 4 GB of Loopmasters sounds and samples and an Addictive Keys virtual instrument from XLN Audio. You will also be able to access the current and all future Sound Collective offers, we share a new plug-in offer approx' every 2 months -
novationmusic.com/en/sound-collective
That’s great, thank you so much for the response.
Can you switch on full velocity on the pads and keys?
Absolutely. You can change the responsiveness of the SL MkIII keyboard using the ‘Velocity Curve’ settings. You can customise the Pad velocity range when creating custom Templates using Components.
Tbh, this video was hard to follow. I'm not sure a live stream is the best format to talk about new features...it could use editting and section marks on the timeline.
My God, if this thing had an XY joystick instead of the wheels I'd have already purchased
How can I regulate the light intensity of the leds sir?
Nope. But they are not too bright anyway. Just enough to be extremely beautiful :)
Only thing I need to ensure before i buy that . is there aftertouch function ? Please let me know thank you.
Yes
@@tombulva really is sl mk3 has after touch sensitive key's ? 😍😯😯
@@KIsaac-wp5dq YEEES :-)
@@tombulva 🥳🥳 thank you .
Not polyphonic though...
at 21:27 it sounds like Clockwork Orange to me....
I’ve had my sl MK3 for a few years now and I’d love to update the firmware but I can only connect it to my iPad. I don’t have a computer within 3,000 miles of my sl MK3. Please make components work on iOS. Please.
We're sorry to hear that you're having trouble updating. Components is a website that communicates with our hardware using any web browser that supports the Web MIDI API. Unfortunately, there currently isn't a web browser for iPad that fully supports the Web MIDI API to enable updating our hardware using Components but we appreciate your feedback on this.
There's really never been to any reason for motorized faders. It's a cool thing to watch. Kind of like the lights.. they're nice but not necessary.
Hi Chris. Thanks for your excellent review, as usual.. I am writing you here since i need some light to understand..May be you or someone else can help me understand... I am trying to see how i can put some of these things you explain here in my workflow and i just can´t see it.. .....I own Launchpad 49 SL Mkiii for more than a year but, honestly, I still have not used the sequencer, arpeggiator, and most of the amazing features it has.. . I use it as a normal cheap 50 € midi keyboard, to play keys and occasionaly some extra functions like key lock, keyboard split, Ableton live controller....All my synths are vst in Ableton live.. So I do not have external gear, no hardware synths. except a Roland TR8s that i use as an external toy, to experiment with rhythms, but not to make songs, because I still have not found the way to integrate it in my Ableton workflow.and i love the immediacy and easy of use of Captain beats. to make my drums .. Why I do not use MKiii sequencer and arpeggiator?... I still do not understand why do I need this sequencer, and now 8 arpeggiators in the hardware keyboard if I already have Ableton Live sequencer with infinite tracks and can put infinite Ableton Live arpeggiators with infinite variations , and dozens of midi effects and hundreds max for live devices and hundreds of vst on each one of my Ableton Live tracks... Can anyone explain me why do I need to learn all this futures and all the new features explained here if I already have those and 1.000 more options in Ableton live and Max for Live?. Thanks.
Dude. If you really need to ask this question and expect someone to justify why it’s a great piece of kit to you after watching that hour long demo then this keyboard is not for you. Sell it immediately and buy something that makes you happy, like more vst plugins.
@@DiegoFuego87 Thank you Diego... That´s an option. But may be there are features I did not appreciate... and some other I do appreciate like the fact of being able to split the keyboard in four areas... I did not see anything in these sequencer and arpeggiator, that to my knowledge I can not do in my daw.. But I am new in music production. So.. there might be things I do not know or I can not appreciate.. And that´s why i ask the experts... And I want to know them in order to try them and maybe include them in my workflow. If you are an expert, as you seem to be, by the way you give advice, and know them , let me know..Thanks.
@@andreumateulamas I have spend some time exploring all the possibilitites of the SL 49 and after some experimentation I have found one of the biggest advantages of making music with it... Just the fact to be able to use all your fingers to sequence, stop, play, play keys etc.. it´s much more fun and give more possibilities that making music with a mousse in Ableton... More physical, more fun.. More fingers , more control. I will keep exploring . On your video you say to give you questions.. I did but Novation does not answer. It would be nice if you answer.. Just trying to compare this sequencer to all the possibilities with software.
Another good machine with a bad manual ..
I must be old, because we used to PLAY music, not build patterns and fuck this....
Music is just patterns and proportion. Don't ever blame the instrument.