Novation Unveils Impulse Keyboards
Thu, 1 Sep 2011
rss

New 25-, 49- & 61-note controllers launch with Automap 4

img
Impulse is Novation’s brand new, cutting-edge range of professional USB/MIDI controllers, available in 25-, 49- and 61-key models. Each has an ultra-responsive, semi-weighted keybed with aftertouch, making it feel and play like a real, expressive musical instrument. Impulse controllers have eight rotary encoders, full transport control, a large LCD and 55mm faders, enabling highly dynamic performance with excellent value for money. Also new is Automap 4: control software that’s more streamlined and easier to use than ever before, offering unsurpassed control of your music software.

 

Watch Promo Video: http://youtu.be/b0f4KlxzI8g

 

 

Key Features:

·     Precision semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch.

·     Eight rotary encoders, full transport control, nine assignable buttons and 55mm faders (nine on Impulse 49 and 61; one on Impulse 25).

·     Eight drum pads with multi-colour LED backlights and multi-mode operation.

·     Large LCD with actively updating readout.

·     Robust and rugged hardware design.

·     USB powered, with expression and sustain pedal inputs and MIDI input & output.

·     Comes with Xcite+ Pack: Novation’s new Automap 4, Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station and 1.5GB of Loopmasters/Mike The Drummer samples.

 All eight of Impulse’s drum pads are backlit with multi-coloured LEDs, and they operate in different modes, such as following the pattern of Impulse's on-board groovebox-style arpeggiator/step sequencer. You can change the pattern in real time and engage a beat roll function, to improvise with drum patterns on the fly. In addition to this, the drum pads can be used to trigger clips in Ableton Live's session view; illuminating yellow if a clip is loaded, green if it is playing and red if it is set to record. Of course, you can add further character to your performance with the pitch and modulation wheels.

Impulse is designed to give you complete control of your music-making software. The knobs, faders and buttons put your software’s mixer, instruments and effects at your fingertips, using Novation’s brand new Automap 4 control software for fast and simple DAW and plug-in assignment. (Automap 4 will also be available free for all current Novation Automap users very soon.) Impulse’s large LCD screen shows important information about what you are controlling, as you are tweaking it, and transport buttons provide direct hardware command over your session and easy navigation around your music software. Impulse controllers come with Ableton Live Lite, Novation’s Bass Station soft synth and a Loopmasters sample pack, giving you all you need to start making music.

 The controllers are powered via the computer’s USB connection, and there are expression and sustain pedal inputs on the rear panel, as well as a MIDI input and output, so you can use Impulse as part of a larger hardware setup.

Novation’s Impulse Range will be shipping in September 2011, priced:

Impulse 25: USA: $329.99 MSRP / $249.99 at dealers. UK: £199.99 inc. VAT typical street price. DE: €259 inc. Tax UVP (MSRP)

Impulse 49: USA: $449.99 MSRP / $349.99 at dealers. UK: £249.99 inc. VAT typical street price. DE: €339 inc. Tax UVP (MSRP)

Impulse 61: USA: $499.99 MSRP / $399.99 at dealers. UK: £299.99 inc. VAT typical street price. DE: €399 inc. Tax UVP (MSRP)

Register / login to rate articles and leave comments.

Which players influenced your keyboard playing the most?
 Prog rockers like Keith Emerson and RIck Wakeman
 Hammond organists such as Jimmy Smith, Booker T, and Jack McDuff
 Synth pop masters like Vince Clarke and Nick Rhodes
 Psychedelic rockers like Ray Manzarek of the Doors
 Rock piano songwriters like Elton John and Billy Joel
 Jazz pianists like Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett
 Classical pianists like Van Cliburn and Vladimir Horowitz
 None of the above

Keyboard Magazine is a trademark of New Bay Media, LLC. All material published on www.keyboardmag.com is copyrighted @2012 by New Bay Media, LLC. All rights reserved