ReMOTE 25 SL Added to Novation's Controller Lineup
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(Click for a close-up) |
October 17, 2005
The next generation ReMOTE 25 SL USB
MIDI controller keyboard, launched at the 119th AES Convention, 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.
For more information, visit their web site at www.novationmusic.com. |
