What's new At NAMM 2011 for Novation?

"NAMM 2011 see's Novation announce Automap 3.8 which brings tighter integration for Waves users, and the launch of the massive Golden Ticket campaign during which over $5,000 worth of special edition gold Novation, Rane and Serato gear will be given away. Novation will also be marking the global availability of the new UltraNova synthesiser.

Automap 3.8

Automap is control software that comes free with all Novation controllers. The latest update provides total integration with all Waves plug-ins - just open up a Waves plug-in and it will automatically map to Novation hardware (this will require the forth-coming Waves update). Automap runs with Novation's SL MkII and Nocturn ranges of controllers. It is universally recognised as a powerful control solution and includes features such as 'Learn' which enables instant mapping of software parameters to hardware controls.

Golden Ticket Campaign

Novation have teamed up with Rane, Serato and Loopmasters to launch the Golden Ticket campaign. We won't be showing people around Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, but we will be giving away 25 pairs of special edition gold Dicers, five gold Launchpads, 50 pairs of special edition Golden Ticket Serato control vinyl, and a gold Rane Sixty-Eight mixer!

Golden Tickets can be found inside every special edition box of Rane SL1 and SL3 interfaces as well as TTM 57SL and Sixty-Eight mixers. Every single ticket unlocks over 500MB of Loopmasters sample content hand picked by the Loopmasters team - including the samples used by Blakey in the Golden Dicer video.

For more information and to see the video of DMC champion Blakey doing his thing with The Bridge, Dicer and Launchpad, visit: www.novationmusic.com/goldenticket

UltraNova Shipping

The UltraNova is newly available worldwide and is already making waves in the synth community…

UltraNova is a ‘Nova’ series analogue-modelling synthesizer with a powerful effects processor. It is a single-part synth taking the legendary Supernova II synth engine as a starting point and packing it with the latest technology. It now has brand new features including wavetable synthesis, even more powerful filters, a software editor and a revolutionary new touch-sense performance mode.

UltraNova ships with 381 sounds which can be searched for by type and musical genre, it also includes a software patch librarian where you can store and categorise an infinite number of your own sounds.


Join Novation on booth #6464 of the Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California to see the latest in electronic music and DJ hardware, including UltraNova, the astonishing new synth; Launchpad, designed specifically for use with Ableton Live; Dicer, the dedicated controller for digital DJs; and the SL MkII range of controller keyboards.

Also at the show, DMC champion Blakey will be performing using Novation equipment at 12 noon and 2pm each day. If you can't wait to see him in action, head to www.youtube.com/novationtv"

Update:

Novation at Winter NAMM 2011

YouTube via NovationTV | January 15, 2011 |

"Check out Novation's antics at the 2011 Winter NAMM show. More information at www.novationmusic.com"

Novation Automap Now Available

You can find it on iTunes here:


"# MIDI CONTROL IN YOUR PALM
# Now you can turn your iPhone / iPod touch into a MIDI controller, with multiple faders and buttons easily assigned to parameters in any software that allows MIDI control, and even some that don't!

# AUTOMATIC PLUG-IN MAPPING
# Instant, wireless, palm-sized control of all automatable VST, AU or Pro Tools format plug-ins in any DAW.

# INSTANT VISUAL FEEDBACK
# See at a glance how every control on your iPhone / iPod touch is assigned, both on the iPhone / iPod touch itself, and across your computer screen

# LEARN AND CLEAR MODES
# Make and delete assignments directly from your computer screen using lightening-fast 'Click-Touch-Assign' facilities.

# AUTOMATIC MIXER CONTROL
# Ideal for remote track arming and muting, transport and master level controls in a growing number of supported DAWs. (Control these elements in non-supported DAWs using separate dedicated Automap systems, or your own custom mappings.)

# PLUG-IN AND MIXER MAP BROWSING FACILITY
# Get to the right software fast! Control maps are automatically placed into categories depending on type (instrument, mixer etc.) for quick and easy browsing and selection with hardware or software."

More details at the Novation Automap website. Be sure to click on the header sections when you get there.

You can find previous posts including video via this search on Automap.

Free Novation Software

"Free Novation software for Launchpad & Nocturn 25/49 owners!
Buy a Launchpad with a Nocturn 25 or Nocturn 49, and receive both Automap Pro and the Novation FX Plug-in Suite completely free! The ultimate Ableton controller bundle just got better!"

"Free Automap Pro upgrade for existing Novation controller users.

Upon purchase of a Launchpad, a Nocturn 25 or a Nocturn 49, Automap Pro will be given free of charge to existing owners of the Novation Nocturn or controllers in the Remote SL Mk1 range. Realise the full potential of your controllers with Automap Pro."

Details at the Novation website.

Musikmesse: Novation SL Mk II Unveiled

"Musikmesse will host one of Novation's most significant product launches to date. The SL Mk II, which until now has been a closely guarded secret, is being revealed to the industry on the first day of Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt.

# In order to maintain their position as the number one name in MIDI control, Novation have been hard at work putting the final touches to the next generation of their flagship controllers. The original ReMOTE SL built its reputation on high quality hardware and pioneering control software. The SL Mk II has some striking additions that set it apart from any other controller on the market, every feature is designed to make mapping and controlling software quick and effortless.

# Like all Novation keyboard controllers, SL Mk II is a musical instrument, not just a computer peripheral. A semi-weighted Fatar 'fast touch' keyboard is combined with a full DAW and plug-in control surface that visually feeds back all control information to the user. All knobs and faders are touch sensitive. By simply touching a control, all mapping information automatically appears on the giant 144 character LCD display. Back lit LED buttons and LED ringed encoders instantly show the status of controls. SL Mk II also includes full transport control, an XY "Xpression Pad", 8 drum pads, sprung pitch/mod joystick and a unique "Speed Dial" encoder, which enables the user to grab any parameter the cursor is positioned over. In addition to 25, 49 and 61 key versions, a keyboardless "Zero" will be available with longer-throw faders and a central crossfader.

# Ultra-quick mapping of all 56 knobs, faders and buttons is managed by Novation's groundbreaking Automap 3 PRO software, which provides instant and intelligent control of all your music software. As well as extensive DAW control, parameters on VST/AU/RTAS/TDM plug-ins can be assigned by simply touching the controller and clicking the parameter. Perhaps Automap 3 PRO's biggest asset is "Keystroke Assignment", this enables almost any QWERTY or ASCII keyboard shortcut (and combination shortcuts) to be instantly assigned to the SL Mk II controls - providing unprecedented DAW control. Automap 3.0 also introduces "Autoview", where the 'heads up GUI' (showing the current status of all controls) can be programmed to automatically appear whenever a controller is touched, then disappear upon release.

# SL Mk II, alongside Automap 3 PRO is without doubt the best control solution on the market, and is available almost immediately. The 25-key and 61-key models are shipping worldwide, April 2009. Zero SL MkII and the 49-key model will follow shortly after"
SL MkII Product Site

Novation - 30th Anniversary | Podcast

video upload by Sound On Sound magazine

"An Illustrated Podcast
Novation - 30th Anniversary: Grooveboxes, Controllers and Synths

2022 marked the 30th birthday of one of the world’s leading manufacturers of synths, samplers and hardware controllers. In this podcast, Novation Product Specialist Chris Calcutt looks back over three decades of innovation and explores the key products, technologies and partnerships behind a British music technology success story.

SHOW NOTES
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:26 - 30th Anniversary
01:02 - The First Product
03:24 - The Launchpad
06:58 - Automap
09:25 - Friendly Relations
13:08 - The BassStation
17:50 - Hands-On Control
19:07 - Analogue Sound Modelling
21:41 - The Resurgence Of Analogue
30:43 - From The Rack To The Desktop
34:33 - Moving Away From Computers
38:02 - The Focusrite Group
45:25 - 40 Years of MIDI

Novation - Biog
In 1992, Ian Jannaway and Mark Thompson founded Novation Electronic Music Systems and created the MM10, a keyboard controller designed to be used with the Yamaha QY10 music workstation. The BassStation was launched in 1993 and was used by many top artists of the day. ASM (Analogue Sound Modelling) technology was introduced in 1995 and designer Chris Huggett joined the team full-time in 1998, with the popular Supernova synth being released that year.

30 years later, while still creating grooveboxes, controllers and synths, Novation is now part of The Focusrite Group, along with ADAM Audio, Focusrite and Sequential.

https://novationmusic.com/en/30-years...

Novation - Chris Calcutt
Chris Calcutt has been the Product Specialist at Novation for over a decade. Despite coming from a more traditional background of classical music composition and playing the trombone, Chris has always been heavily involved and passionate about music tech.

As a kid, Chris would play with synthesizers and a four-track recorder on the living room floor and has since gone on to work with Novation, collaborating closely with the product developers, designing and building new and innovative electronic instruments.

Chris is responsible for representing multiple brands under Novation's parent company, The Focusrite Group, working with their European distribution partners to deliver training, product presentations, and live performances both online and at in-store events.

Chris also produces and performs live as CALC and is an active member of the experimental electronic music scene in Brighton, UK.
About The People & Music Industry Podcast Channel
Listen to experts in the field, company founders, equipment designers, engineers, producers and educators.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts."

Novation Launchpad Videos by fletchmusicvideo

YouTube via fletchmusicvideo
Playlist:
Novation Launchpad - Testing out "Session Mode"
Novation Launchpad - Testing out "Mixer Mode"
Novation Launchpad - Testing out with an Akai APC40
Using Novation Launchpad to trigger Beat Repeat (with Automap MIDI)
Novation Launchpad Beat Repeat (Using User Mode 2)
Novation Launchpad - User Mode 1 (Drum Rack)
Launchpad & Nocturn - Instant Track Control Using MIDI Remote Scripts

NAMM: Novation SL MK II and Impulse

NAMM: Novation SL MK II and Impulse Controlling Cubase and Nuendo

YouTube Uploaded by NovationTV on Jan 20, 2012

"A brief look into the Novation SL MK II and Impulse Controllers with Pro Tools and Automap 4 including mixer, plugin and transport controls. For more information on the differences between the flagship SL MK II controller and the Impulse go to:

http://www.novationmusic.com/products/midi_controllers/"

Novation SL MK II and Impulse Controlling Ableton Live

Uploaded by NovationTV on Jan 20, 2012

"A brief look into the Novation SL MK II and Impulse Controllers with Ableton Live and Automap 4 including mixer, clip launch, plugin and transport controls."

Novation SL MK II and Impulse Controlling Logic Pro

NAMM: Novation Nocturn

"eaturing the latest Automap Universal 2.0 software, exclusive to Novation controllers, Nocturn provides automatic, instant and intelligent control of all automatable plug-ins within every major sequencer, including Pro Tools.

Nocturn features eight touch-sensitive rotary encoders, each equipped with a bright eleven-LED ring (ideal for laptop DJ’ing in a dark club environment). These are accompanied by eight user-assignable illuminated buttons and a smooth, professional 45mm cross-fader. The finishing touch is Novation’s unique ‘speed dial’; a touch-sensitive rotary encoder that instantly takes control of whatever your mouse is focused on!

Featuring a revolutionary new 'heads-up transparent control GUI', Automap Universal 2.0 places a transparent control map across your computer screen, to be recalled or hidden at will. Little or no user setup is required and plug-in control can be exactly the way you want it, no matter what music software you use. Just boot up the plug-in and you’ll see at a glance how the parameters are automatically assigned to each of Nocturn’s controls. An instant click and control ‘learn’ function is also available for quick re-assigning of controls, or for creating your own controller map in seconds. Multiple page options mean that you can assign a potentially infinite number of parameters for each plug-in."

You can find more info on Novation's Nocturn Page.

The Drone Corporal Pure Data Drone Patch

YouTube via "NoizeHack — April 04, 2010 —

"http://noizehack.com/drone-corporal Introducing the Drone Corporal based on Eric Archers Drone Commander. Here is the first release version of my Drone Corporal pure data patch. It can be controlled by midi data and also send out midi feedback. There is also a setup I made to use it with a novation nocturn. You can download the patch and the novation automap file at http://noizehack.com/drone-corporal"

MATRIXSYNTH Review and Overview of the Novation UltraNova

Hi everyone, you might remember, back in July I posted some pics of my newly acquired UltraNova, and mentioned that review posts would eventually follow. Well, I’m happy to tell you the first post is here. The UltraNova is one powerful synth, so to make the overall review a bit more consumable, it will be broken up over time. This first section includes an Overview, the Oscillators, and the Mixer sections. When new sections go up, I will be sure to let you know via a new post.

As with most of my reviews, I will say this one goes pretty deep into the synth engine and all editable parameters. If you are the type of person that likes to dissect and explore all of the available parameters on a synth, then this post is for you. I will touch on what each parameter does and will call out any interesting features and limitations as I do so. There are some pretty special parameters on the UltraNova that give you control beyond most other synths. Hopefully this review will give you some insight into what makes the UltraNova special.

Overview & Quick Comparison to Previous Nova Synths

The Novation UltraNova, released back in 2010, is a 20 voice virtual analog & wavetable synth with three oscillators, two ring modulators and one noise source per voice. The UltraNova also features two audio ins that can be assigned to the oscillator section and/or a 12-band vocoder. It’s worth noting that the Novation Nova from 1999 featured a 40-band vocoder, while the Supernova II from 2000 featured a 42-band vocoder. The UltraNova is a monotimbral synth while the 12 voice Nova was six part multitimbral and the Supernova II (24, 36, or 48 voice) was eight part multitimbral. The UltraNova supports up to 5 simultaneous effects per patch. The Nova supported 42 simultaneous effects, while the Supernova II supported up to 56. The Supernova II also supported FM synthesis while the Nova and UltraNova omit it.

The UltraNova, however, is the first Nova synth to feature wavetable synthesis. An interesting side note is that all of the oscillators on the UltraNova are actually stored as wavetables, including the standard waveforms. According to Novation, “The wavetables in the Supernova series are all calculated. The wavetables in the UltraNova, even the standard analogue waves are wavetable oscillators. This change in oscillator generation was first used on the A-Station and K-Station and subsequently in the KS series, X-Station and Xio.” This allows the UltraNova to have some advanced tricks when it comes to the oscillator section, which will be covered in detail below.

I asked Novation about the lack of FM synthesis and they told me, “FM would have been a lovely addition to the UltraNova, but it would have been asking too much of the DSP to be able to run everything the UltraNova can do and also add in FM. The wavetables were a really good way to introduce a new (to Novation) type of synthesis that is able to cater for some of the synth sounds that FM is known for and also to be able to create lush evolving pads.”

The UltraNova features two routable filters per voice with a total of 14 filter types to chose from including 6dB (no resonance), 12dB, 18dB, and 24dB with Lowpass, Bandpass and Hi-pass modes. The Nova and Supernova II lacked a 6dB mode.

As for hardware, although the UltraNova may have fewer knobs per function than its predecessors, it is extremely well laid out and super intuitive to use. Along with both keyboard velocity and aftertouch, the UltraNova has touch sensitive knobs. They literally respond to touch and can be assigned to various parameters. Worth noting, velocity is configurable, however, aftertouch is not. I found the aftertouch to be good, but it does require a little extra force than I prefer; it’s good for not accidentally triggering it, but not so good for subtle, natural performance.

Please note the above comparisons with the Nova and Supernova II were only for quick reference. The UltraNova of course is its own synth with a few tricks up its sleeves that are lacking in the original Nova line, including a level of control over the synth engine often only found in the modular realm. It sounds incredible, and for the price, currently only $599 new, it is an extremely flexible and powerful synth. You get the current top-of-the-line Novation Nova synth engine with new wavetables and more. The UltraNova is both a performance oriented synth as well as a synth programmers dream. It can be configured for easy access to specific parameters for a live situation, or you can dig as deep as you want with a clearly well thought out interface.

That said, let’s dig in.

The following review and overview will essentially go over the signal flow of the UltraNova followed by performance controls including the arpeggiator and the hardware interface. I’ll go into a little detail on what each feature can and cannot do in an attempt to give you a detailed idea of what the synth is capable of. Because my reviews tend to be a bit on the longer side, I will be posting the sections in chunks over time to make it easier on you to consume and for me to compose.

First we start with…

CLICK FOR MORE »

Novation Automap for iPhone / iPod Touch - LIMS '09

YouTube via soundonsoundvideo
"Automap app for Apple iPhone / iPod Touch"

Review of Novation's latest controller keyboard Impulse 61

YouTube Uploaded by RobProducertech on Jan 27, 2012

"Novation Impulse Review

This movie outlines the main features of Novation's newest controller keyboard, Impulse. All the hardware and main operational features are covered, as well as an outline of how Automap 4 works with the keyboard.

For more info, go to: http://www.novationmusic.com/products/midi_controllers/impulse/"

Automap 3.7.4 + ioDock glitch set

YouTube Uploaded by FSK1138 on Sep 25, 2011

"automap 3.7.4 + ioDock glitch/noise set

acer iconis dual screen multitouch laptop core i5
imageline flstudio 10
korg ms20 lc with automap 3.7.4
via novation nocturn

ambient background pads
native instrumets massive prossed with hardcore
nucleus soundlab viral outbreak by prossesed with hardcore


ipad ver 1 in alesis io bock
running
korg ielectribe, custom skin, custom patch"

KORG INC. - iTunes

iPads on eBay

ClockWOrK Vintage Stepsequencer VST

"Ever wanted to do these hypnotic sequencer lines known from Klaus Schulze or Tangerine Dream? Found out, that Hardware sequencers capable of doing this cost from 1500 to 30.000 $ (Moog Modular System)?

Now you can get a VST plugin for your PC for a fracture of this price.

Features
* clear and easy interface
* number of steps selectable (up to 16)
* note per step selectable from 3 octaves with display
* additional row for velocity or MIDI CC
* each step can be muted or skipped (!)
* sequence transpose by MIDI input
* selectable speed (clock divide)
* manual step thru the sequence with button or MIDI key
* reset to a specific step manually or on bar start
* play only when MIDI key is pressed
* random play
* supports automation by your host (like “Learn” in Reaper or Energy or Novation Automap)
* MIDI-ouput; any plugin or synthesizer can be used as sound source"

Click here for more info.

Tutorial: Novation 25 SL MIDI Keyboard Controller + Logic Pro Automapping

YouTube Uploaded by DubSpot on May 23, 2011

"Visit Dubspot Blog for more http://bit.ly/kkHXAq

In this video tutorial, Novation product specialist Brandon Carroll stops by Dubspot to explain and demonstrate creative production possibilities with Novation 25 SL MkII MIDI Keyboard Controller and Logic Pro. Brandon starts by showing you how to setup the 25 SL, which comes with Automap Pro, and gives you complete control over your production software. He further shows you how to enable touch-sensitive knobs and faders and utilize the X and Y modulation and drum pads, sort through patches, access plug-in instruments and effects and create a track with chord progression and groove."

Blofeld Vst Editor Beta 2

via Telmo on the Waldorf List:
"I have been working a lot on this VST editor and here is the new beta!

Download [See Update below for new version]

New features:
- Panel can be synchronized with current Blofeld patch ("Get Patch" button)
- Reacts to either Midi CC or Sysex
- Full Oscilliators, Filters and LFO editing
- Updated GUI
- More editable parameters (no longer Midi CC only)
- ... some bugs :-/

Other features:
- Knobs are updated on screen if edited on the Blofeld
- Parameters saved and recalled when saving/loading your project

Usage:
- Disable your Blofeld midi device in you host (will crash otherwise)
- Load the VST and select you master keyboard (or any other controller) as
input for the midi track
- Select the Midi input of your Blofeld
- Select the Midi output of your Blofeld
- (Optional) "Get Patch"
- That's it!

Was tested on following hosts:
- Cubase 4, Cubase SX3
- Reaper
- Renoise

I have noticed that the plugin really requires that the Blofeld midi inputs be free when selecting them. So check your host for this. Also, I have noticed that Novation Automap software sometimes hijacks the Blofeld midi ports thus making it impossible to select them.

This plugin is made with Synthmaker and thus will not be available on MacOS. Sorry.
However, it may work with a VST/AU wrapper (not tested as I don't have a Mac).

Feel free to suggest improvements and report bugs.

I hope you will like this new version!

Probable next improvements (but don't expect all of this in next beta!):
- More editable parameters (the goal is to have them all in order to have
some kind of "Total recall")
- Midi channel selection
- Parts management
- Maybe Sysex output

Have a nice day!
Telmo"

Update via Softknobs in the comments: "This is an outdated version of the plugin.
Newest version is at the official website,
http://www.softknobs.com

Feel free to report any problem or suggest features."

LIMS09: Novation Automap For iPhone

see the write-up on Sonic State

Novation Remote SL Compact

I don't believe this one is NAMM new, but I haven't put it up yet, so here it is.
"The ReMOTE SL COMPACT MIDI controller is the first keyboard to provide an affordable route to automatic, instant and intelligent control of all major sequencers and all automatable plug-ins. The SL COMPACT’s giant 144-character screen displays up to eight assigned parameters at once, with the essential data laid out logically right before the user’s eyes.
Automap Universal software ensures that little or no user setup is required. Sequencer controls are automatically mapped to the SL COMPACT the moment the sequencer boots up, whilst all VST or AU parameters are intuitively assigned as soon as a plug-in opens. In addition, an instant click and control ‘learn’ function is available for quick custom assigning, providing personalised plug-in control. The SL COMPACT’s unique PAC (pointer-assigned control) technology combined with its ‘speed dial’ also help to maximise efficiency by providing tactile control of any parameter on which the mouse pointer rests in Automap Universal mode."

You can find more info on the Novation Remote SL Compact site.

Novation SL MK II and Impulse Controlling Pro Tools

YouTube Uploaded by NovationTV on Dec 22, 2011

"A brief look into the Novation SL MK II and Impulse Controllers with Pro Tools and Automap 4 including mixer, plugin and transport controls. For more information on the differences between the flagship SL MK II controller and the Impulse go to:

http://www.novationmusic.com/products/midi_controllers/"

1903Noc Sequencer Preview (Eurorack Polyphony)

Published on Oct 17, 2013 Andreas Bygdell·29 videos

"Quick, dirty and noisy (I low noise and hiss) preview of a work in progress performance sequencer for Novation Nocturn/Automap and Doepfer A-190-3 built in Pure Data. A light touch of reverb. Three of them."