Novation Impulse 61, professional USB/MIDI keyboard/controller from the new Impulse series featuring a 61-key ultra-sensitive, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch. The Impulse series controllers have 8 rotary encoders, full transport control, a large LCD display, and 55mm faders. The Automap 4 software provides easy control over plugins, effects, and major DAWs such as Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic, ProTools, Reason/Record, Sonar (PC only), Studio One, Garage Band, and FL Studio. The 8 pads have multi-operational modes and the multicolour backlighting reflects the operating mode.
61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch
8 rotary encoders
full transport control
9 assignable buttons
9 faders of 55mm
8 multi-operational, backlit pads
integrated groovebox arpeggiator/step sequencer
LCD display
robust and solid design
USB powered
sustain and expression pedal input
MIDI in/out
includes Xcite+ plugin bundle, Automap4, Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station, 1.5GB of Loopmasters/Mike The Drummer drum samples
I recently bought this keyboard. Let's take it step by step:
1. Keybed - I am a trained pianist, and I can confidently say that this MIDI Keyboard is useless for piano scores. The keys are less than semi-weighted, and the velocity response is very unnatural; mistakes are inevitable, with sounds being too loud or not sounding at all on soft presses. There are better alternatives among MIDI Keyboards with semi-weighted keys. However, the keys themselves feel okay.
2. Body - the casing is plastic. It's light, the construction is okay, but a good case is needed for transport.
3. Functions - Here the keyboard has a big WIN, it has a lot of functions and buttons that can be mapped directly (I recommend) or manipulated through the Automap software. The Automap itself is unstable software, so I only recommend it for studio use. The pads are okay, the faders and rotary knobs register the entire range of values one by one.
Conclusion: This is not a keyboard for those who need a quality keybed, but it performs decently for effects where velocity isn't that important. It has an okay quality/price ratio for those dealing with anything other than piano. If you need expressiveness, especially for violins or other sounds with many velocity levels, I would still recommend an M-Audio Axiom Pro or a digital piano. SoundCreation was very nice. I'm satisfied with their team.
It's an okay board. I've read a ton of reviews. Since I couldn't try it out, I ordered it. It's my first USB board. I'm glad I didn't get a cheaper one. The keys aren't semi-weighted as they describe, they're light. The construction of the keys doesn't seem that amazing to me either. Probably the cheaper ones are even worse. The sliders sometimes get stuck digitally, meaning you have to move them to one of the extremes to start controlling the corresponding channels. The pads are optimal. The construction is solid. The bass station is weak and sounds artificial. There are free VSTs that are better than this one. Other than that, it's okay. I don't regret getting it. It's fine for composing in the middle of the night without disturbing anyone. I wouldn't take it for gigs because the software is unstable. For gigs, I stick with the Nord Stage, which indeed has semi-weighted keys. You might say it's a different price category, and I agree. But then Novation shouldn't say they're semi-weighted. I think I'm more of a player than a tweaker. Sound creation: efficient, quick, I only have positive comments about them.
Novation Impulse 61 is the perfect choice for me, I studied the market a lot before choosing this midi controller. I wanted to get something cheaper because I didn't have enough money for Novation Impulse 61, but I decided to wait a little longer and get something professional that would make my work easier! For those who want to buy an instrument, a sound system, anything related to music... don't rush to buy at first sight, read about it, make comparisons, find many video tutorials on the internet, this will help you buy exactly what you want! Thanks to the soundcreation team!!! Have a good day everyone!
