Novation"s 25 SL Mk II has been designed to give you complete control over your music making software. SL MkII can directly control your plug-in instruments and FX (you also get an Italian made, semi-weighted keyboard mechanism). SL MkII comes with Automap, a piece of software that has been designed to make the job of assigning your hardware controls to various software parameters quick and easy. Automap enables knobs, faders and buttons to instantly control plug-in instruments/FX, as well as your sequencer"s mixer, transport controls and more. Open a plug-in instrument/FX, and you have instant access to all the plug-in parameters. This allows you to assign knobs, faders and buttons, by simply clicking on the software parameter, and touching the control. Designed to give you complete control over your music making software. View larger Since Novation was born back in 1992, the company name has become synonymous with world-class analogue modeling synthesizers and unrivalled MIDI controller keyboards and solutions. The product range continues to receive critical acclaim from the music press and win numerous awards for outstanding technology and usability. Fantastic build quality, true musical instrument feel and intuitive controls are just three of the reasons why Novation"s digital musical instruments are simply a joy to play. To keep products up to date and in tune with the user"s needs, Novation continually provides improved operating systems and brand new software available for download. OS updates are fueled and inspired by suggestions from existing users, so comments about Novation products are actively encouraged. Works with Your Sequencer SL MkII will give you transport and mixer control in all major DAW/sequencers. You can also get instant control of external plug-in instruments/FX (like Native Instruments and FXpansion which are not included with your DAW). SL MkII will also give you instant control over major DAWs own plug-in instruments/FX: Ableton, Logic 9, Pro Tools, Cuebase/Nuendo, Reason/Record, and Sonar. Touch, Click, It"s Assigned Novation knows that producers, musicians and sound designers want hands-on control of their music software without the headaches that come with controllers. SL MkII uses Novation"s Automap control software to solve these problems. With over 56 assignable controls, you need to be able to assign things quickly, and keep track of which knob, fader or button is controlling which bit of your software. Huge Array of Touch-Sensitive Controls Touch any knob or fader and all information (name and value of whatever it is controlling) will appear on the LCD screen above it. Automap"s software edit page shows you a graphic of the entire control surface, with every control labeled, on your computer monitor. LED rings around the knobs instantly show the value of whatever they"re controlling, and each button lights up when switched on. High-Quality Professional Keyboard The keyboard is a velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted action keyboard with assignable after-touch. An Italian-made keyboard mechanism plays like a musical instrument rather than a computer accessory. Illuminated Controls Provide Instant Visual Feedback Brightly lit LED rings around the eight smooth encoders, and backlit buttons provide instant visual feedback. Giant 144-Character LCD Screen The long LCD screen is large enough to show the name and value of entire rows of knobs, faders or buttons, instantly displaying what each control is assigned to. USB Bus Powered SL MkII is totally portable as it does not require an external power supply. It draws power straight from your USB port. X-Y Control Pad The "Xpression" pad and adjustably sprung pitch/mod joystick are both freely assignable to any parameter. Automap 3 PRO Control Software Automap is a piece of software that comes with all Novation controllers. It has been designed to make the job of assigning your hardware controls to various software parameters quick and easy. Automap enables knobs, faders and buttons to instantly control plug-in instruments/FX, as well as your sequencer"s mixer, transport controls and more… MIDI Control Interface Built in MIDI I/O Interface and comprehensive MIDI implementation provide complete control over all external hardware synths and other external MIDI devices. Novation"s Unique "Speed Dial" "Speed Dial" is a touch-sensitive rotary encoder that instantly takes control of whatever your mouse is focused on, providing real time access for composers and performers alike. Programmable "Soft-Feel" Triggerpads The SL MkII"s triggerpads are programmable, with a soft feel that makes them the ideal platform for sketching out beats or triggering samples. Dedicated Fully-Assignable Transport Buttons Control your sequencer"s start/stop/loop/record/forward/rewind actions, or switch them out to allow use of more assignable buttons. Includes the Xcite+ Bundle Featuring a host of royalty-free loops and samples, a full-fledged soft-synth and Ableton Live 7 Lite, providing an affordable upgrade path to Ableton Live. Assignable Controls 8 encoders (Infinite Rotation) with touch-sensitivity and 11 segment Led rings 8 pots (270 Rotation) with touch-sensitivity 8 sliders with touch-sensitivity Xpression Pad (as on existing SL) Xpression Stick (as on existing SL) 8 soft feel trigger pads Touch sensitive Speed Dial (as on Nocturn) Technical Specifications Data Port: 1 x USB (Win XP/Vista and Mac OSX)--Not Class Compliant MIDI: MIDI ONE: IN, OUT and Thru, MIDI TWO: OUT Sustain Pedal: 1 x 1/4 Jack Input Expression Pedal: 1 x 1/4 Jack Input Power Switch: Ext DC/USB Dimensions: 18.43 x 2.67 x 11.54" Weight: 7.28 lb System Requirements Mac OSX 10.4.0 or greater or Windows XP SP2 or greater 1GHz Intel or G4 CPU 512MB RAM