Novation Remote 25 SL 2-Octave Soft Label USB MIDI Keyboard Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just purchased the Novation 25 SL used for $130 on Ebay.
I must say it is a great value for the money.
When you use this little keyboard with Novation's Automap software, you can control most DAWs (such as Ableton and even Protools) in a primitive way, not like a full-blown surface controller, but you can use this keyboard to do things such as stopping and starting the transport, etc.
Another great feature is the touchpad, which is great when controlling VST's filter resonances and frequencies at once. You can also control most VSTs synths with Automap, using the various knobs, faders and buttons on the Remote 25 SL.
You can even use this keyboard as a stand-alone MIDI controller, without a computer, and without Automap.
The only drawbacks i can find with this unit are:
1-The LCDs are hard to read when the keyboard is sitting flat. I wish they would have angled the LCDs towards the user.
2-I was laughing when i read about the "Superb 25-key, semi-weighted, high-quality keyboard with velocity- and aftertouch-sensitivity"
I think this has to be some kind of marketing joke, because the keyboard on my Remote 25 SL certainly does NOT feel "superb" "Semi-weighted" or "high quality". It feels light, plasticky and very cheap, like something you can expect to play on a $20 casio synth. As a matter of fact, i opened the unit and the keyboard is not really semi-weighted but uses spring resistance.
But, hey, i didn't expect much for $130.
Anyway, i recommend this nice little keyboard, which is very useful in the studio, but when getting a used one, do not pay more than $150.
btw, this keyboard's successor, the Novation 25 SL mk. II is literally identical: same layout, same plastic shell, same cheap spring loaded keyboard, same buttons, knobs and faders, except the buttons and knobs light up, that is it.
The only difference between both units is are the main cpu board and the board that contains the knobs and buttons. The rest is identical.
The Novation 25 SL mk. II's lit knobs and faders will probably come in handy if you are playing live in a dark club, but i really don't see how this plastic keyboard can stand live playing and touring abuse without getting destroyed.
Not worth $300 in my opinion, specially when you can get a used, real weighted controller for a lot less.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Novation Remote 25 SL 2-Octave Soft Label USB MIDI Keyboard

Finally, producing in the dark is a thing of the past.The SL shines a light on the murky world of MIDI control by providing two huge, brightly lit LCD screens that display up to 16 control names and values simultaneously.Alongside this is the intelligent Automap Universal technology, which detects the sequencer and plug-ins in use and intelligently maps parameters to the SL's pots, switches, and sliders.With these award-winning features and a massive array of assignable controls, the SL takes the headache out of MIDI controlling, making music creation as spontaneous and exciting as it should be.Plug and Play USB connection with no drivers required for Windows XP or Mac OS X.A host of exciting software solutions, including Ableton Live Lite 6 and over 1.5 gigs of loops and samples.

Get 33% OFF

Click here for more information about Novation Remote 25 SL 2-Octave Soft Label USB MIDI Keyboard