Novation 61SL MkIII 61-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller with Sequencer and CV

• Synth-style semi-weighted keybed with sprung keys and assignable aftertouch
• 10 kHz key scan rate for a finely detailed response to your playing
• Onboard eight-track polyphonic sequencer that runs without a computer
• Two sets of CV pitch, gate and modulation outputs for analogue synths
• Three 5-pin MIDI ports (In, Out, Out 2 or Thru) plus analogue clock out
• Five colour screens showing the name and value of every parameter you touch
• An RGB LED above every key to show scales, zones and layers

Most MIDI keyboards stop at the USB cable: they send notes to the computer and that is it. The 61SL MkIII starts at the other end. It assumes you already own an analogue synth, a drum machine or a sound module waiting to be told what to play, and it talks to them directly.

Around back, three 5-pin MIDI ports, two sets of CV outputs (pitch, gate, modulation) on 3.5 mm jacks and an analogue clock output let you connect a modular system, a MIDI module and an external sequencer at once. One routable clock serves the entire setup, in the box or out of it, so every device follows the same tempo.

The built-in sequencer offers eight polyphonic tracks per session and stores sixty-four sessions. Each track holds eight patterns of sixteen steps, for 128 steps per track, chained in whatever order you like. Enter notes step by step from the pads or record them live from the keys, velocity included.

Knob and fader moves are captured as automation, up to eight lanes per pattern. Internal tempo runs from 40 to 240 BPM, swing from 20 to 80 per cent, and each pattern can play forward, backward or at random. An arpeggiator rounds things out: pick a type, a synced rate and a length, then shape the rhythm live on the pads.

Sixteen scale types and chromatic transposition keep you in key, and the keybed splits into eight playable zones so the same 61 keys can drive several instruments at once.

Novation built the Ableton Live integration together with Ableton: the five screens display your session parameters, the pads launch clips, and the knobs, faders and buttons put the session under your hands. Logic and Reason also get deep integration.

Cubase, Pro Tools, Studio One and Reaper are controlled through HUI. The keyboard is NKS-ready as well, the Native Instruments standard that links controls to the parameters of its instruments automatically. For anything else, a software editor lets you build your own hardware and software templates.

Novation calls it its finest synth-style semi-weighted keybed, with every key individually sprung. Aftertouch can be assigned to any parameter. The 10 kHz scan rate reads your attack with a precision you can feel on an electric piano patch or a synth solo.

The sixteen RGB pads respond to velocity and polyphonic aftertouch: use them for finger drumming, clip launching and editing sequencer steps. Three pedal inputs (sustain, expression, footswitch) complete the playing position.

The 61SL MkIII ships with its 12 V power supply: it cannot run on USB power, which makes sense given its screens and outputs. The software bundle includes Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Komplete 15 Select, Spitfire LABS strings, XLN Addictive Keys, the Bass Station plug-in made with GForce, Melodics lessons and 4 GB of Loopmasters sounds.

• Driving a modular synth and MIDI modules from a single keyboard
• Writing sequences with the computer switched off, then bringing them into your DAW
• Performing an Ableton Live set while reading everything on the keyboard's screens
• Splitting the keys into zones to play bass and pads on two instruments
• Syncing a drum machine, an external arpeggiator and your DAW to one clock

Other keyboard controllers combine a sequencer, CV outputs or deep software integration. Here is how they differ from the 61SL MkIII:

Does the 61SL MkIII work without a computer?

Yes. Its eight-track sequencer, 5-pin MIDI ports and CV outputs all work on their own, so it can drive your outboard synths with the computer turned off.

Can it be powered over USB?

No. Novation states it cannot be powered from USB. Use the included 12 V supply, rated for a maximum draw of 1000 mA.

How many analogue synths can it control over CV?

Two directly, thanks to its two sets of pitch, gate and modulation outputs. More gear can join in parallel through the three MIDI ports.

Which DAWs does it integrate with?

Ableton Live, Logic and Reason have dedicated integration. Cubase, Pro Tools, Studio One and Reaper are controlled over HUI, and NKS instruments are recognized automatically.