Novation Impulse 49

impulse

Impulse is a very responsive keyboard with pressure-sensitive pads that you can also use for a arpeggios, integrates seamlessly with all the main daws I use it as main keyboard in my set and I'm really happy with it

I had this for 2 years

When i ordered it I expected the keys to be weighted...I had this controller for 2 years,and today i noticed that the one pictured looks like it has keys like a piano,but mine came with what you would find on some synths or organs,not weighted!!!Other than that it's a great controller with many functions,works perfect with ableton.

Amazing value!

This keyboard's value in my home studio is amazing. Appregiator, CC assignments and features that allow me for smooth automation in Logic Pro X and more.

The build quality is very good for the price, yes the faders and knobs are made out of plastic but I didn't expect them to be metal out of aluminium. The keys have a really nice weight to them and feel very durable.

The integration with DAW of my choice is fantastic and speeds up my creative process. Simple solution like rewind, record, stop etc. are also a bonus.

Pros:

- A lot of actually usable features

- Bang for the buck

- Nicely weighted keys

Cons:

- Plastic faders, don't feel too precise.

Overall, in my opinion this is one of the best MIDI Keyboards and controllers you can buy in this price range. It has been used not only in my home studio but also by my friend for Live Applications. The USB Port could have been slightly more sturdy (but that's the case with A LOT of interfaces) so if you're planning on using it as a Live Controlles I'd recommend taping your cable to the USB Slot (or securing it any other way)

Overall, great product and would buy again!

Excellent Aftertouch with Arpeggiator

Cotrols bot Ableton and Cubase in my setup with all transport, faders + customisable features.

Aftertouch works well with my DeepMind 12.

Sturdy, nice semi-weighted keys. I purchased this nearly a year ago and it still looks new.

Serious alternative to the newer Launchkey Mk 3 with better keybed and aftertouch.

All round excellence!

Used with Logic Pro X 10.4.8

Pros:

- Easy to use with smooth faders and rotary dials and great feeling keys.

- Auto-map feature is really diverse, works on all major DAWs.

- Its faders can also be used as a control surface for Pro Tools using Auto-map. (NOT as a replacement for Avid's dedicated control surfaces for example Avid S1)

- All features are similar to the 61 key version

Cons:

- The compact size may result in lower stability on a keyboard stand (in my case Millenium KS-1001). Can be solved using an extension handle on the keyboard stand.

- For some VSTs, 61 key version would be easier to use. (This is more of a luxury than a necessity.)

Overall it's a good balance between premium features and affordable pricing.

Easy to use and has a great feel.

Packed with almost all possible features that one might need for a bedroom project music production setup. For everything else, there's always your mouse ;)

My first decent controller keyboard

I needed a controller keyboard that would give me more control over my software synths and after reading reviews I decided to go with this one.

I use this soul in the studio and I have really enjoyed the functionality. The arpeggiator is useful as is the roll function on the 8 drum pads. Very intuitively laid out and I would recommend this to beginners.

The only negative I can give this product is for the included mapping software. DO NOT USE IT! Automap attempts to allow control over your plugins with the rotary controllers on the keyboard and it’s definitely given me the biggest headache ever. However, if you’re looking to waste an afternoon trying to get it to work - be my guest! 😊

Complicated

It has a lot of options and features but I only use it for ableton so it is unnecessary features for me.But great stuff if you want to play on stage.

Perfect tool with one tiny flaw

I just want to add that Novation did not follow all MIDI standards.

They forgot to provide the 5 volt at pin 4 on one of the MIDI connectors that is needed to power some devices.

To use it with the "Quicco Sound mi.1 Wireless Midi Adapter", I had to solder a simple resistor inside the Impulse 49 to fix this.

Rather Cheap feeling

One of the rare Novation products that feels cheap and not great to play on. the Keys are very plastic feeling and i would not recommend it. Very bulky and plastic.

Brilliant!

Great midi keyboard, loads of features and easy to use especially with the mapping to DAW packs included