In the new age, midi-controllers have become that one formidable gadget that wiped out the need for scores of people in a studio. The rise of the MIDI Controller has made home music production all the more possible as a one-man operation, if need be. Today we take a look at one such device known as the Novation Impulse 49 USB MIDI Controller.
Novation MIDI Controllers
If you don’t already know, MIDI controllers are keyboard/piano styled devices that usually connect to computers by USB. They generally don’t produce any sound of their own. Instead, through the use of a DAW software and virtual instrument plugins, the gadget’s sound is produced in your computer. MIDI Controllers enhance the composition process, enabling you to create detailed melodies and other musical expressions with ease.
Founded in 1992, Novation is best known for its production of MIDI controllers that the professional music world is all too familiar with. The “Impulse” series is a range of controllers available in 25, 49, and 61 keys; each version promising a high-end, versatile performance. Today, our object of review is the Novation Impulse 49.
Review: The Novation Impulse 49 MIDI Controller
In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the Novation Impulse 49 in terms of its design, features and performance. We’ll discuss pros and cons. We will also draw a brief comparison between the this MIDI controller and other noteworthy competitors in the same price range.
Hands-On: Design and Features
Aesthetically, the Impulse 49 presents a retrospective (we’re talking 80’s) and yet modern appeal. It features a bold red, grey and black color range, with a primarily sturdy plastic encasing. The controls are boldly designed in terms of their size, adding to that somewhat old-school techno-esque form. Overall, looks-wise, it offers just the right amount of contemporary design, with a hint of nostalgia.
Build
Now, let’s start off with the build of this device. The MIDI controller has an all-plastic 86.4cm (33.3″) wide casing. The casing is quite firm and sturdy though, so it does seem to offer a great level of durability. All the keys are set well within the casework, without extending beyond its parameters.
The keyboard itself features 49 keys (as you’ve probably figured). The keys are semi-weighted, also offering a programmable aftertouch. Because of this, the device is given the feel of an actual instrument with sensitivity, as opposed to mere computer accessory. The top panel also features all the main controls (detailed later). The back panel features inputs for expression and sustain pedals, a USB input as well as a pair of MIDI I/O sockets.
The Controls
Novation Impulse 49 Controls
Novation Impulse 49 comes with a variety of knobs, faders and more; enabling you to have a truly versatile experience. The controls feel impressively sturdy and well built; the knobs and sliders move easily, but with fair resistance. Some key components include:
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- Faders & Knobs – these are meant for volume leveling, and can be allocated to individual tracks. They can be mapped to many other aspects of your choosing, such as layer volumes, filters or sounds. The knobs basically offer the same features.
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- Pads – The pads on this thing are wonderful. Likely a result of their well crafted Launchpad series. The pads are sensitive to touch and velocity. They can be assigned to drum plugins or samplers for a variety of awesome sounds.
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- Pitch and Mod Wheels – Pitch wheels aid with bending the sounds of instruments, which is a neat feature. The Mod wheels, on the other hand, assist in modifying the sound.
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- LCD Screen – The handy little screens displays particular information regarding the actual controls. For example, the transposition, or what mix you’re on etc.
Features
Novation Impulse offers a myriad of capabilities, all to the benefit of versatility to your production style. From weighted keys and aftertouch sensitivity to accommodating virtually every popular DAW software available. Novation appears to come to the party in the features department.
Automap Control Software
Novation controllers come with automap as a piece of software. Automap lets you see rather quickly which knobs buttons and faders are being controlled by a particular part of your software. This makes it simpler to alternate between functions
Full Control Surface
Novation Impulse 49 allows you to get a complete, tactile control of your DAW/plugins through its control surface. Users play along with immediate control of their mixer, transport controls, as well as plugins and effects.
Backlit Drumpads and Beat Roll
Impulse offers 8 velocity-sensitive drum pads, which also come with with aftertouch included. Each of these are backlit with 3-colour LEDs, which light when a sound has been programmed into it. Beat Roll enables you to create a roll when you press down on a pad. As the pads are pressure-sensitive, you able to control aspects like volume just by pressing down harder or softer.
Arpeggiator Warping
Coming with a built-in Arpeggiator, Novation Impulse 49 enables you to make arpeggios out of any chord. The drum pads go the extra mile by enabling you to warp the arpeggios you create. By alternating the 8 pads in or out, the rhythm of the arpeggio can be changed in real time.
You can also change the speed, shape, syncopation and gate time of the arpeggio.
Ableton Live Clip Launch
Included in the impulse package, is Ableton Live Lite. The 8 drum pads can be used to launch clips in Live. The three colors indicate whether a clip is loaded, playing, or recording. These would be in yellow, green and red respectively.
Performance: Pros and Cons
Overall performance wise, it can be said that the Impulse 49 does make for professional musical output. It isn’t ideal for beginners, as it a little more complex in functionality and is better for intermediate to professional users. This is a great MIDI controller for those looking for enhanced functionality in features and versatility overall.
Some of the major strong points and weaknesses of this device include the following:
Pros
- The overall sensitivity of keys and controls. This makes for great dynamic interaction.
- Flexible mapping that is intuitive and simple to customize
- The Pads feel awesome – brilliant for the creation of drum beats
- Built-in customizable arpeggiator and roll functions
- The multi-colored pads make them ideal for launching Ableton
Cons
- Seemingly endless encoders
- Lack of a speed dial which is often included in other MIDI controllers
Novation Impulse 49 vs Popular Contenders
You can check out the price and further reviews of the Novation Impulse 49 here on Amazon. But if you’d like we can briefly observe the differences between the Impulse 49 and similar controllers.
Novation Impulse 49 vs Akai MPK249
Akai MPK249
Overall, however, when it comes to aesthetics, it does feel and look more ‘economical’. Novation’s build is more stable and arguably superior in this regard. I’d go for Novation Impulse 49, in this case. To compare check out the Akai MPK249 here on Amazon.
Novation Impulse 49 vs Alesis VI 49
Alesis VI49 on Amazon
The one downer as far the Alesis is concerned in comparison to the Imple 49 is that it comes along a few sensitivity issues. Impulse 49 has really mastered the sensitivity factor in this sense. However, between the two, Alesis VI49 just might be the winner. To compare check it out here on Amazon.
Check Out the Novation Impulse 49
Novation Impulse 49
Hopefully, we’ve answered most of your questions regarding this device in this review. For more user reviews and price comparisons, have a look at the Novation Impulse 49 USB MIDI Controller on Amazon
Technical Features Overview
- Ultra-responsive semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch
- Automap 4 control software enables instant hands-on access to your DAW and plug-ins
- Comprehensive DAW/plug-in control surface
- 9 faders, 8 rotaries, 8 backlit pads, transport controls, and a bevy of buttons
- Custom LCD screen always keep you status-savvy
- Multi-function drum pads let you warp arpeggios, roll beats and launch clips in Ableton Live
- Ships with Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station, Loopmasters sample library, and Mike The Drummer
- Your choice of XLN Addictive Keys instrument (VST/AU/AAX) with product registration
For more reviews and suggestion on recommended gear for your studio, have a look at the resources page here on Music Studio DIY.