The Impulse did everything that I needed it to and more.

Novation’s Impulse 25 is professional USB/MIDI controller. It features a precision keyboard and a full control surface powered by a brand new version of Novation’s Automap control software. When I tried it, it gave me everything I needed to control my DAW and virtual instruments effectively and efficiently.

The software installed very easily and I got it set up with Ableton Live Lite, and in just a few minutes, I was able to get a session started and begin writing a song. The controls mapped to Ableton nicely. The eight pads are velocity sensitive, have arpeggiation and roll features, and are also able to launch Ableton live clips, which makes creating music even easier. The semi-weighted keyboard felt good in my hands. The black keys are more of a matte finish than shiny plastic, which I prefer to avoid slippage.

Encoder resolution/acceleration can be a problem with some keyboards, but not with the Impulse. The rotary knobs are speed sensitive. If you turn them slowly, they increment slowly. Turn them fast and they increment rapidly. All of the Impulse models also feature mod and bend wheels. The bend wheel has good feel and centers quickly. All in all, the Impulse did everything that I needed it to and more. I would highly recommend picking this USB/MIDI controller up and trying it for yourself!