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Novation Impulse 61 61-key Keyboard Controller

61-key USB MIDI Controller with Semi-weighted Keys, 25 Knobs/Faders/Pads, Dedicated Transport Controls, and DAW/Instrument/Automap Software - Mac/PC
Item ID: Impulse61

Sorry, the Novation Impulse 61 61-key Keyboard Controller is no longer available. We've left this page up for reference only.
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Novation Impulse 61 61-key Keyboard Controller
Novation Impulse 61 61-key Keyboard Controller
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Exacting, Intuitive DAW Control

The Novation Impulse 61 USB MIDI controller gives you everything you need to control your DAW with expression and precision. At the heart of the Impulse 61 is its highly responsive semi-weighted keyboard with assignable aftertouch. You get full DAW/plug-in control via one fader, eight rotaries, eight backlit performance pads, transport controls, and an LCD to keep you status-savvy. The Impulse 61 also ships with a tidy collection of cool software and sounds. If you have DAW control issues, check out the Novation Impulse 61.

First-class keyboard

The Novation Impulse 61's semi-weighted keybed is first-class. Designed to feel like an instrument rather than a computer accessory, these keys communicate musical expression to your DAW with an efficacy you never thought possible. That's always been the challenge with MIDI and computer-based music creation — and the Impulse 61 attacks it head-on. The result is better music.

Iron-fisted, velvet-gloved control

In addition to the superb keyboard, the Novation Impulse 61's multifunction, backlit drum pads let you roll beats, warp arpeggios, launch clips in Ableton Live, and curb the potential for mayhem that lurks beneath the surface of every complex DAW setup. And with immediate access to your DAW's transport, mixer, and plug-ins, you'll enjoy increased productivity and focus, resulting in, again, better music.

Works with all major DAWs

The Novation Impulse 61 has been designed and tested to work with all major DAWs and plug-in instruments and effects, including Ableton (Ableton Live Lite comes included with Impulse), Cubase, Logic, ProTools, Reason/Record, Sonar (PC only), FL Studio, Studio One, and Garage Band. Automap 4 control software is the magic that gives you immediate hands-on access to your DAW and plug-ins. In addition, you get Impulse 61 access to your third-party plug-in instruments and effects, such as Native Instruments, Waves, or FXpansion. In Live, you can even control Scene Launch and Clip Launch using Impulse's backlit drum pads. The Novation Impulse 61 is one serious controller.

Free XLN Addictive Keys instrument with registration!

Your Novation Impulse 61 also includes your choice of XLN's world-class Addictive Keys virtual instruments. Choose from the following:

  • Modern Upright: a tight, defined Yamaha U3 upright
  • Studio Grand: a remarkably rich Steinway Model D grand
  • Electric Grand: the pop-rock classic Yamaha CP-80 at your fingertips
  • Mark One: a sublime Fender Rhodes through a vintage tube amp

This offer is open to both new and existing customers. To redeem your Addictive Keys license, log in to your Novation account and register your product. You'll find your instrument options under your My Account page.

Novation Impulse 61 Features:

  • 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 pads, transport controls, and an army of buttons
  • Custom LCD always keep you status-savvy
  • Multifunction drum pads let you warp arpeggios, roll beats, and launch clips in Ableton Live
  • Ships with Ableton Live Lite, Loopmasters sample library, and Mike The Drummer
  • Your choice of XLN Addictive Keys instrument (VST/AU/AAX) with product registration
  • 3-year warranty

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Warranty Info

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Tech Specs

  • Manufacturer Part Number: AMS-IMPULSE-61

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Hear from a Sales Engineer
What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?
The latest USB keyboard controller from Novation, the Impulse aims to provide complete control over your entire rig, with a slew of controls and functions. Does it succeed in its goal? Let's check it out! There are three flavors of Impulse available: 25-key, 49-key, and 61-key. I received the 49-key Impulse for review. Aside from the number of keys, the controllers are all similarly featured. The semi-weighted keybed has assignable aftertouch, and it feels great under your fingers. The obligatory pitch-bend and modulation wheels are provided. A nice blue LCD screen gives you visual feedback for what you are doing. But this controller is about more than just the keys. It's decked out with eight assignable rotary controllers (knobs) and nine sliders. (The sliders are only available on the 49- and 61-key versions -- there isn't room for them on the 25-key version.) Having nine sliders allows for full control over tonewheel organ simulation, if that's what you're using them to control. They could also be assigned to control DAW mixer faders or other control applications. Each fader is accompanied by an adjacent assignable soft switch. There are eight responsive groove-box-style pads for playing drums. Additional switches allow you to use these pads to do rolls, launch clips, or arpeggiate. A full set of transport controls rounds things out. All of these controls, plus others, can be quickly and easily assigned to send out MIDI control change messages. As just a MIDI controller, the Impulse has all of the control and features you could want. But it's when you install the included Automap V4 software that things get hopping. Automap V4 is an application that automatically detects what software you are running on your computer and instantly configures the Impulse to be able to control the parameters in that software -- be it your DAW, a plug-in, or a virtual instrument. This feature is amazing, and it truly allows the Impulse to become command central for your entire virtual studio. It's a joy to be able to get your hands on your software, whether you are mixing, tracking, playing, or processing. Automap V4 makes the process seamless and transparent. The Impulse is one of the most full-featured controllers I have encountered, with a great-feeling keyboard and plenty of controls. Combined with Automap V4, it's a stellar package that can take charge of any virtual rig.
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