The New Novation Nocturn is a professional keyboard controller. The Nocturn features 25-key and 49-key keyboard, with velocity sensitive. This intelligent sequencer controller features high quality ‘Fatar’ keyboard, 33 MIDI assignable controls, 8 velocity sensitive drum pads, latest version of Automap, 11 segment LED rings, 8 touch sensitive LED-ringed encoders, a speed dial and back-lit buttons, which will furnish you with instant visual feedback for every physical control.
In fact, what actually distinguished Novation Nocturn Keyboard from other brands is the Automap control software. It acts as a software interface for the controller, allowing you to map parameters in your software plug-ins straight to dials and buttons on the controller by a simple click on a parameter, then touching the controller. The Automap feature also enables you to keep track of assignments completed. Instead of the usual LCD screen, Novation Nocturn Keyboard displays control information right where you want it – on your computer monitor. The Automap software graphically displays Nocturn control surface. The controllers themselves also tell you what is going on: LED rings around the 8 encoders show their current settings, and LED’s behind the buttons tell you if they are on or off. The portable keyboard can be set up for use as a serious DAW/sequencer controller, including its ground-breaking Automap control of all VST/AU/RTAS/TDM plug-ins. The Midi Controller keyboard is powered by USB-saving valuable plug sockets. It can also be powered down without being unplugged, preserving battery power in laptops.
The new Novation Nocturn Keyboard‘s 25-key version weight 2.4 kg whereas the 49-key weight 3.8 kg. It is a fantastic controller and it is like a killer package, with everything you want right where you want it while the Automap takes care of the software and plug-ins, and the keys feel good.
The M-Audio Oxygen 61 USB MIDI Controller features 61-key keyboard with velocity sensitive. Though the sensitivity is adequate but may not satisfy the most discerning pianists. The Oxygen 61 is solidly built, compact and portable, making it ideal for both live performances and production. The Oxygen 61 features excellent pitch and modulation wheels, a USB interface, extra MIDI in/out ports, 3 Octaves up and down, programmable buttons, faders and panners, 6 transport controls (Record, Play, Stop, Rew, FF, Loop).
The M-Audio Oxygen 61 allows users to download Cubase profile from a third party site and immediately use the 9 faders to control the master volume and the 8 tracks. And both the faders and transport controls work flawlessly. In fact, this portable keyboard works great with almost all software and has some built-in settings to help interface with programs, which helps speed up the learning curve and makes it user friendly.
The M-Audio Oxygen 61 is also an excellent choice if you want a versatile midi controller for garageband or Logic Studio because you can convert your Mac in many great synths. This portable keyboard weight merely 7.5 lbs and with the most features at this price range.
The Nord Wave Synthesizer is both lightweight and solidly built. Weighing in at merely 6 kg, the instrument was made for live gigs. Controls; 33 knobs, 3 notched endless encoders and 33 buttons are located at the front panel. The LCD screen shows the value of all parameters while editing, especially the names of multi-samples and digital waveforms. The value of certain parameters is shown in its true unit of measurement; frequency in Hz, time in seconds, intervals in semitones. A dedicated Panic button can cut all notes and is ideal for gigs.
The Nord Wave features 49-keys 4-octave keyboard that is sensitive to both velocity and pressure. The Nord Wave has an extensive sound range from imitations of vintage analogs, digital hybrids to acoustic instruments with a 189 MB Flash Memory pre-filled to ninety per cent. The multi-samples are well assembled, well looped and musical. The best part of this multi-sample bank is the Mellotron, since its samples are static. The Nord Wave offers no less than 250 MB recorded from Mellotron built from original parts. Nord Wave shines in synth sounds like synth basses, soft leads, portamento, arpeggios, pads and digital sounds. The Nord Wave is a digital synthesizer with 18-note polyphony. The memory contains 8 banks of 128 programs, including 3 pre-programmed. Fortunately, you can scroll through programs by number, category or alphabetically and they are simple and effective. Its range of sounds is surprising, with very different and perfectly complementary timbres within easy reach.
If all these sounds complicated, you got the wrong impression, it is the exact opposite. I have the distinct impression that the Nord Wave Manager takes care of most of the work with excellent results. The Nord Wave is a concentration of synthesis types with excellent musicality, user friendly, robust, and lightweight and the instrument is built for live performances.
