Gear Lust – Novation Nocturn Keyboard
It’s been a while since my last gear lust post, probably a good thing because I ended up buying that one and am still slowly paying for it (well worth it though!). Ever since these were announced in September I’ve been drooling at the Novation Nocturn Keyboards. IMHO these keys are damn sexy and I already know how nice one will look along side my Mac Book Pro.
Novation Nocturn 49
Nocturn Keyboard is an intelligent plug-in/sequencer controller. It has a high quality ‘Fatar’ keyboard, with 8 drum pads and a total of 33 assignable controls, which allow you to get hands-on control of your plug-in instruments, effects and sequencer.
Most keyboard controllers have two big problems: The idea of being able to control software parameters with knobs and buttons sounds great. However, the hassle of assigning them, and remembering what they are assigned to becomes so tedious that you always end up turning back to your mouse.
Nocturn Keyboard’s Automap control software solves both these problems. To assign controllers, simply click on the parameter, touch a knob or button, and it is assigned! It also enables you to keep track of what is assigned to what – instead of using a small monochrome LCD screen, Nocturn Keyboard displays control information where you really need it: on your computer monitor. The Automap software graphically displays Nocturn’s 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.
It looks to be a fantastic controller with everything right where you’d want it, and not a lot of extra junk, if Automap works like they claim and the keys feel good, it looks like a killer package.
What I like:
Buttons with lights underneath
Rotary encoders with value indicators rather than a potentiometer that most likely won’t show the correct value.
Not unnecessarily large (like the M-Audio Axiom series or many others)
Drum pads in the middle
No faders or keypads I would never actually use
The one thing I don’t like is the pink buttons, but I think I could like with it.
I’ve got to get my hands on one of these and see how it really is. If anyone has used one of these, I’ve asked a bunch of times on Twitter with no response, please let me know what you think of them.
Full Details here: Nocturn Keyboard
6 Responses to “Gear Lust – Novation Nocturn Keyboard”
By Joe Gilder on Oct 28, 2009 | Reply
I had the original Remote SL Zero for a while. It worked pretty well. The AutoMap stuff is great on paper. Sometimes the implementation can be a bit spotty. However, it’s been almost 2 years since I had the SL Zero, so I would imagine they’ve improved things dramatically.
This Nocturn Keyboard sure is pretty, though.
By pugsfly on Oct 28, 2009 | Reply
I also have the older remote SL 61. Can’t get used to the modulation/pitch joystick. glad that the nocturn one has the more conventional mod wheel.
By joey nelson on Oct 28, 2009 | Reply
Nobody’s used one yet because they aren’t available. They were supposed to ship a few weeks ago but all the retailers list them as backordered. It’s driving me crazy, I really need a new usb midi controller and this thing looks great!
By Sydney on Oct 28, 2009 | Reply
I’d love to try one out myself. I’ve been looking for a 25 key to supplement my production keyboard(hammer action).
By Microphones Compared on Oct 29, 2009 | Reply
The Nocturn Keyboard seems to be a pretty good gadget. It surely is worth the try.
By KeyOfGrey on Nov 3, 2009 | Reply
Those Nocturn’s are pretty nice. If you’re looking at alternatives as well, my friend is a gigging musician and uses the Axiom61. He takes it with his Macbook out for about 2 to 3 gigs a week. He likes it quite a bit and it hasn’t let him down.