Review MIDI keyboard Novation 61SL MKIII. Where to buy it?

Novation Digital Music Systems Ltd. is a British music equipment manufacturer, founded in 1992 by Ian Jannaway and Mark Thompson as Novation Electronic Music Systems. I’ll tell you how this post is built. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First, I’m going to list the features of this Novation 61SL MKIII keyboard. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards so you can compare.

  • 61 semi-weighted, speed-sensitive keys with aftertouch
  • Tone and modulation wheels
  • 16 percussion pads with RGB illumination and speed sensitivity
  • 8 continuous rotary knobs
  • 8 faders
  • 6 transport control buttons
  • 16 assignable buttons (x2 banks)
  • 5 TFT LCD RGB screens
  • Seamless Integration into Ableton Live
  • Compatible with any DAW through Mackie HUI and InControl protocol
  • 22 keyboard scales
  • Integrated 8-track pattern sequencer
  • Real-time and step-by-step recording
  • 8 patterns per track
  • 64 session memory locations
  • Pattern chain function
  • Note quantization
  • Automation for up to 8 recordable parameters
  • Swing (20 — 80%)
  • Arpeggiator
  • Customizable templates for hardware and software
  • Selectable speed curves
  • Native USB support — no drivers required
  • 2 outputs for CV (tone), door and modulation (3.5 mm jack)
  • Clock output (3.5 mm jack)
  • Pedal inputs for sustain, expression and footswitch (6.3 mm jack)
  • MIDI In, Out, Out2 / Thru
  • USB port
  • Dimensions: 981 x 299.6 x 100 mm
  • Weight: 6.32 kg
  • Includes power supply (12V DC), USB cable, Ableton Live Lite, 4GB of Loopmasters sounds, XLN Audio Addictive Keys

review novation-61sl-mkiii
This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €589/£539/£539 and offers 61 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch, allowing you to play or compose different musical ideas on your favourite DAW.

It also offers the control functions of 16 RGB illuminated and velocity sensitive percussion pads, 8 continuous rotary knobs, 8 faders, 6 transport control buttons, 16 assignable buttons (x2 banks) and also pitch bend and modulation wheels. It also offers a sequencer function, where we have integrated 8-track patterns. A really great device to compose with thanks to its functions and features.

In connections, the Novation 61SL MKIII integrates a Clock output, 2 CVs, 2 Gate, 2 Mod, three pedal inputs (sustain, expression and footswitch), plus a MIDI input and two outputs, USB connection and external power supply input, which in this case is included in our purchase.

Includes Ableton Live Lite software licenses, 4GB of Loopmasters sounds, XLN Audio Addictive Keys.

Now that we have seen the features of this Novation 61SL MKIII keyboard watch these related videos to learn more.

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Novation 61SL MKIII vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2

The Novation 61SL MKIII MIDI Keyboard is priced at €589/£539/£539 when the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 is priced at €498/£449/$498. Let’s go head to head:

  • The Novation 61SL MKIII provides 61 semi-weighted, speed-sensitive keys with aftertouch, when the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 provides 49 semi-weighted keys, and a Fatar branded keyboard with aftertouch.
  • The Novation 61SL MKIII features 16 RGB illuminated and velocity sensitive drum pads, 8 continuous rotary knobs, 8 faders, 6 transport control buttons, 16 assignable buttons (x2 banks) plus pitch bend and modulation wheels. It also offers a sequencer function, where we have integrated 8-track patterns. A really great device to compose with thanks to its functions and features. And the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 offers a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
  • The Novation 61SL MKIII features a Clock output, 2 CVs, 2 Gate, 2 Mod, three pedal inputs (sustain, expression and footswitch), plus a MIDI input and two outputs, USB connection and external power supply input. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 features a MIDI input and output, two pedal inputs, a power supply input and USB connection.
  • The Novation 61SL MKIII includes the Ableton Live Lite, 4GB of Loopmasters sounds, XLN Audio Addictive Keys. And the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 includes the KOMPLETE KONTROL software plus KOMPLETE SELECT for free (11 premium instruments and effects: Massive, Monark, The Gentleman, Drumlab, Reaktor Prism, Scarbee Mark I, Retro Machines, Vintage Organs, West Africa, Solid Bus Comp, and Replica) after registration of the product.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

Novation 61SL MKIII

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2
  • 61 semi-weighted, speed-sensitive keys with aftertouch
  • Tone and modulation wheels
  • 16 percussion pads with RGB illumination and speed sensitivity
  • 8 continuous rotary knobs
  • 8 faders
  • 6 transport control buttons
  • 16 assignable buttons (x2 banks)
  • 5 TFT LCD RGB screens
  • Seamless Integration into Ableton Live
  • Compatible with any DAW through Mackie HUI and InControl protocol
  • 22 keyboard scales
  • Integrated 8-track pattern sequencer
  • Real-time and step-by-step recording
  • 8 patterns per track
  • 64 session memory locations
  • Pattern chain function
  • Note quantization
  • Automation for up to 8 recordable parameters
  • Swing (20 — 80%)
  • Arpeggiator
  • Customizable templates for hardware and software
  • Selectable speed curves
  • Native USB support — no drivers required
  • 2 outputs for CV (tone), door and modulation (3.5 mm jack)
  • Clock output (3.5 mm jack)
  • Pedal inputs for sustain, expression and footswitch (6.3 mm jack)
  • MIDI In, Out, Out2 / Thru
  • USB port
  • Dimensions: 981 x 299.6 x 100 mm
  • Weight: 6.32 kg
  • Includes power supply (12V DC), USB cable, Ableton Live Lite, 4GB of Loopmasters sounds, XLN Audio Addictive Keys
  • For all your virtual instruments
  • Keybeds’ Fatar with aftertouch and 49 semi-balanced keys
  • Ergonomic pitch and modulation wheels, plus touch strip for expression control
  • Pre-mapped control of KOMPLETE instruments and hundreds of Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) instruments from leading manufacturers
  • Full VSTi support
  • Tag-based preset navigation: Find sounds quickly and hear previews instantly
  • Two high-resolution color screens for navigating, adjusting, mixing and more
  • Light guide: RGB lights above each key highlight percussion cells, key switches, chords, scales and more
  • Smart Play: Check the scales and modes in the Light Guide, play chord progressions and arpeggios with single keys or map any scale to the white keys only
  • Deep integration with MASCHINE software / hardware
  • Intuitive control over Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, and GarageBand
  • Two assignable pedal inputs
  • MIDI In/Out
  • USB 2.0 bus powered
  • Register your hardware to download the KOMPLETE KONTROL software plus KOMPLETE SELECT for free (11 premium instruments and effects: Massive, Monark, The Gentleman, Drumlab, Reaktor Prism, Scarbee Mark I, Retro Machines, Vintage Organs, West Africa, Solid Bus Comp, and Replica)

In this first comparison we have, on the one hand, the Novation 61SL MKIII that offers 61 semi-weighted, speed-sensitive keys with aftertouch, 16 percussion pads with RGB lighting and speed-sensitive, 8 continuous rotary knobs, 8 faders, 6 transport control buttons, 16 assignable buttons (x2 banks) and also pitch bend and modulation wheels. And on the other hand we have the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 that offers a Fatar keyboard with aftertouch and 49 semi-balanced keys, a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

The advantage of the Novation 61SL MKIII is that it has a 61-key semi-weighted keyboard and a large set of control functions, which really makes it a great MIDI controller. As an advantage of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 we can mention its integration with the MASCHINE software / hardware, which makes it popular. However, the Novation 61SL MKIII is a better choice overall, with a small cash difference that is worth covering.

And here is a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 review.

Novation 61SL MKIII vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2

The Novation 61SL MKIII MIDI Keyboard is priced at €589/£539/£539 while the Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol S61 MK2 is priced at €622/£569/$625, we will see their face to face:

  • The Novation 61SL MKIII provides 61 semi-weighted, speed-sensitive keys with aftertouch, while the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 provides 61 semi-weighted keys, and a Fatar branded keyboard with aftertouch.
  • The Novation 61SL MKIII features 16 RGB illuminated and velocity-sensitive drum pads, 8 continuous rotary knobs, 8 faders, 6 transport control buttons, 16 assignable buttons (x2 banks) plus pitch bend and modulation wheels. It also offers a sequencer function, where we have integrated 8-track patterns. A really great device to compose with thanks to its functions and features. And the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 offers a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
  • The Novation 61SL MKIII features a Clock output, 2 CVs, 2 Gate, 2 Mod, three pedal inputs (sustain, expression and footswitch), plus a MIDI input and two outputs, USB connection and external power supply input. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 features a MIDI input and output, two pedal inputs, a power supply input and USB connection.
  • The Novation 61SL MKIII includes the Ableton Live Lite, 4GB of Loopmasters sounds, XLN Audio Addictive Keys. And the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 includes the KOMPLETE KONTROL software plus KOMPLETE SELECT for free (11 premium instruments and effects: Massive, Monark, The Gentleman, Drumlab, Reaktor Prism, Scarbee Mark I, Retro Machines, Vintage Organs, West Africa, Solid Bus Comp, and Replica) after registration of the product.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

Novation 61SL MKIII

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2
  • 61 semi-weighted, speed-sensitive keys with aftertouch
  • Tone and modulation wheels
  • 16 percussion pads with RGB illumination and speed sensitivity
  • 8 continuous rotary knobs
  • 8 faders
  • 6 transport control buttons
  • 16 assignable buttons (x2 banks)
  • 5 TFT LCD RGB screens
  • Seamless Integration into Ableton Live
  • Compatible with any DAW through Mackie HUI and InControl protocol
  • 22 keyboard scales
  • Integrated 8-track pattern sequencer
  • Real-time and step-by-step recording
  • 8 patterns per track
  • 64 session memory locations
  • Pattern chain function
  • Note quantization
  • Automation for up to 8 recordable parameters
  • Swing (20 — 80%)
  • Arpeggiator
  • Customizable templates for hardware and software
  • Selectable speed curves
  • Native USB support — no drivers required
  • 2 outputs for CV (tone), door and modulation (3.5 mm jack)
  • Clock output (3.5 mm jack)
  • Pedal inputs for sustain, expression and footswitch (6.3 mm jack)
  • MIDI In, Out, Out2 / Thru
  • USB port
  • Dimensions: 981 x 299.6 x 100 mm
  • Weight: 6.32 kg
  • Includes power supply (12V DC), USB cable, Ableton Live Lite, 4GB of Loopmasters sounds, XLN Audio Addictive Keys
  • For all your virtual instruments
  • 61 semi-weighted keys Fatar with aftertouch
  • Ergonomic pitch and modulation wheels
  • Touch strip for expression control
  • Pre-mapped control of instruments from the KOMPLETE package and hundreds of instruments with the Native Instruments Standard (NKS) from market-leading manufacturers
  • Full VSTi support
  • Preset search based on labels
  • Find sounds quickly with instant pre-listening
  • 2 high-resolution color screens for navigation, settings, mixing and more
  • Light Guide function: RGB lights on each key highlight battery zones, key switches, chords, scales and more
  • Smart Play function to view the scales and modes of the Light Guide function
  • Play chord progressions and arpeggios with individual keys or map any scale to white keys only
  • Deep integration with MASCHINE software / hardware
  • Intuitive control over Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, and GarageBand
  • 2 assignable pedal inputs
  • MIDI input and output
  • Powered by USB 2.0 port
  • Register your hardware to download the KOMPLETE KONTROL software, plus KOMPLETE SELECT for free (11 premium instruments and effects: Massive, Monark, The Gentleman, Drumlab, Reaktor Prism, Scarbee Mark I, Retro Machines, Vintage Organs, West Africa, Solid Bus Comp and Replica)
  • Dimensions: 1006 x 84 x 297mm (width x height x depth)
  • Weight: 6,55kg

A comparison with a very similar model to the previous one, on the one hand the Novation 61SL MKIII that we have already analyzed before, and on the other hand the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 that offers a 61-key semi-balanced Fatar keyboard with aftertouch, a 4D pushbutton encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

Again as an advantage of the Novation 61SL MKIII we can count on its set of control functions, which make it an excellent MIDI controller in its price range, and as an advantage of the Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol S61 MK2 we can also say again about its software/hardware integration with MASCHINE. If you want an excellent controller go for the Novation 61SL MKIII, if you want a good controller and also full integration with MASCHINE go for the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2.

And here’s a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 review

Novation 61SL MKIII vs Arturia KeyLab MkII 61

The MIDI Novation 61SL MKIII Keyboard is priced at €589/£539/£539, when the Arturia KeyLab MkII 61 is priced at €485/£438/$479, having a difference of almost 100 Euro between them, we will see the face to face:

  • Both offer 61 semi-weighted, speed-sensitive keys with aftertouch,
  • The Novation 61SL MKIII features 16 RGB illuminated and speed-sensitive percussion pads, 8 continuous rotary knobs, 8 faders, 6 transport control buttons, 16 assignable buttons (x2 banks) plus pitch bend and modulation wheels. It also offers a sequencer function, where we have integrated 8-track patterns. A really great device to compose with thanks to its functions and features. And the Arturia KeyLab MkII 61 offers 16 performance pads with RGB backlighting, 9 faders, 9 rotary knobs, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
  • The Novation 61SL MKIII integrates a Clock output, 2 CVs, 2 Gate, 2 Mod, three pedal inputs (sustain, expression and footswitch), plus a MIDI input and two outputs, USB connection and external power supply input. The Arturia KeyLab MkII 61 integrates a Pitch output, Gate Out, Mod1, Mod2, MIDI input and output, 5 pedal inputs including sustain and expression, USB connection and power supply input.
  • The Novation 61SL MKIII includes the Ableton Live Lite license, 4 GB of Loopmasters sounds, XLN Audio Addictive Keys. And the Arturia KeyLab MkII 61 includes the Analog Lab software with over 6,500 sounds, Piano V and Ableton Live Lite

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

Novation 61SL MKIII

Arturia KeyLab MkII 61
  • 61 semi-weighted, speed-sensitive keys with aftertouch
  • Tone and modulation wheels
  • 16 percussion pads with RGB illumination and speed sensitivity
  • 8 continuous rotary knobs
  • 8 faders
  • 6 transport control buttons
  • 16 assignable buttons (x2 banks)
  • 5 TFT LCD RGB screens
  • Seamless Integration into Ableton Live
  • Compatible with any DAW through Mackie HUI and InControl protocol
  • 22 keyboard scales
  • Integrated 8-track pattern sequencer
  • Real-time and step-by-step recording
  • 8 patterns per track
  • 64 session memory locations
  • Pattern chain function
  • Note quantization
  • Automation for up to 8 recordable parameters
  • Swing (20 — 80%)
  • Arpeggiator
  • Customizable templates for hardware and software
  • Selectable speed curves
  • Native USB support — no drivers required
  • 2 outputs for CV (tone), door and modulation (3.5 mm jack)
  • Clock output (3.5 mm jack)
  • Pedal inputs for sustain, expression and footswitch (6.3 mm jack)
  • MIDI In, Out, Out2 / Thru
  • USB port
  • Dimensions: 981 x 299.6 x 100 mm
  • Weight: 6.32 kg
  • Includes power supply (12V DC), USB cable, Ableton Live Lite, 4GB of Loopmasters sounds, XLN Audio Addictive Keys
  • With 61 speed-sensitive keys and Aftertouch
  • 16 RGB backlit performance pads
  • 9 faders
  • 9 rotating knobs
  • LCD screen
  • Category function
  • Tone and modulation wheels
  • Chord and transposition function
  • Transport buttons
  • Connections: 5 expression control inputs, 4 CV outputs, 1 CV input, MIDI input/output, USB
  • Input for external power supply
  • Aluminium housing
  • Includes Analog Lab software with over 6,500 sounds, Piano V and Ableton Live Lite
  • Dimensions: 875 x 297 x 53mm (width x depth x height)
  • Weight: 7kg
  • Color: White

In this last comparison, we have on the one hand the Novation 61SL MKIII that we have already analyzed before and on the other hand the Arturia KeyLab MkII 61 White, which offers 61 speed-sensitive keys with Aftertouch, 16 performance pads with RGB backlighting, 9 faders, 9 rotary knobs, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

We found two very similar controllers, both for their keyboards, functions and connections, but in terms of functions the Novation 61SL MKIII still leads the way, although the Arturia KeyLab MKII stands out for its connections and its 5 pedal inputs. While both are good controllers, that 100 euro difference is crucial, if you have the budget go for the Novation 61SL MKIII.

And here’s a video of the Arturia KeyLab MkII 61

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia KeyLab MkII 61 review.

Which is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a low budget?

While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest possible note range, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or maybe a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price that the controllers demand, a kind of value for money.

In this interesting post we find MIDI controllers with an average price of 550 ?, and as a more suitable product for a beginner in music production is the Arturia KeyLab MkII 61 that offers 61 speed-sensitive keys (intensity in MIDI language) and also has the Aftertouch function, which translates into an improvement in the movement action of the keys, it also offers pads, faders and knobs all of them assignable, it also integrates connections that we only find in high-end controllers. It also includes software licenses. It is an excellent MIDI controller, which you should not think twice about buying.

Where to buy the Novation 61SL MKIII keyboard

Thomann

  • Free Shipping.
  • Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
  • 100% reliable payment.
  • A leader in trouble-free shipping.
  • Usually the Best price.
  • Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.

Amazon

  • Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
  • Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
  • Sometimes a better price.
  • He’s got worse stock than Thomann.

Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:

Jaime Echagüe

Hi! I'm Jaime Echagüe, a musician and an authentic fan of musical instruments. With this blog I want to give general information about musical instruments in an easy, direct and honest way. I hope you enjoy my website and that you find it very useful.

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