Introduction to the SL MkIII

Updated

Thank you for purchasing the Novation SL MkIII, our most advanced controller keyboard to date. Whether you need software control, prefer a ‘DAW-less’ set up, or have a hybrid studio– the SL MkIII will comfortably sit at the heart of your studio.

This guide aims to give you the knowledge you need to get the most out of the SL MkIII. Information throughout this guide applies to both the 49- and 61-key versions of the SL MkIII. This information includes detailed explanations of the hardware, the device’s various ‘views’ and menus, and how to use the SL MkIII with external hardware and/or software.

Additionally, we provide ‘tips and tricks’, as well as common scenarios you might face as a producer or performer. We hope you enjoy creating music with the SL MkIII for years to come.

For more information, up-to-date support articles and a form to contact our Technical Support team, please visit the Novation Help Centre at:

support.novationmusic.com 

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Note

To download this user guide in PDF format, go to: downloads.novationmusic.com.

This is Version 5.0 of the SL MkIII user guide.

What's in the box?

  • SL MkIII

  • USB-B to A cable

  • External 12 V DC mains Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Registering your SL MkIII

You can register your SL MkIII online at:

id.focusritegroup.com/register 

Use the information provided in the Getting Started Guide (Serial Number and Bundle Code). This allows you to download any additional software that comes with your SL MkIII. You can find this software in the software section in your Novation account.

Key features

  • 49 or 61 note velocity sensitive, individually sprung, synth style, semi-weighted keyboard

  • 16 full-colour RGB backlit velocity sensitive pads

  • 64 customisable templates

  • Eight continuous rotary knobs

  • Eight faders

  • Six dedicated transport controls

  • RGB backlit pitch bend and modulation wheels

  • Five RGB TFT LCD screens

  • 59 Backlit buttons with tact switches

  • 49 or 61 keybed RGB LEDs

  • USB B 2.0, MIDI IN, OUT, OUT2 / THRU

  • Sustain and Expression pedal 1/4” TRS jack inputs

  • Footswitch pedal 1/4” TS jack input

  • CV, Gate, Modulation, and Clock Out on 3.5mm jack sockets

  • Eight track 16-step sequencer with 64 Sessions

  • Real time record (notes, with velocity and automation)

  • Auto-quantise notes to steps and automation to 6 events per step

  • Full automation for all assignable controls (with eight automation lanes)

  • 16 Scale types and chromatic transposition

  • Eight playable zones

  • Configurable pattern chains

  • Instant session switching and queued switch

  • Velocity and gate per step

  • Multiple gate lengths per step (via real time record)

  • Automation edit per step

  • Clear step, automation parameter per pattern

  • Duplicate step, pattern.

Power requirements

SL MkIII is shipped with an external 12 V DC, 1 A power supply. This is a “universal” type and operates on all mains voltages between 100 V and 240 V.

The centre pin of the connector is the positive (+ve) side of the supply. SL MkIII must be powered by the supplied AC-to-DC mains adaptor.

Your SL MkIII will be supplied with a version of the PSU appropriate to your territory. In some countries, the PSU comes with detachable adaptors; in this case, use the one that fits your country’s AC outlets. When powering SL MkIII with the mains PSU, please ensure your local AC supply is within the range of voltages required by the adaptor – i.e., 100 to 240 VAC - BEFORE you plug it into the mains.

We recommend you only use the supplied PSU. Power supplies for your SL MkIII can be purchased from your music dealer or directly from Novation if you have lost yours.

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