Take ReMOTE Control with Novation's New Controller
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| Computer Rendering |
January 25, 2003
Novation has entered the mainstream of the desktop computer music market with the launch of its new two-octave MIDI controller. The ReMOTE 25 is designed for use in conjunction with a wide range of software and hardware, including sequencers such as Cubase, the Reason studio suite and Novation's own rack modules, including the new V-Station and the K-Station series.
With the launch of the ReMOTE 25, Novation is seeking to give musicians the ultimate balance of technology with performance. The 25 note keyboard with aftertouch is semi-weighted to give the trueness of response and smoothness of action associated with Novation's conventional keyboard instruments, while the array of sliders, knobs and switches brings the hands-on feel and control of studio hardware to computer-based packages.
Full compatibility and user programming
All controls are fully user-assignable and there are 64 user-programmable templates, each containing over 60 parameters. These include 50 factory preset templates for packages including the Reason suite, the Native Instruments range, Sonar, Cubase and Logic.
The ReMOTE 25 is supplied with coloured control identification strips customised to the specific applications, as well as a supply of user-definable strips. Additional preset templates will be made available through the Novation Website at www.novationmusic.com.
Dedicated transport controls make the repetitive process of stop, start and recording within any sequencing package faster and easier. If a specific sequencer template is called up, other buttons perform alternative common tasks such as locator marks and track creation. Four function buttons can be programmed to select a new template quickly, or to scroll through templates, send snapshots or transmit a panic command.
Portable power
ReMOTE offers true portability, with the option of battery power or an external supply. Six C size batteries are required, giving up to 12 hours of operation, while external power can be delivered either over the USB connection from a computer or from the dedicated power supply. Rechargeable batteries can be used and they will recharge automatically when an external supply or a USB cable is connected.
Hands-on control
The front panel is comfortable and simple to use. There are eight rotary potentiometers, eight sliders, and eight rotary encoders, together with twenty four switches. A bright backlit two line silver and blue display feeds back all the important control information, from the name of the template selected to the name and values of any controls.
ReMOTE also brings the expressiveness of a conventional keyboard to the desktop, with a joystick for pitch bend and modulation, as well as a touchpad which may be programmed to control multiple parameters in the X and Y axes. For example, a distortion amount and pan position can be assigned to the horizontal movement, with an LFO speed and filter cut-off on the vertical movement, giving a wide range of dynamic creative options from a single control.
The pitch and modulation control mechanism allows for full real-time performance. A switch on the base of the keyboard enables the modulation (front to back) travel to be static or spring loaded, and the hand grip is rubberised for maximum ergonomic feel and ease of control.
USB or MIDI-ready
With the option of MIDI or USB connection, the ReMOTE 25 can be used without the need to purchase a separate MIDI interface. For MIDI users, there are two MIDI Out ports and one MIDI In, and information originating from the RemOTE keyboard or its controls can be sent directly to the USB port and/or any of the MIDI Out ports. The MIDI ports can be used to integrate a full MIDI set-up with a computer system.
The Novation ReMOTE 25 runs on Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 and XP operating systems (MAC OS X to follow and driver software is included with the unit. US MAP pricing is $399.00. For more information, visit their web site at www.novationmusic.com. | 
