Written by Free Software worth $149 with Novation Nocturn Midi Controller
Launched back in 2008, Novation’s original Nocturn was an innovative addition to the budget midi controller market. Priced at 
£69 in the UK ( $99 in USA) it is ultra affordable and doesn’t fall short in terms of features, providing a vast array of control that unleashed the full potential of our favourite VST instruments and effects. It does lack one thing though - a midi keyboard. Thankfully, late 2009 Novation followed-up with two Nocturn Keyboard models available with 25 and 49 keys designed by Fatar. Both have been tested by MusicRadar who were impressed by the robust and responsive playing action. The only difference between the keyboard controller and original Nocturn is the lack of cross-fader – a useful tool for DJ’s but not essential for music producers.
Novation have addressed two major issues found in most controller keyboards with their Nocturn 25 & 49-keys. Firstly, providing extensive control of software parameters with adequate knobs and buttons. Secondly, simplifying the hassle of assigning them, and remembering what they are assigned to can become so obstructive to getting on with making your music, you end up turning back to your always convenient mouse.
Nocturn Keyboard’s Automap control software claims to have solved 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.
So here’s the deal – when you buy a Novation Nocturn 25 or Nocturn 49 at AbsoluteMusic, you get a free download of Novation software worth £149. So, why do you need it – and what do you get?
Free Novation Software worth £149:
• Novation V-Station: Normally priced at £40 the V-Station offers all the functionality of the hardware K-Station (except the vocoder) in a low-latency program with simple architecture, excellent sound quality, 3 fat oscillators and silky smooth filter make it ideal for both the beginner and the seasoned producer. Read full review here.
• Novation Bass Station: Modelled on Novation’s classic analogue snyth, the Bass Station’s filter design does a very convincing job of recreating the original bass sounds similar to the Roland TB303, Juno and ARP and Moog instruments. The current version is still being updated and goes for £31 at AbsoluteMusic. The Bass Station is shipped with the classic original presets that became the soundtrack for many of the dance hits of the 90s along with many more totalling 100 sounds covering a huge sonic range from screaming leads to phatt funky basses. Read user reviews here.
• Novation FX Suite: A bundle of 5 of the most most used effects offering a significant upgrade in sonic possibilities when compared to standard sequencer effects. The five independent VST/AU plug-ins include Chorus, Delay, Tremolo, Phaser and the famously flexible, powerful Filter featuring overdrive. Derived from the legendary SuperNova II, this powerful filter has an array of features and a unique sound. Normal Novation FX Suite price is £50.
• Automap Pro: The ‘pro’ version of Automap (read below for details) supports multiple Novation devices, meaning more than one Novation controller can be managed at once and have Automap working with both of them at the same time. Further enhanced features include Keystroke Assignments, Drag and drop and Autoview mode. However, the move to charge for a product which can only be used on Novation products and actually encourages users to buy more Novation controllers has been crticised, but what the hell. Here you get £20 of essential software for free.
Buy Novation Nocturn 25 or 49-Keys and get £149 of Free Novation Software.
