ZeRO SL Mk II is a full DAW and plug-in control surface
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Description
ZeRO SL Mk II is a full DAW and plug-in control surface (for live and studio use) that visually feeds back all control information to the user. A giant 144-character display, back lit LED buttons and LED ringed encoders show the status of all controls. Ultra-quick mapping of all 56 knobs, faders and buttons is managed by the groundbreaking Automap 3 PRO software.
... The ZeRO SL Mk II has been designed both for the studio and the stage. It equips the modern DAW user with every dimension of hardware control, enabling a hands-on approach to navigating software, mixing and controlling plug-ins. It represents extraordinary value as a controller, integrating a DAW control surface with the most intuitive plug-in mapping capabilities available - presided over by Automap 3 PRO; the most advanced control software on the market.
ZeRO SL Mk II upholds Novation's reputation for building quality hardware. It can be mounted in a 19" rack, or used as a desk-top controller, or angled for performance using legs that are included with the unit. Quality is not just reflected in their robustness, but more importantly in the way the ZeRO SL Mk II has been designed with every detail calculated to maximise workflow. The ZeRO SL Mk II's visually feeds back all controller information to the user with back lit buttons and encoder LED rings, making it absolutely ideal for live performances where parameters need to be identified instantly.
The difficulty with other control surfaces is knowing what is assigned to what. ZeRO SL Mk II has a giant 144-character ultra-bright LCD screen that displays all the parameter names and values for the currently selected row of controllers. All 8 faders and 16 knobs are touch sensitive, so the moment one is touched, the display shows the names and values on that row and puts brackets around the controller that is currently being touched. This enables the user to see which parameter is assigned to the controller without having to change the value, or refer to their software. ZeRO SL Mk II also has a dedicated 'Speed Dial' knob, which can be used to change the value of any parameter the cursor is positioned over without making any assignments whatsoever.
The 8 continuous rotary encoders have 11 segment LED rings around each of them, allowing encoders to behave like pots so the user can see the value before moving them. All the buttons have LEDs underneath them so users can instantly see their status without having to press them. There are 8 soft-feel drum pads which are fully assignable to any parameter with the Automap software
ZeRO SL Mk II has been designed to draw minimum current so it can be used as a USB buss-powered device, although an optional 9V DC power supply can be added for stand-alone use. As well as USB interfacing, ZeRO SL Mk II has 1 MIDI in, 1 MIDI thru and 2 MIDI outs.
The power behind the ZeRO's unique ability to map controllers at the touch of a button, is contained within the included Automap software. Automap 3 PRO enables users to map controllers with incredible speed and ease - no more digging through MIDI continuous controller numbers, the Automap server takes care of it all. Automap's GUI gives the user a visual representation of all the current mappings on screen, as well as the ability to save and manage mappings across different projects. There is also an option to only bring up the GUI when a controller on the ZeRO has been touched!
Illuminated controls provide instant visual feedback
Brightly lit LED rings around the eight smooth encoders, and backlit buttons throughout provide instant visual feedback for every physical control, further reducing reliance on the computer screen.
Giant 144-character LCD screen
Frees the artist from being chained to the computer screen, placing all the essential data right alongside the relevant controls.
Huge array of touch-sensitive controls
Full control surface supporting ultra flexible DAW control and Auto-mappable plug-in controls, 16 knobs, 8 faders and 32 assignable backlit LED buttons.
Automap 3 PRO Control Software
SL Mk II comes with Automap software which enables you to instantly map software parameters to faders, buttons, encoders and pots and other controllers.
MIDI control interface.
Built in MIDI I/O Interface and comprehensive MIDI implementation provide complete control over all external hardware synths and other external MIDI devices.
Novation's unique 'speed dial'
A touch-sensitive rotary encoder that instantly takes control of whatever your mouse is focused on, providing real time access for composers and performers alike.
Crossfader
ZeRO SL Mk II has a fully assignable crossfader making it ideal for Live performance with programmes such as Ableton.
Programmable 'soft-feel' drumpads
Eradicates the need for a separate set of drumpad triggers, providing the ideal platform for sketching out beats or triggering samples
Dedicated, yet fully-assignable transport buttons.
Control the sequencer's start/stop/loop/record/forward/rewind actions, direct from the MIDI controller, reducing reliance on mouse and screen, or switch them out to allow use of more assignable buttons. SL Mk II recalls how these buttons were previously assigned.
USB buss powering
Provides the artist with a mobile MIDI control solution, freeing them from the confines of the studio
Includes the Xcite+ bundle
Featuring a host of royalty-free loops and samples, a full-fledged soft-synth and Ableton Live 7 Lite, providing an affordable upgrade path to Ableton Live.
Physical controls
Assignable controls:
- 8 Encoders (Infinite Rotation) with touch-sensitivity and 11 segment Led rings
- 8 Pots (270 Rotation) with touch-sensitivity
- 8 60mm Sliders with touch-sensitivity
- 32 Buttons with integrated LEDs (37 in MIDI mode]
- 8 soft feel Trigger pads
- Touch sensitive Speed Dial (as on Nocturn)
- Crossfader
System buttons:
- General Automap Operation Buttons (Learn, View, Browser Groups etc.)
- Octave up/down buttons with LED indicator
The central system buttons from the SL have been simplified; there is now:
- 1 Automap button with LED to toggle Automap mode on and off (this replaces the PLAY button) - this way, manual MIDI mode is separate from Automap mode and can be avoided completely if preferred
- Template and Edit modes have been combined into one edit mode, for editing both individual controls and overall settings within one Template
Connectivity
Rear Panel connections are as follows:
- Data Port: 1 x USB (Win XP/Vista and Mac OSX - Not Class Compliant
- MIDI: MIDI ONE: IN, OUT and Thru, MIDI TWO: OUT
- Sustain Pedal: 1 x 1/4 Jack Input
- Expression pedal: 1 x 1/4 Jack Input
- Power switch: Ext DC/USB
Minimum Operational Requirements:
Mac OSX 10.4.0 or greater (Leopard and Snow Leopard (32-bit kernel only) also supported) or Windows XP with
Service Pack 2 or greater (Vista 32/64 and Windows 7 32/64 also supported)
Minimum Computer spec: Mac - G4/1GHz, both with 256MB RAM or PC -
Pentium 3/1GHz/256MB RAM (machines running Vista will require a higher spec)
Automap 3 is the latest incarnation of Novation's intelligent software system. Automap is unique to Novation's MIDI controllers, and has now been enhanced with a wealth of eagerly anticipated features. Until now Automap had focused on plug-in control, but exciting developments bring a new level of DAW control...
No matter what music software you use, Automap offers an instant controlling solution for all your plug-ins. It supports VST, AU and Pro Tools (TDM/RTAS) plug-in formats (TDM/RTAS support is currently Mac only. PC will follow soon). It allows hardware controllers to interact with plug-in instruments and effects. Opening up any Automappable plug-in instantly maps parameters to physical controls on Novation's SL- and Nocturn controllers. These can be re-assigned using an ultra-quick 'learn' mode, which simply involves clicking the on-screen parameter and touching the desired hardware controller. In addition to DAW control templates on board the SL range (mixer, transport etc) Automap 3 comes with full HUI implementation for control of HUI compatible DAWs such Logic, Pro Tools and Digital Performer.
Automap 3 is available in two forms, Automap 3 Standard and Automap 3 PRO. Automap 3 Standard will be a free download and Automap 3 PRO (which has extra features listed below) will soon be available to download for £19.99 / $29.99 / 24.99 EU. To view the main differences click here.
Automap 3 PRO supports multiple hardware devices. This enables any of Novation's intuitive hardware controllers to be stacked within the Automap server (software). Mutiple Novation controllers can then work side by side to access separate parameters on different plug-ins. This benefits both performing musicians and studio-producers, all of whom need immediate access to multiple plug-ins at the touch of a button.
One of the most exciting new features is 'Keystroke Assignment'. This enables Automap 3 PRO to assign almost any computer keyboard shortcut to hardware controls, giving you incredible access to navigation and other features from your SL or Nocturn controller! For example you can assign arrow key commands to buttons, enabling you to flick between tracks without moving away from your controller. It is also possible to assign key combinations to single controllers such as command+T.
You can now assign parameters in the Automap Server (software) to the XY pad, expression pedal, control pedal and drum pads. This means that Automap's ultra-quick 'learn' facility can now be used on all of the above, making assigning filter cutoff and resonance to the XY pad (for example) quick and easy. (Pedal/pad control not supported by SL Compact)
Another key new feature in PRO is the ability to drag and drop parameters between controls, making re-assignment incredibly simple. Equally exciting is 'Autoview', which when activated, automatically displays Automap 3 PRO on-screen as soon as a hardware control is touched, and then hides the GUI after release. See exactly what's happening at all times without cluttering the screen with unnecessary windows!
How does Automap work?
The system works by the Novation hardware communicating with the Automap software (sometimes called the Automap Server), which is an application that is installed with the hardware and runs in the background on your computer, opening up automatically when your music software is loaded. This software then communicates with whatever it is you're trying to control, which is referred to as a client.
A client can be any automatable VST/AU/Pro Tools format plug-in, the mixer in a supported DAW or the MIDI client. The MIDI client is a part of the Automap software itself and allows CC numbers to be sent from the hardware controls (essential for Nocturn, which isn't a standalone MIDI device).
Controlling Plug-ins
Controlling plug-ins within Automap works by wrapping plug-ins to add Automap functionality. Opening up a wrapped plug-in results in it being given Automap focus by the Automap Universal software, causing plug-in parameters to be instantly mapped to the hardware controls with no individual setup required. This means that Automapping plug-ins works in any DAW*, without having to select anything in the DAW's MIDI preferences. Furthermore, every plug-in is given a Learn mode for you to create your own layout; simply move a control within the plug-in window and then one on the Novation hardware to map a parameter!
Each Automap-wrapped plug-in is identical to the original plug-in, with the exception of a small border that features an Automap logo. This border allows you to show or change what plug-in is being Automapped, activate Learn/Clear modes, change control names (displayed on the SL screens) and type in control ranges and step values for encoders and buttons.
The plug-ins function as expected and behave normally within the sequencer, only now the Novation hardware can talk directly to the plug-in without having to route through the host software. With multiple wrapped plug-ins in a session, the active Automap logo (the 'A' in the bottom left corner of the image above) indicates the plug-in that the Novation hardware is currently controlling. Different plug-ins can be selected for control within the software or directly from the Novation hardware.
Automap has a transparent GUI that displays the parameter names and values of all assigned controls on the Novation hardware. This GUI also provides an ultra-fast system for browsing and selecting different plug-ins to control.
Controlling DAWs
If wanting to control the mixer and internal devices in your music software using Automap, the way you do it depends on the music software in use. Some DAWs use the same Automap system used for plug-ins (available for ReMOTE SL, SL Compact and Nocturn), whereas some DAWs have their own dedicated Automap systems (available for SL and SL Compact only) that work alongside the system for plug-ins.
HUI Control
Automap 3 supports HUI full control. HUI is a control protocol that is used by a number of popular DAWs. Automap 3 can now use HUI to control DAWs such as Logic, Pro Tools and Digital Performer.
Automap DAWs
Some DAWs (Cubase, Nuendo, Sonar and Tracktion) can be controlled using Automap - this is the same system used for plug-ins. This means that it is incredibly quick and easy to switch between controlling different plug-ins and the mixer, plus you have full access to the fantastic learn facility for instantly rearranging controls. Although only a few DAWs are currently supported by Automap, more will be added in future updates.
DAWs with dedicated Automap Templates (SL and SL Compact only)
Other DAWs (Live, Logic, Pro Tools, Digital Performer and Reason) use their own Automap systems. These work from different templates onboard the SL and SL Compact controllers. Each system includes full mixer support, as well as control of internal devices and even some other functions such as navigation.
Automap Features:
# Automatic plug-in mapping - All automatable VST, AU or Pro Tools format plug-ins need just be opened in any DAW for instant control.
# Heads-up transparent GUI - Automap provides a transparent control map across your computer screen, so you can see at a glance how every parameter is assigned.
# Learn and Clear modes - Make and delete assignments directly from your computer screen using lightning-fast click and touch facilities!
# Automatic Mixer control - A growing number of supported DAWs allow comprehensive control of the mixer via the Automap software. (Non-supported DAWs can be controlled using separate dedicated Automap systems)
# Plug-in and Mixer map browsing facility - Get to the right software fast! Control maps are automatically placed into categories depending on type (instrument, mixer etc.) for quick and easy browsing and selection with hardware or software.
# MIDI integration - 16 standard MIDI control maps (totalling 2048 separate controls) can be created to be used alongside plug-in and mixer maps - ideal for software with a MIDI learn facility.
What's new with Automap 3? (FREE DOWNLOAD)
# HUI - HUI control is now fully implemented within Automap, allowing control over all HUI compatible DAW's including Logic, Pro Tools and Digital Performer. This includes control over volume, pan, aux sends, track arm, mute/solo and more...
# Start-up Screen - A new start-up screen now makes managing your plug-ins and setting up your DAW even easier. It also gives you one-click access to online support, tutorials and the latest updates.
# Why upgrade to PRO? Automap 3 PRO is now available to purchase for £19.99 / $29.99 / 24.99 EU, direct from the estore, and has a number of benefits over STANDARD.
# Multiple device support - Automap 3 Pro supports multiple devices, so numerous Novation controllers can be used side by side.
# Keystroke Assignments - Automap 3 Pro can assign almost any computer keyboard shortcuts to hardware controls. For example arrow key functions can now be assigned to hardware controls, allowing you to flick between tracks using buttons on your SL/Nocturn. You could also zoom in and out, open windows or create and jump to markers in your DAW.
# XY Pad Control - Fully Auto-mappable XY Pad control, expression pedal, control pedal and drum pad control. The Automap server can now assign parameters to all these controllers using the ultra-quick learn facility. (Pedal/pad control not supported by SL Compact)
# Drag and Drop - You can now drag and drop control mappings and control map groups in the GUI, allowing you to re-assign knobs, faders and buttons by simply grabbing them with the mouse and dropping them on the new controller.
# Autoview Mode - Optional Autoview mode means that the GUI only becomes visible when a controller is touched, then it disappears again allowing you to get back to your DAW.
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ZERO_Manual.pdf
