The British company Novation, which became famous for its virtual analog synths of the “Supernova” series, established itself on the controller market as early as 2006 with its ReMote SL line of keyboards. The strong point of these controllers is the technology of the Automap software which allows the automatic assignment of parameters to the keyboard controls. After the release of the new ReMote SL models and the further development of the Automap Universal software, Novation presented Nocturn.
Nocturnal is a compact but very versatile controller that works in symbiosis with the software Automap. Eight “touch sensitive” encoders with illuminated ring, a “Speed Dial” already present in other products Novation, 16 buttons for recalling and managing general functions and a professional cross-fader; all enclosed in an area of 24 × 14 cm, therefore convenient to place or carry around.
Installation:
As soon as you open the Nocturn package (Fig.1) we are faced with a notice that reads “Warning! The Automap software must be installed and started before the Nocturn will function (and the leds illuminate) "or" Notice! The Automap software must be installed and running before the Nocturn is started (and the LEDs light up) "otherwise we would not be able to use the main functions. In the package, in addition to the controller, we find a small installation guide with a general overview of the hardware, the installation CD, the USB cable and some brochures. In addition to the Automap software, the CD also contains the manual in various languages. However, all documentation can be downloaded from the Novation website.
Automap:
Immediately before exiting the installation, the plug-in manager will appear which will allow us to choose which plug-ins to be managed by the Automap software. A copy will be created for each plug-in selected with the suffix (Automap) next to the name (Fig.2). So if you've selected ten plug-ins in your list, you'll find twenty (the original ten and the ten automapped). Personally, I found this technical choice a bit invasive, but, probably, it is the only way to integrate Nocturn's functions with each plug-in. In fact, as soon as you load a plug-in (Automap) into your host, the software will react immediately by showing us all the assignable controls. The Automap window is transparent but always on top when you start any one DAW/Host. However, it is easy to hide or recall it via the View button on the Nocturn. In addition, the window is conveniently resizable to meet different screen needs. It seems obvious, but it must be remembered that Nocturn is a USB controller that is totally dependent on Automap software without which it would not work.
night:
Nocturn is Novation's most compact controller. There is only one USB connection (Fig.3) which is also used for feeding. The encoders are surrounded by an LED indicator (Fig.4) which is positioned on the assigned controller value, making it easy and immediate to recognize the position of the value itself. In addition, the buttons also light up when pressed / activated. A not insignificant advantage regarding the encoders and the cross-fader is their touch sensitive property. Just touch or almost touch the desired potentiometer on the Nocturn, without moving it, and the Automap software will react immediately giving us the possibility to manage it. This solves the annoying problem of having to move the controls to assign them.
Note: during the test, it happened (rarely) that the touch sensitive system did not work properly. It was enough to close and reopen the Automap interface using the appropriate View button on the Nocturn to bring everything back to normal.
At first glance, if you are used to controllers with pots arranged all in a row, the Nocturn's control arrangement can be a little perplexing. The rhombus arrangement of the encoders might seem like only an aesthetic choice, but it doesn't take much to realize the practicality and ergonomics of this product. It is extremely convenient to control the Nocturn even with two hands. The assignment of parameters to the controls is immediate and very convenient. Once you have loaded an “automapped” plug-in, just click on the symbol for the MIDI learn, click on the desired plug-in parameter and tap the Nocturn encoder / button (or click on the control from the Automap interface). Obviously, there is also the possibility to choose from a list of parameters once the control we want to assign has been selected (Fig.5). From the Automap interface, it is also possible to set the control range and the size of the steps.
If we want to intervene on a parameter without assigning it, the Speed Dial (the encoder in the center). This control in fact manages the last selected parameter of the plug-in. Convenient to change parameters on the fly that we don't want to assign or rarely use. With the Nocturn we can assign all the parameters of our plug-ins and manage the various scenes using the Page - and + buttons. For example, if the parameters of a given plug-in exceed the number of controls on the Nocturn, it will be enough to scroll through the various pages (theoretically infinite) to have virtually all of them available. It is also possible to use the Nocturn to drive the transport (Play, Rec, Stop ...) and the mixer controls of various DAWs such as Cubase e New. This is also possible with Logic but the procedure is not immediate and above all it is not very stable. To integrate Nocturn with the trasnport and the mixer of Logic you must follow a PDF in the manuals contained in the installation CD (or downloadable from the Novation website). Unfortunately, however, the procedure involves the creation of an Environment that must be recreated for each project. (Maybe we recommend using a template to make things easier). After following the procedure, it happened several times to notice in the Logic midi monitor an unjustified sending / receiving of totally random Note OFF signals. It looks like an Automap or machine firmware update will be released in a few days, or how the Korg, for its Nano series controls: a template of controls already assigned for Logic that installs automatically when a new peripheral is added from the Control Surfaces-Setup menu.
Plugin:
As already mentioned, the interaction with the Plug-ins takes place through the Automap software which unfortunately does not allow to self-map all plug-in formats. Currently, with Automap 3.2, only VST, AU and Pro Tools formats are supported, keeping important plug-ins such as proprietary Logic Studio and other DAWs out of the list. In the Novation Answerbase, however, we found a possible solution which, however, is long and decidedly tedious, considering that Novation declares that the strength of Automap is precisely the self-mapping. The latest release of Automap adds interesting features such as, for example, the ability to interact with iPhone and iPod Touch, and a series of more or less relevant bug fixes. It is hoped, however, in a future release able to integrate among the mappable plug-ins also and above all the proprietary ones of the most important DAWs, considering that the Nocturn user target is purely "limited" to those who work exclusively with sequencers and DAWs .
Conclusions:
Due to the presence of the cross-fader, Nocturn would seem a product made mainly for DJs. Surely it is a controller designed for live needs, both for the arrangement of the controls and for the LEDs that allow you to see well even in the absence of light. The practicality of the USB connection only (already present in other Novation products such as the XioSynth), the speed of assigning parameters with Automap and the small size / weight certainly make it an ideal product to carry around. the Nocturn is not born as an independent controller to drive synthesizers or external modules: it will always be necessary to go through a computer with Automap software installed. After all, the absence of connections outside the single USB port makes it impossible to use the Nocturn without a PC. When choosing a controller it is certainly necessary to frame your needs. As for the live environment, the Nocturn is certainly a competitive product.
Pro: Managing and assigning parameters to the Nocturn is extremely easy and quick; the encoders with LED indicators are the ideal solution to drive multiple virtual instruments / effects; multiple pages of Automap controls in theory infinite. On the base of the Nocturn there are two rubber strips that allow you to place this product on smooth and inclined surfaces without too many problems. Definitely a feature for live use.
Against: Inability to control hardware or software without going through a computer with Automap software running; inability to control proprietary formats of some major DAWs; a copy with the suffix (Automap) will be created for each plug-in to be piloted.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Price: € 110,00 (VAT Excluded)
Distributor: Midiware
