Having jointly designed the Launchpad, Ableton have worked with Novation to update the SL Mk II. This makes it a comprehensive, fully bus powered Ableton Live 8 controller with a difference.

All Ableton's major controls are instantly assigned to SL Mk II's 56 knobs, faders and buttons. The changes mean that controlling session view, mixer and devices will be quick and easy, because you'll never lose track of what you're controlling: 

- Live's devices are assigned to controls as you load them up. Open 'Auto Filter' and instantly see 'cutoff', 'res' etc, on the LCD screen above each knob, along with their current values (as well LED rings around each encoder).

- Comprehensive mixer control: Touch a fader to see the channel name and volume level on the large LCD screen, and the two buttons underneath will be lit up if the track is activated or record enabled.

- Launch scenes with the SL's buttons. You can also set up a row of 8 backlit buttons to launch clips (which light up if the clip is playing). 

SL Mk II now provides comprehensive Ableton 8 control with a 25, 49 or 61 note keyboard. Along with the keyless Zero SL, they are all USB powered, so require no external power supply. 

Existing SL Mk II owners will get the update for free. Download the latest version of Automap which will update your firmware. The latest Live 8 update is available from the Ableton website.

For more information and video tutorials, visit: www.novationmusic.com