Impulse Novation User Manual

1
GETTING STARTED GUIDE
CONTENTS
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1
Impulse Features ........................................................................................................................ 2
Box Contents ................................................................................................................................ 2
About this Guide ......................................................................................................................... 2
Minimum System Requirements ..................................................................................... 2
Connecting the Impulse ......................................................................................................... 3
Impulse Basic Operation ....................................................................................................... 3
Top Panel ........................................................................................................................... 3-4
Back Panel ............................................................................................................................ 5
Installation and Setup .............................................................................................................. 6
Using Impulse with your Music Software .................................................................... 7
Ableton Live Lite .......................................................................................................................... 8
Registration and Support ...................................................................................................... 8
Introduction
Welcome to the Novation Impulse Professional USB-MIDI Keyboard!
Impulse is a MIDI keyboard with a powerful DAW and plug-in control surface. It has a precision semi-
weighted keyboard with aftertouch as well as pitch and modulation wheels. Fader/s, encoders and buttons
provide full mixer and plug-in control over all major DAWs, including clip and scene launch in Ableton Live.
The 8 drum pads can be used to trigger notes, perform beat rolls, change the rhythm of arpeggios (in
realtime!) and launch clips. Transport control buttons allow you to navigate your music software. Impulse
comes with a brand new version of Novation’s Automap control software which gives you instant control of
your plug-in effects and instruments in most music software.
We suggest you take the time to work through the steps in this guide for a simple trouble-free setup.

Impulse Novation Specifications

General

Aftertouch	Yes
Knobs	8
Display	LCD screen
Arpeggiator	Yes
Roll Mode	Yes
Transport Controls	Yes
Velocity Sensitivity	Yes
Key Count	49
Pads	8
Faders	9
Connectivity	USB, MIDI
Software Compatibility	Ableton Live, Logic Pro
Software Included	Ableton Live Lite
Keyboard Type	Synth-action
Dimensions	Varies by model (25, 49, 61 key)
Weight	Varies by model (25, 49, 61 key)
Key Type	Synth-action

Summary

Introduction to Novation Impulse

Novation Impulse Features and Contents

Impulse Features

Details key features like keyboard type, encoders, faders, pads, and software integration.

Box Contents

Lists all items included in the Novation Impulse package.

About this Guide

Explains the purpose of the guide for users setting up the Impulse.

Minimum System Requirements

Specifies OS and hardware requirements for Impulse and Automap software.

Connecting and Operating the Impulse

Connecting the Impulse

Instructions for physically connecting the Impulse via USB to a computer.

Impulse Basic Operation - Top Panel

Details the controls and features found on the top surface of the Impulse.

Impulse Component Descriptions

Key-Bed

Describes the semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch, available in multiple key counts.

Pitch & Modulation Wheel

Explains the function of the pitch bend and modulation wheels for sound alteration.

Fader/s

Details fader usage for mixer levels and plug-in parameter control.

Encoders

Explains encoder use for controlling plug-in parameters and sending MIDI messages.

Transport Controls

Describes buttons for controlling playback and recording in music software.

Drum Pads

Explains drum pad functions for triggering notes, samples, and control messages.

Roll and Arpeggiator Buttons

Details buttons controlling Pad Roll and Arpeggiator functions.

Impulse Back Panel and Buttons

Mixer and Plug-in Buttons

Buttons for switching Fader/Encoder operation between MIDI and Automap modes.

Function Buttons

Buttons for accessing deeper Impulse functionality, often with Shift modifier.

Back Panel Ports

Details USB port, pedal inputs, MIDI ports, and Kensington lock.

Installation and Software Setup

Installation Procedure

Guide for installing included software like Ableton Live Lite and Automap.

Automap Software Setup

Steps to configure Automap with specific music software for DAW control.

Using Impulse with Music Software

DAW Integration

Instructions on using faders and encoders for mixer and plug-in control in DAWs.

Pot-Pickup Functionality

Explanation of the pot-pickup feature for smooth fader control.

Plug-in Selection

Guidance on selecting Automap-enabled plug-ins for proper control.

Ableton Live Lite Functionality

Clip Launch Mode

Details how Impulse integrates with Ableton Live's Clip Launch mode.

Pad Status Indicators

Explains pad color meanings for clip status in Ableton Live.

Transport Control in Live

Describes transport button functions within Ableton Live's Session and Arrangement views.

Registration and Support

Product Registration

Instructions for registering the Novation Impulse online.

Customer Support

Information on how to contact Novation for customer support.