When I was in school, all the MIDI suites were outfitted with Novation controllers. So using one for 2 1/2 years, I got pretty comfortable with the layout, the pots, pads, and remotes on the various keyboards. So when I started warping tracks in Live for a DJ set, I knew I had a few choices for controlling the session:

1. Skip the controller all together and just use my laptop (lame and boring)
2. Get a Novation Nocturn (which was an option)
3. Get a hybrid-type controller that will work live as well as when I’m producing my own material

Given those options, how could I turn away from the Remote Zero SL.

Out of the Box

These things are a lot lighter than I originally anticipated. They feel a little plastic-y, which I was not excited for. I envisioned me dropping it and it falling to pieces. That has not yet happened, so major bonus.

It comes with everything you’d expect: a CD to install all the software, a USB cable (a pretty long one, at that), some demo software including Novation’s V-Station, and a really weak manual.

I had one slight problem while setting all this up, though. I bought my Remote on eBay (how could I resist a $230 pricetag?) and, what I didn’t expect, was to get a very early generation Remote Zero SL. From what I understand, they’re all pretty much the same in appearance and function. However, my firmware was grossly out of date. The Remote wasn’t playing well with Live 7 (later learned my generation of Remote was built for Live 5), and I was starting to nerd rage. Once I discovered that all I needed to do was update my firmware, I was much happier. The Remote and firmware installer makes it idiot-proof for you to update your device. Just follow the simple on-screen steps, and you’re set.

Once I had the most recent firmware, my Remote co-existed with Live quite well. I’ve had no more problems thus far.

The Pots

I love the way they feel. The actual pots are nice and smooth while the encoders provide the exactness you need for doing stuff like filtering during a live set (which is what I use them for). However, for recording automation inside Live, I prefer to use the pots. They just feel the way a pot should feel.

The Pads

I use these to kill individual channels inside my DJ set and, for that purpose, these things are a little wonky. You really have to stab them hard sometimes to get any sort of response. Other times they seem hyper-sensative. They don’t feel cheap, however, and that’s a major plus. If you’re dropping money on a device, you’d like it to feel like quality parts were used during the making of said hardware.

I’ve tried using the pads for drum programming and it is not fun. Maybe I haven’t broken in my Remote yet? I don’t know.

The smaller buttons, on the other hand, are sweet. Nice and responsive. You don’t have to stab them to hard and at the same time you probably won’t accidentaly “bump” one of them and mess up your whole session.

The Faders

Perhaps my biggest beef with this piece of hardware are the faders. I hate short-throw faders! However, given the compact design of the device, you really can’t expect more (or can you?). These things are often times wild..the slightest bump can throw you up or down 3-4dB, which, while you’re mixing live, can REALLY make a difference in levels! That being said, I easily remedied this with the MIDI mapping. So in the end, it’s not really that big of a deal.

The faders feel really plastic-y like the unit themselves.

The LCD

The LCD on this thing is pretty significant, given the size. It’s really nice to have, especially for DJing. You can look at the LCD while EQing/filtering instead of always looking at your laptop, which is nice.

It’s always accurately displayed the parameters I’ve needed it to, and it’s bright and clear. I like how it works with Live 7: the left-side will be the parameters for whatever plug-in/device you’ve got selected, while the right-side will show you the levels of the tracks in your session. Genius!

Automap

What can I say about automap that hasn’t been said already? Its revolutionary. It makes opening up Live and going actually possible! And, at the same time, it gives you the freedom to fine tune/tweak your MIDI assignments to give you whatever you want.

I appreciate the fact that Novation took the time to make sure Automap works with Pro Tools 8, too.

Overall

I’m definitely glad I purchased this device. Despite it’s minor setbacks, this is still a quality piece of hardware. If you buy a newer generation, you’ll have no problem taking it out of the box and working. However, if you’re looking for a piece of hardware that will be almost exclusively for drum programming, I’d look at something like a Trigger Finger instead.

Oh, and one other thing. Novation recently announced a new mk2 series of the Novation remotes, so you may want to wait until those are out to make up your mind. The Novation Zero SL mk2 feature long-throw faders and even a nice little cross-fader. Check out the video below.