Current Studio & HW · / 1) MIDI controllers / keyboard controllers
Novation Impulse 49
OK KEYBOARD_CONTROLLER
Overview Physical parameters Controls Connectors and connections SW / drivers Documentation Manufacturer / Links Notes / Service

Device Photos

Basic data

Name
Novation Impulse 49
Category
1) MIDI controllers / keyboard controllers
Type
KEYBOARD_CONTROLLER
Specimen
A
Inventory tag
HW-2026-KO-IMP49-001
Condition
OK

Physical parameters

Dimensions (mm)
—
Dimensions (inch)
—
Weight
—
Format
—
Material
—
Manufacturing (Period)
—
Manufacturer
—

Power

Voltage
USB 5V
Current (typical)
0.5 A
Current (max)
0.9 A
Polarity
N/A
Connector
USB Type-B
AC/DC
USB
Internal/External
External
Note
Power supply via USB from the host device.
Warning: Check the polarity of the source before connecting! Improper power supply will damage the device.

Firmware and serial number

Serial number
Not stated
FW version (current)
Not stated
Check date
2026-03-06
Previous version
N/A
Bootloader
Not stated
Update Link
https://novationmusic.com/components/novation/impulse
Backup File
Not stated

Quick Summary

The Novation Impulse 49 is a compact 49-key USB MIDI keyboard controller with semi-weighted keys, velocity, aftertouch and DAW integration. Offers XY pads, rotary encoders, fenders and control transport for Ableton Live and other DAWs.

Product Description

—

Features and functions

  • 49 semi-weighted keys with velocities and aftertouch - expressive MIDI control
  • Octave shift buttons - access to a wider range without physical key addition
  • 8 XY falls with color backlight - drum triggering and clip shaving
  • 8 rotary encoders - endless control of parameters (filters, volume, etc.)
  • 9 fader - mixer control, expression and volume automatic
  • Pitch Bend + Modulation wheel - traditional synth control
  • Transport section - Play, Stop, Pause, Forward, Rewind (DAW sync)
  • MIDI DIN In / Out - hardware synth connectivity (5-pin)
  • Classic USB MIDI - Plug- and-play on Windows / Mac / Linux
  • Ableton Live integration - optimization for Live workflow (MIDI mapping, remote control)
  • DAW integration - Logic Pro, Cubase, Pro Tools compatible
  • USB power supply - without external adapter
  • Compact 49-key design - portable and desktop-friendly
  • Rank built-in - approx. 2 kg for light transport
  • Ideal for - production, performance, studio MIDI control, DAW control

Primary I/O (quick orientation)

DomainInputsOutputsNote
MIDIMIDI DIN IN, USB MIDIMIDI DIN OUT, USB MIDI
PedalSustainable pedal—1 / 4 "jack

Controls

FRONT / TOP (user control)

  • 49 keys (semi-weighted)
  • 8 Falls
  • 8 encoders
  • 9 fader
  • Transport of buttons
  • Pitch / Mod wheels

Service / hidden elements

  • (None)

Connectors and connections

Connector matrix

InterfacesINOUTSpec / note
MIDIMIDI DIN IN, USB MIDIMIDI DIN OUT, USB MIDI
PedalSustainable pedal—1 / 4 "jack

Latency and jitter

Clock sources
Internal / USB MIDI
Clock IN/OUT format
MIDI Clock
Typical latency
< 5 ms (USB)
Jitter spec
N/A
Buffer support
N/A

Impedance and signal levels

Line Level (dBu)
N/A
Mic In level
—
Output Impedance
—
Input Impedance
—
THD
N/A
Frequency Range
N/A

Other Specifications (from metadata.specifications)

KeyValue
specifications.keyboard.keys49
specifications.keyboard.typeSemi-weighted keys with velocities and aftertouch sensitivity
specifications.keyboard.octave _ range4 octaves (starts at C2)
specifications.keyboard.pitch _ bend _ range± 2 semitones (standard, programmable)
specifications.controls.pads.count8
specifications.controls.pads.typeVelocity- sensitive XY falls with backlit feedback
specifications.controls.pads.layout2 × 4 grid
specifications.controls.pads.color _ feedbackRGB lighting per pad
specifications.controls.pads.useDrum triggering, clip licking (Ableton Live)
specifications.controls.encoders.count8
specifications.controls.encoders.typeRotary encodes (endless knobs)
specifications.controls.encoders.mappedDefault: Device parameter control (DAW-dependent)
specifications.controls.encoders.daw _ integrationAbleton Live, Logic Pro, etc.
specifications.controls.faders.count9
specifications.controls.faders.typeMotorized or non-motorized (check model)
specifications.controls.faders.mappedMixer fades, volume, pan, etc.
specifications.controls.wheels.pitchPitch bend wheel
specifications.controls.wheels.modModule wheel
specifications.controls.transport.buttonsPlay, Stop, Pause, Forward, Rewind
specifications.controls.transport.daw _ controlDirect DAW transport control (USB MIDI)
specifications.connectivity.usbType-B, USB MIDI (class-compliance)
specifications.connectivity.midi _ din.in5-pin DIN MIDI In
specifications.connectivity.midi _ din.out5-pin DIN MIDI Out
specifications.connectivity.midi _ din.useConnection with hardware synthesisers and controllers
specifications.connectivity.powerUSB-powered (5V, 500mA-900mA)
specifications.daw _ integration.national _ supportAbleton Live (Impulse is designed for Live), Logical Pro (with MIDI mapping), Cubase (with MIDI setup), Pro Tools (with MIDI mapping)
specifications.daw _ integration.setupPlug- and-play USB MIDI; may require driver installation on Windows

Additional technical details

KeyValue
No additional technical details

Typical routing

  • DAW control + synth: Impulse 49 controls DAW and external synth simultaneously
    • USB connect to your computer
    • MIDI OUT connect to external synth
    • Map faders / encoders in DAW
    • Use pads for clip lifting / drum input
Connection instructions: The examples below show typical signal flows in practice. For specific details (jitter, buffering), see section above.

SW / drivers

ComponentWindowsmacOSLinuxNote
No specific driver data; use the Documentation/Links section.

Custom firmware details

Author
—
FW family
—

Custom FW targets

  • No explicit custom FW targets in metadata.

Custom CC mapping

CCMeaning
No custom CC mapping.

Custom FW global settings

SettingsMeaning
No custom global settings.

Custom FW extended menu

ItemDetail
No extended menu details.

Documentation and manuals

Service log

DateEventWhoNote
2026-03-06Initial inventoryStudio techAdded to inventory, pictures and manual ready.

Presets / User banks

Storage type
—
Number of banks
Not stated
Current bank
1
Backup File
Not stated
Export format
SysEx
Note
—

Notes / service / modifications

  • The manual is stored locally in the MANUALS folder.
  • Complete serial number and purchase price.