Novation Impulse - is Automap required?

I'm considering getting the Novation Impulse 61. I've read about how Automap wraps all the VST plug-ins and saves wrapped versions. Considering the Sonar features for mapping controllers, is Automap required? Can Sonar handle all the necessary mapping with its own features. My experience is that adding any kind of translation software invariably leads to some compatibility problems down the road, so I'd like to avoid it, if possible.

I tend to mostly agree with Fog here.
 
I use Automap, but haven't upgraded to the latest 4.xx version - I'm back on 3.7 because it doesn't really give me any big problems.
I've seen some threads around indicating some problems with the 4.xx version so I've kept away from it for the time being.
 
In many ways, Automap is quite cool, and I do use it pretty much all the time.
 
If you want to control VST Synths and Audio Effects like Guitar Gig, it pretty much works nicely.
 
You can also use Automap on the "Unwrapped" VSTi/VST in which case you use it to send MIDI CCs.
 
When you have a VST "Automap Wrapped", you can control whatever "Host Automation" parameters that are exposed by the plugin.
 
 
At times I've been tempted to look at a new Novation controller, but once I've looked I always seem to find myself wanting something better.
 
Hmm, still haven't found that "something better" that fit's my current budget :-)
 
 
So ... al in all, it does work quite well, and makes controlling VST Synths and Audio Effects very easy with "Host Automation".
I AM certainly Glad and happy that I bought mine.
 
I haven't seen anything much to beat it for the price, and once you've got a handle on the automap thing, it can be made to work very well.
 
 
Gee - not sure if that's really too helpful.
Good luck.
 
 
Cheers - Cliff

The Impulse 61 works well for me.  I tried Automap with I first got the keyboard.  It was interesting.  You have the option to use the 9 Sliders as audio controllers.  That seemed to work well with Sonar.  I wasn't in the mood for the learning curve at the time, so I uninstalled Automap and went back to ACT.  I'll probably reinstall when I have time.  ACT seems to work fine, although I only use it for simple functions.  Works well with Rapture Pro instruments.
The keyboard response on the impulse is very nice IMO.

elsongs
How do you get your Impulse 61 to work with ACT when there is no Novation Impulse selection in the ACT drop-down menu? I'm not interested in adding another layer of control between my controller and DAW which Automap basically is. But I can't seem to get any knobs and sliders to respond to ACT learn.

Automap is a program on its own. You can still install the novation usb drivers without installing Automap. In that case and only after you added it as a control surface in the midi settings, the Novation Impulse is selectable as "Cakewalk Generic Surface" in the drop down menu of ACT. Be aware that the 9th slider/fader (Master) is not bindable with ACT (no idea why), so the learn function won't work on that one.

All except for loop toggle on/off, for that one isn't listed in the "Global Parameters" list.

straighttothebar
All except for loop toggle on/off, for that one isn't listed in the "Global Parameters" list.

Would you mind sharing with me a screenshot of your ACT settings for your Impulse? I can't seem to get the transport buttons to register. Do you have to make a custom template on the Impulse keyboard?

Oh, and to answer your question, you don't have to make a new template on the Impulse itself. I did, however, and named it SONAR, but just to limit the "maximum velocity" of the faders, so they don't go above 0db when I slide them all the way up. It's more convenient to mix in my case + it looks so pro with SONAR being displayed hehe..

Hermu
alternative you could use AZlows AZ Controller plugin for Cakewalk
http://www.azslow.com/ind...action=downloads;cat=2
 
with Novation Impules 61 preset:
http://www.azslow.com/index.php/topic,248.0.html

That's impressive. Elsongs, perhaps you should forget all I said and just use this instead, just tried it and works like a charm here with the Impulse49.

Impulse 61 versions should somehow work with Impulse 25. You can start with "Startup preset" video (the link to YouTube channel is in the top right corner of my site) to understand how to install the plug-in initially and create your own simple configuraton. You can than load Impuse 61 preset and see if it works better (and adjust it to your needs).
 
For controlling plug-ins with "ACT Dynamic mapping", check http://www.azslow.com/index.php/topic,297.0.html
 

azslow3
Impulse 61 versions should somehow work with Impulse 25. You can start with "Startup preset" video (the link to YouTube channel is in the top right corner of my site) to understand how to install the plug-in initially and create your own simple configuraton. You can than load Impuse 61 preset and see if it works better (and adjust it to your needs).
 
For controlling plug-ins with "ACT Dynamic mapping", check http://www.azslow.com/index.php/topic,297.0.html
 

Thanks so much for the response and suggestion. I'll give it a go. MIDI has always been such a mystery to me (I'm not very techie), but I know it can do really cool stuff so I want to get at least a working knowledge.