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SLMKII MIDI Programmer’s Reference
Page 3 of 33
1. Overview
This manual is for anyone who is familiar with MIDI communications, and who wants
to have an understanding of the various Automap MIDI messages used by the SLMKII
Keyboard Controller – possibly with a view to monitoring or controlling an SLMKII,
or other Novation units which use all or part of the Automap Protocol.
The protocol was originally devised for use with the RemoteSL unit. This was the first
Novation unit which had two large LCD displays – which could be set by an
application program.
A major part of the protocol was the ability of the unit to load one of 8 special
configuration tables, called Templates, when an application sent an ONLINE sysex
message. An application program would then receive predetermined MIDI CC
messages whenever specific RemoteSL controls were operated – and act accordingly.
Originally the RemoteSL had 6 special Templates which it responded to. These
Templates were initially for certain popular DAW programs, such as Reason, Logic,
Ableton Live and a HUI simulation. There was also a general purpose special
Template – which has evolved into the Automap Template.
Most of the special Templates have been absorbed into using the ‘universal’ Automap
Template. The one, currently, remaining exception being Ableton Live.
The Protocol has been extended, at various stages, as new Novation units have been
developed. The following units use part or most of the Automap protocol:
RemoteSL
Compact
SLMKII
Nocturn Keyboard
Most of this document describes Automap operation with respect to the SLMKII
Controller Keyboard – because it uses most of the Automap protocol- however , the
same principals of operation apply to the other units.
This document describes the various parts and operation of the Automap protocol.
IMPORTANT: In Automap mode, most of the SLMKII control information is normally
handled by a ‘hidden’ USB port – any control information can, however, usually be
sent to one of the other normal ports – and still have the same effect. Control
Information emanating from the unit in Automap mode, cannot normally be ‘seen’ by