I've tried to photograph this as best I can to ensure that you can see the issues it has, but I'll list them below.
- one of the sliders is damaged - essentially broken off, but it can't fall out and still works surprisingly well
- the mod wheel stick thing doesn't re-centre when you change the pitch (works as expected up and down, doesn't work L-R). I'm given to understand that these rely on a literal elastic band which has potentially gone awry and therefore the fix is likely quite painless
- the last two keys are damaged but this is only cosmetic and they're absolutely rock solid
Here's the background:
I bought this years ago in the condition it is currently in, intending to re-house it and turn it into controller to essentially use with an iPad running iVCS3. The problem is, when it arrived it was startling powerful and was such a complete road warrior that I wasn't remotely inclined to dismantle it.
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Here's what Novation said about it:
Novation Remote 25 USB MIDI Controller
2-Octave MIDI Controller with Semi-Weighted and Aftertouch responsive Keyboard
Novation haven't just re-written the book with the new Remote 25 controller. - Ripped it up and started again is more like it.
We've made it truly portable being mains or battery powered, we've given it one of the best semi-weighted keyboard actions around, we've engineered a programmable pitch / mod / control wheel which is a delight to use, we've integrated a cool 'touchpad' for wild performance effects and we've included dozens of pre-programmed templates for the most popular software plug-ins and traditional hardware instruments so you can use it straight out of the box.
Remote 25 - Nothing can match this cute little tool for features, usability and value.
A semi-weighted two octave keyboard action with aftertouch.
At the heart of the Remote 25 is a superb action, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch. Unlike many controllers, you can play your favourite software synth or sampler with the care and precise control that can make a huge difference to the final performance.
Hands on responsive control for every application
The ergonomically designed front panel is inviting and simple to use. And it's all there - 8 rotary potentiometers, 8 sliders, 8 rotary encoders and 24 switches that are entirely programmable. All controls can be named and memorized as a collection with a group template name, then saved in any one of the 64 template memories.
Use anywhere portability and re-chargeable power
Remote 25 may be powered by 6x C-size alkaline / rechargeable batteries or external mains PSU. When connected to a computer via USB, rechargeable batteries are charged without the need of a mains re-charger.
X / Y Touchpad for total expression
Indicative of Novation's forward thinking design is the Touchpad. Being fully assignable and programmable in both X (side-to-side) and Y (up-and-down), stunning and unique performance effects are just a finger-glide away. Imagine setting a distortion amount and a pan position on the left to right movement and an LFO speed and filter cut-off on the top to bottom movement - Total expressive and creative control.
Dedicated Transport Controls and fast template function buttons
Total control over your sequencer's transport and locate functions are yours via the dedicated transport and four function button controls. Select a new template, scroll through templates, send snapshots, transmit a panic command, etc. this kind of instant flexibility will streamline your working practice.
Built In USB / MIDI Interface
Just plug into the USB port, install the driver software and the Remote 25 is fully operational. Alternatively if your computer system does not have USB, then simply plug into the MIDI ports. The Remote 25 provides two MIDI Out ports, one MIDI thru port and one MIDI In port. Information originating from the Remote 25 keyboard or its controls can be sent directly to the USB port and / or any of the MIDI out ports. The MIDI ports can be used to integrate the rest of your MIDI gear into your computer system. Cool.