Novation Impulse 25From real comments

Verdict distilled from 20 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment32%
PROS 32%
CONS 68%

Rank based on 20 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want direct DAW and plugin control with a built-in arpeggiator
  • You're an iPad-based producer looking for a compact MIDI controller
  • You're comfortable troubleshooting drivers and MIDI channel setup

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need built-in speakers or sounds without separate software
  • You expect plug-and-play setup with no driver hassle
  • You want tight, precise knobs rather than loose, sensitive ones

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

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Natural, amp-like tone
Powerful 3-band EQ
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Exceptional reverb quality
High-quality warm pitch shifting
Strong aspirational appeal
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Cheaper alternatives may suffice
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Authentic amp-like toneExcellent low-to-mid gain driveUnderrated favorite among ownersHigh price pointLimited gain-staging flexibilityNo built-in reverb
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Authentic amp-like tone
Excellent low-to-mid gain drive
Underrated favorite among owners
High price point
Limited gain-staging flexibility
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Iconic, powerful kick drumWarmer, more alive analog characterCultural and historical influenceExtremely high collector priceAnalog noise and static requiring EQReliability concerns of aging hardware
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Warmer, more alive analog character
Cultural and historical influence
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Moog Subsequent 37
Inspiring and addictive to playWarm, fat analog toneStrong DAW/VST editor integrationHigh price for what it offersLimited versatility outside bass rangeNeeds effects/partner gear to shine
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Inspiring and addictive to play
Warm, fat analog tone
Strong DAW/VST editor integration
High price for what it offers
Limited versatility outside bass range
Needs effects/partner gear to shine
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Wampler Tumnus V2
Klon Centaur-style toneConvincing demo influenced purchaseExcellent clean boostNot suited for metal tones
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Convincing demo influenced purchase
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Wampler Paisley Drive
Transparent toneVersatile across genresWorks well across many guitar typesTwo-channel routing complexityDry signal bleed-throughInconsistent demo impressions
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Transparent tone
Versatile across genres
Works well across many guitar types
Two-channel routing complexity
Dry signal bleed-through
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You are here
31Mid
Novation Impulse 25
Affordable on the used marketFun, capable arpeggiatorGood fit for iPad-based productionConfusing software and driver setupNo built-in speakers or soundsLoose, overly sensitive knobs
Novation Impulse 25
Affordable on the used market
Fun, capable arpeggiator
Good fit for iPad-based production
Confusing software and driver setup
No built-in speakers or sounds
Loose, overly sensitive knobs

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Strong DAW and plugin control once set up correctly. Multiple users highlight that the Impulse 25 gives instant control over DAW parameters and plugins, with one calling the arpeggiator 'oodles of fun' and describing time flying while using it. An iPad-focused user praised it as a great piece of gear for iPad producers and composers, suggesting it performs well in mobile production setups despite being a controller without built-in sound.

Setup and software configuration trip up many users. Several commenters report difficulty getting the keyboard recognized properly, particularly in FL Studio on Windows, and ask what software or drivers are needed. Others can't get any sound configured at all and request tutorials. One user found MIDI channel switching stopped working and a reset didn't resolve it, while another lamented the lack of Automap support, calling VST control without the Novation software nearly impossible.

Hardware quirks and iPad power requirements cause friction. One buyer of a used unit found loose, overly sensitive knobs, and another confirmed knobs were 'useless' when run through GarageBand. For iPad use, a powered USB hub is often required since the iPad reports insufficient power, but even after buying a hub, one user still couldn't get it working with their iPad, indicating inconsistent compatibility with power accessories.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?