Novation product compatibility with macOS Big Sur (11) on Intel-based systems – Novation

This article outlines compatibility information for Apple computers with Intel processors. For compatibility information regarding Apple computers with Apple-Silicon processors see this article. If you're unsure which processor you have please see this article.

Compatibility information for all current products is listed below. Our testing was conducted using various beta versions of macOS Big Sur, the "Golden Master" and ultimately the release version of 11.

Please check that all other software/hardware you use to make music is also compatible before updating and never update your operating system during the middle of a time-critical project.

Based on past experience we would generally advise waiting for a few months after the release of any new operating system before updating in case there are any initial issues that need to be patched.

If you receive an error message stating 'System Extension Blocked' after installing Novation software/drivers then please see this article.

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. Screen_Shot_2019-09-26_at_10.54.18.png Circuit Rhythm overhead

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Products using Components:

Circuit, Circuit Mono Station, Circuit Rhythm

Bass Station II, Peak, Summit

SL MKIII, Launchkey Mini MK3, Launchkey MK3

Launch Control XL, Launch Control

Launchpad Mini MK3, Launchpad X, Launchpad Pro Mk3

FLkey Mini and FLkey 37

All of these products use Components so their compatibility relies on this.

Works with macOS Big Sur? YES

Launchpad Pro, Launchpad MK 2 (with RGB pads)

Works with macOS Big Sur? YES

Launchkey MK 2 (green base)

Works with macOS Big Sur? YES

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MK 1 Launch family* (Launchpad S, Launchpad Mini, Launchkey MK 1 (orange base), Launchkey Mini)

Works with macOS Big Sur? YES

Note that Automap is no longer supported so Automap functionality is not available for these products on macOS Big Sur(11). See more information below.

Launch Control, Launch Control XL

Works with macOS Big Sur? YES

The Launch Control editors are 32-bit and will not run on macOS Catalina and above. To resolve this you can now use Components

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Audiohub 2x4

Works with macOS Big Sur? YES

SL MkII

SL MkII

Works with macOS Big Sur? YES - standard MIDI functionality works however Automap does not work on Catalina or above. See the section regarding Automap below.

Impulse

Works with macOS Big Sur? YES

Please see our article regarding the update to add additional HUI functionality here: https://support.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360009516479

UltraNova

Works with macOS Big Sur? Yes

The Librarian and Editor may continue to work using this beta build

MIDI can be used with this driver.

Notes: You may encounter a 'System Extension Blocked' message while installing UltraNova's bundled software. This is related to a feature introduced on macOS 10.13. If you see this message, please refer to this article.

We have ceased development support for the Ultranova. The legacy of the Nova engine lives on through the MiniNova and Circuit Tracks. Fans of our digital synthesisers will also find many sound design possibilities in our Peak and Summit synthesisers, designed by Chris Hugget, that combine digital wavetable oscillators with analogue filtering and distortion to bring about the best of our heritage.

We cannot guarantee the performance of the Ultranova past Mac OS 10.15.

MiniNova

Works with macOS Big Sur? Yes - use this installer first and then this one

Note that the Editor is known to have graphical issues in DAWs like Ableton and Cubase. In these instances, using Reaper is advisable as an alternative. We are currently investigating this issue.

Automap

Works with macOS Big Sur? NO

We will no longer update or support Automap with future operating systems or software releases. Automap will still be available to use with currently supported operating systems.

Automap initially set out to let users control their software using real buttons, encoders, and sliders. This was technically complex but Automap offered a unique way of connecting the hardware and software. Most major DAWs now have native solutions so any MIDI controller can have control over the software without the need for an additional third-party application like Automap.

Controllers such as our SL MkIII and Launchkey keyboards have direct control of major DAWs via dedicated, native integration or the industry-standard HUI protocol.

We recommend that you uninstall prior to updating to Catalina/Big Sur as the uninstaller will not run on Catalina or later.

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B-Station plug-in

Works with macOS Big Sur? No

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V-Station plug-in

Works with macOS Big Sur? No

We're aware of issues with these plugins caused by the architecture changes in this version of Mac OS. As these plugins are no longer in development support, if you wish to continue using these plugins please do not update to this version of Mac OS.

If your product is not listed, it is not officially supported with macOS Big Sur.

Novation Help Centre

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