Power Requirements; Glossary - Novation Impulse User Manual

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Power Requirements

Impulse is powered via its rear panel USB connector. Normally, DC power will be supplied by
the computer to which Impulse is connected through a standard USB cable. We recommend
that you connect Impulse directly to a computer's native USB port, and not via a USB hub.
Correct operation cannot be guaranteed if a hub is in use.
If you wish to use Impulse as a stand-alone MIDI controller for other hardware MIDI sound
sources (or other devices) without a computer – as you might in live performance, for example –
you should obtain an AC-to-DC USB mains adaptor, which you should plug in to Impulse's USB
port in the same way as a standard USB cable. When using this method, please ensure that
your local AC supply is within the range of voltages required by the adaptor BEFORE you plug
it into the mains. Please contact your Novation dealer for advice on suitable mains adaptors if
you are in any doubt.

Glossary

Certain terms are used throughout this User Guide which may be new or unfamiliar to some
users. We have listed a few of them here to help you understand the Guide more easily.
Arp
Short for Arpeggiator, an Impulse feature. Arp mode lets you set up rhythmic patterns of notes
using the drum pads, and modify them in real time (great for live performance!), changing the
pattern length, the pattern itself and the way certain notes are accented.
Clip launch
This is a term specific to Ableton Live including the Lite version supplied with Impulse. Within
Ableton Live Lite, a Clip is essentially a sound file (of any duration) which can be assigned
to any DAW Track. Provision has been made for launching Clips directly from drum pads on
Impulse.
DAW
Digital Audio Workstation. An alternative term for your music creation/recording/editing
software.
A word about laptops:
When powering Impulse from a computer, you should be aware that although
the USB specification agreed by the IT industry states that a USB port should
be able to supply 0.5 A at 5 V, some computers - particularly laptops – are
unable to supply this current. Unreliable operation may result in such a case.
When powering Impulse from a laptop's USB port, it is recommended that the
laptop is powered from AC mains rather than its internal battery.
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