I take it the Nocturn is a new model, I don't think they had that one when I bought mine. I'm assuming since guitarcentral is only selling open-box Remote 49's that it is a discontinued model. This looks like the nearest replacement:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Novation...36-i1460806.gc

..which I'd probably rather have, because of the faders.

Anyway I don't really mind if my model is obsolete as long as it serves my purpose, I suppose Automap works the same with all of them.

Nocturn is the best thing since sliced bread. Takes minimal desk space and it costs less than $100:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ontroller.html

Looks like a nice controller, do the knobs have feedback (click slightly when turned) or just turn freely? The feedback I get from the Remote SL knobs is not really a bad thing and even a benefit in some ways when it comes to soft synths, I just like a smooth knob turn. Something like this controller would be really nice for someone controlling multiple keyboards, with Automap you can make sure the same knob always controls cutoff, res, ADSR etc regardless of what its controlling.

Yes, the encoders are touch-sensitive. At less than $100, it's a real steal. Even though it's specifically designed to handle plugins (and it really excels at that), you can use it for anything. The crossfader is really useful to make smooth transitions between parameters. It's fully customizable.

http://us.novationmusic.com/products...roller/nocturn

What I'm wondering is, when you turn a knob, do you feel a light "notch" or faint click at a certain increment, or is turning the knob smooth with no notches?

Smooth, no notches.