The new Novation Launchkey MK3 Keyboard controllers have been completely revamped. If you are familiar with the range, they are full-sized controller keyboards designed for making tracks in Ableton Live. The intuitive keyboards suit all abilities and are crammed with features that allow for enhanced Ableton integration.
There are four controllers in the series, Launchkey 25, Launchkey 49, Launchkey 61 and for the first time Launchkey 37. The introduction of the 37-key controller was at the request and feedback from many customers who were after a compact keyboard yet one they could play with two-handed key-work ability and didn’t compromise on features or functions.
Key Features
- Ableton Live design – A fully complete Ableton Live integration that provides immediate access to all the controls the user requires.
- Three chord modes – Use Fixed, Scale or User to trigger chords at the touch of a finger, so creativity flows, fast.
- Scale mode – Transposes keys and pads played to notes in the scale selected, so there isn't a need to worry about hitting a wrong note.
- Custom modes – Four custom modes enable unique control setups to be created for any performance for studio configuration.
- The arpeggiator is powerful – includes a complete pattern control with rhythm settings and Arp Mutate to get melodies moving.
- Velocity Sensitive keyboard and pads – the controller contains more expressive and dynamic keys and pads.
- RGB LEDs – the pads are RGB backlit, so the colour matches top clips and instrument racks.
- Sound functions – there are eight rotary encoders and on the 49 and 61 key models, nine 45mm faders for fine-tuning instruments and effects.
- Five-pin MIDI output – full control over any MIDI-compatible unit.
- Transport and mixer control – direct control of playback, recording, mutes, pans and sends.
- Box Ready – included with the keyboard controllers is everything you require to get you started. Comes with Ableton Live 10 Lite, Serato Sample LE, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, Spitfire Audio LABS Expressive Strings, Klevgrand R0Verb and DAW Cassette, AAS Session Bundle, access to Novation Sound Collective and a two-month Splice Sounds membership.
Novation Launchkey Keyboard Controller Range
Launchkey controllers have been a staple in the Ableton Live music production world for a while. They have standalone Scale, Chord and Arpeggiator features and are suitable for beginners right through to advanced producers.
Ableton Live Integration
Novation has worked closely with Ableton to create hardware that compliments and provides full access to Live’s controls, unlike any other controller. Features include Capture MIDI function, track arm, click, loop and quantise controls, and drum mode for instant access to drum racks.
Musical Creativity at your fingertips
Many features grace the Keyboard controllers including Scale mode where it transposes keys played to the notes in the scale that is selected, Chord mode consisting of three-chord modes (fixed, user and scale) that trigger chords with one finger, and an arpeggiator which gets creative with the melodies through rhythm settings and Arp Mutate and Deviate.
Standalone and Control
The MK3 range works as a standalone, making it ideal for any situation. The features can be set up in Novation Components and then stored in Launchkey, which can be used to control an entire studio or live rig.
There is a five-pin MIDI DIN output which can work with any MIDI-compatible device. Again, full control can be resumed through configuring MIDI parameter assignments to take over full MIDI control via the Launchkey.
Supporting DAW
DAW support is a continuous process. If Ableton isn’t your primary DAW, then you can be safe in the knowledge that the Launchkey MK3’s has full integration with Reason and Logic. There is also straight from the box functionality with other DAWs including Cubase, Pro Tools and Studio One via HUI.
Four Launchkey MK3 Model Sizes
Creators have never had more option when it comes to deciding on a size that suits them. The Launchkey MK3 comes in four different sizes. 25-key, 37-key, 49-key and 61-key. The 37-key keyboard controller is the newest to the range, and has been created as a result of feedback Novation has received from is customers. They requested a compact controller that was still big enough to work with two-handed key playing. The pitch and mod wheels have been moved to the top panel, so the three-octave keyboard is small enough to accommodate users who have restrictions on space.
With regards to the others, the 49-key and 61-key versions are ideal for those wanting more keys, extended hand control and importantly have the space to accommodate them. The 25-key version is perfect for those with smaller spaces, and mobile performers and producers.
Behind The Scenes
Overall
The Launchkey MK3 has been considerably enhanced, not to mention the addition of a new sized controller. The pads are larger and have improved velocity sensitivity, the screen is 2 x 16 char as opposed to 3 char, there are now three-chord modes, map scales to the keys, creative Arp, additional transport controls and DAW functions (capture MIDI, Quantise, Click, Undo), MIDI output and MIDI map customisation. All-in-all, pretty well thought out range from Novation.
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