Novation Intros LaunchKey MK3 MIDI Controllers: Makeover With New Features & 37 Keys Version

June 18, 2020 Synth Anatomy Audio & MIDI, Hardware, News 0

Novation has given its Ableton Live optimized LaunchKey MIDI Controller Series in Mk3 a makeover with a new design, new creative features & more.

Novation has completely revised its famous LaunchKey keyboard MIDI controller series and released it as MK3. Like the renewed LaunchKey Mini, the LaunchKey range has also been given the new simple but modern design. There are four different versions: one with 25, 49 and 61 and a completely new version with 37 keys that enables two-handed play. The latter could well become a big seller since the market of 37 keys MIDI controller is relatively small and especially it is suitable for many.

All four versions have 8 rotary encoders, 8×2 pads perfect for launching loops in your DAW (Logic Pro X, Ableton Live…), and an upgraded display that offers significantly more space to display information. The larger 49 and 61 come with an additional 9 faders.

New Features In LaunchKey Mk3 Series

There was an upgrade not only visually but also internally. The new Novation Launchkey Mk3 offers scale, chord, and arpeggiator functions. The scale mode transposes played notes into the selected key, while in the chord mode, expressive chords can be played with one finger. With the extensive arpeggiator, creative and expressive melodies can also be implemented using rhythm setting and Arp Mutate.

The arpeggiator is impressive because it’s capable of creating generative note arpeggios very easily. Thanks to the real MIDI output on the backside, you can use these functions also in standalone mode without a connected computer. These opened up many new possibilities and potential for creativity.

Ableton Live Integration

As with the old series, the new Launchkey Mk3 offers the same deep and extensive Ableton Live integration. Dedicated buttons allow you to work quickly and directly without losing the creative flow in menus and submenus. The Ableton Live Capture MIDI function can be activated at the push of a button, tracks can be “armed” with a track arm, quantized MIDI tracks, and loops activated. Drum Mode also provides direct access to Ableton Live’s drum rack.

Use It With Hardware & Software

All Launchkey [MK3] controllers have a five-pin MIDI DIN output that works with any MIDI-compatible device. With Novation Components, you can individually configure the MIDI parameter assignments of the Launchkey knobs, faders, and pads to take control of all MIDI elements. Launchkey is also fully integrated with Logic and Reason and has ready-to-use functionality with other DAWs, including Studio One, Cubase and Pro Tools, via HUI.