Superbooth 2025: Novation Launch Control XL 3, the best-selling MIDI controller, goes standalone with 15 custom modes with hybrid mapping and 5-pin MIDI.
Update: ready for pre-order for $249/219€ at Thomann, Perfect Circuit, and Sweetwater.
MIDI controllers are often associated with software and DAWs. However, they can be used just as easily with hardware, although some require a detour via software. One is now breaking out of the software cage.
At Superbooth 2025, Novation unveiled the Launch Control XL 3, the official successor to its popular Ableton Live-focused MIDI controller, which has been on the market since 2017. The new version offers a complete design and feature overhaul, making it standalone for the first time.
Novation Launch Control XL 3
From the outside, it now follows the sleek black/gray design of the Launch Key Mk4 controllers and looks significantly more modern. It no longer has the plasticky vibe like its predecessor.
This complete renovation also includes the control elements. Launch Control XL 3 houses 24 smooth, endless rotary encoders with RGB LEDs, which provide instant visual feedback and change brightness with their assigned value. These potentiometers are similar to those found on the Launch Key Mk4.
Since they are now endless rotary encoders, they no longer need the markings of the XL 2 pots. Then, you get eight 60mm faders for detailed adjustments and greater precision. Plus, 16 backlit function buttons are underneath for solo, arm, mute, select tracks, or control parameters.
Also onboard are dedicated transport controls to play, stop, and record performances on the fly. A new OLED display provides crystal-clear feedback of the mapped and tweaked parameters. It’s one of the highlights of the new Novation Launch Control XL 3
According to the developers, the Launch Control XL 3 is a central hub that seamlessly connects your hardware, software, and creative flow into one seamless, uninterrupted experience.
Novation says that with every fader, encoder, and button at your fingertips, you can shape your sound in real time — no menu-diving, no second-guessing. However, without menu diving, a software counterpart is required to map the parameters.
15 Custom Modes
Connectivity
The new Novation Launch Control XL 3 takes a giant leap regarding connectivity. Where the XL 2 only had USB, the new version features 5-pin MIDI with a MIDI input and two MIDI output sockets, one of which can be used as a thru port.
This new connectivity makes it easy to connect and control not only DAWs and software but also external hardware and MIDI-capable effects—a step that many people have wanted from a new Launch Control.
It also ships with an Ableton Live 12 Lite license alongside a plugin suite, including Klevgrand Fosfat, Baby Audio Parallel Aggressor, and Output Movement. Too bad that the GForce Software, like the Oberheim SEM or Bass Station plugins, are omitted
Novation Control XL 3: First Impression
Novation Launch Control XL 3 will be available for $199,99 USD (global price), $249,99 USD (US), and £199,99. You can explore the new XL 3 at Superbooth 2025 at booth 028.
More information here: Novation
Available at my partner
Oh yeah, flickering $2 oled from aliexpress.
Wonder if customization in components will be as hilariously basic and limited as it is with launchpad pro.
Why are people so hung up on display screens for MUSIC gear?
Because it’s 2025 and I really, really like to see the values of different parameters, which are not directly shown in Ableton / Bitwig / Maschine / hidden in your synth, when I perform or arrange. Why wouldn’t you want a screen?
It’s got a screen though.
But somehow that’s still not good enough because it’s not custom artisan crafted from the rarest oleds or something?
No, just the size. What a foolish comment Neil.
You can always use programmer’s mode which is hilariously powerful, see DrivenByMoss for Bitwig / Reaper or the Dirtywave M8 integration, the Groove Rider 2 integration for iPad, etc.
Wow. That’s the first time I’ve seen a manufacturer list prices as “$199 globally, or $249 if you’re in the USA.”
Tarrifs
This does look like a nice unit. Definitely a step up from the BCR-2000. Smaller but has some faders.
It’s a little disappointing that Novation didn’t put any jacks in the back for external control. Foot switches and expression pedals are useful, and with jacks, you can use your existing pedals, and even use different kinds of sensor/resistor thingies.
AudioFront makes the MIDIexpression which has 4 inputs that you can use for switches/expression. It’s a nice add-on for keyboards and devices like this.
The MIDIexpression devices look useful! Thanks for the recommendation.
Agreed, pedal inputs are a nice addition, not essential, but are useful. There’s times when I’ve used an apc40mk2 off to the side as a pedal input 😅 be tidier in the one unit, but I maybe that’s a minority of users? I’m still excited for the refresh regardless
Sysex?
saw it at SB today – looks very cool. forgot to ask about Sysex…
I’m so stoked! I have 2 mk2’s and use them extensively for VJing, and electronic music jamming. I’ve wanted a new version with RGB lighting and standalone MIDI support (I’ve tinkered with some usb host devices but found it cumbersome to incorporate into my setup) this is sick.
Mixed thoughts on the endless encoders, but I’ll probably pair it with the original.
Please Novation! Add some sysex support like your vintage SL series had! (So you’ve done it before, those controllers are a bit bulky for my current setup and I love the form factor and arrangement of controls for these launch controls so much more.
There’s parameters for my virus that are sysex (part switching / muting and reverb amount etc).
“What Novation doesn’t communicate is whether you only have one bank of 24 knobs and eight faders or whether there is a second or third bank, which would be better for more extensive synth setups.”
This is exactly the info I was looking for. Ive been waiting for the Behringer BCR32 which Ive read it comes with four virtual groups and eight dual-mode encoders with push function, as well as 20 programmable buttons and 32 multi-purpose encoders for custom assignment of parameters. Not mentioning the Zaquencer. $149.
This is looking sleek and great without breaking the bank (even with the retardrrifs) and can see it as a performance mixer of sorts and plenty more if you can mix say ipad AUs with hardware and eurorack into a very hybrid setup. Cant understand the microscopic screen thou. Regardless a very cool piece of kit.
just one bank for each mode but let’s see. They added a second in one the latest Novation Launchkey Mk4 firmware update 🙂
“No, just the size. What a foolish comment Neil.”
Foolish? Bit rude edwyn, you need to read ken’s comment again. It mentions price, quality and provenance, but not size.
I have been waitin for this one. Pretty excited for the full color LEDs, endless encoders, and screen display of the control names.
I hope there is some adjustment for the LED’s brightness as you can on the Launchpad Mini and that you can blast the brightness if needed when using it somewhere that isn’t dark.
Neil, buddy, you need a screen to program it without a COMPUTER. That’s the whole value of this upgrade.
Very excited about this! The dream controller is this with motorized controls.
I like the update as anyone, but then I stumbled upon Neuzeit Instrument’s Drop announcement, which makes the Launch Control XL look like a beginner’s device. Price will probably reflect this too, but I buy with value in mind, not with pricetag so.
I reckon neuzeit would be at least twice the price
The Neuziet Drop is listed for 799 Euros at Schneidersladen. That’s well out of my price range, no matter how nice it is.
Not sure a “beginners device” since thats the indian, not the arrow… The Drop looks cool but Im sure trying to look for info online the Launch Control will appear a lot more often. I hope it sells for the devs keep up adding features, fixing bugs etc. otherwise it might remain with bugs forever, let alone parts or service.