Novation has introduced the Launchkey Mk4 series, an update for their popular MIDI keyboard controllers with new features, designs, and more.
The Novation Launchkey Mk4 MIDI controllers were launched in summer 2024. Meanwhile, the new FL Keys are also available in a new version, as well as a recent Launchkey 61 White.
For those who prefer larger keys, there’s good news! Novation has launched the Launchkey 88 MK4, featuring full-size keys.
Novation Launchkey 88 Mk4
The new Launchkey 88 is the largest keyboard controller in the MK4 range. It features seven-plus octaves of full-size, piano-style keys and a semi-weighted mechanism refined to deliver the most expressive response possible, even during the most delicate passages.
Like the other Launchkey keyboards, it doesn’t support aftertouch. On board, however, are the same 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch and Novation’s patented Force Sensitive Resistor technology.
Alongside this, it comes with 9 freely assignable faders and eight endless encoders that map automatically to key parameters of supported DAWs — from transport to mixing to navigating projects
On top of that, NKS support gives users access to pre-mappings for instruments and effects plugins from third-party developers.
Launchkey 88 MK4 also features the same creative tools as the other versions. This includes the inspiring programmable arpeggiator and the extensive chord functionality.
On the right side of the interface, you can also find transport controls compatible with all major DAWs (Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Reason, Bitwig Studio, and more). It also works with Pro Tools via Mackie HUI protocol support.
Included in Launchkey 88’s selection of instrument and effect plugins is Novation Play, an exclusive software instrument based on sampled acoustic pianos, vintage synthesizers, and cutting-edge sound design.
The new Novation Launchkey 88 Mk4 is available now for $449.99, £379,99 and 378,14€ (ex-tax).
More info here: Novation
Available from my partner
Article from August 29, 2024
It seems to be MIDI keyboard week. Earlier this week, Arturia unveiled the new KeyLab Mk3 generation, which features an updated design, features, and more. Now, the United Kingdom is calling.
Novation, part of the Focusrite group, has introduced the fourth generation of its popular, affordable Launchkey MIDI keyboard controller series. This applies to both the regular and smaller versions.
Novation Launchkey mk4
The new Launchkey mk4 range comprises six models. Each has a different form factor and different hardware feature sets, but the core of each keyboard is the same. So, everyone, whether small or large, gets the same internal features.
Each Launchkey has a velocity-only keybed. Aftertouch is not included in any of them. Besides this, you can get various hardware controls, including 16 backlit velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch, encoders, and faders.
Pitch and Mod wheels are touch-based on the small models, while the large versions have physical wheels. Here are the differences:
- Launchkey 25 (25 full-sized keys with velocity + 16 pads + 8 encoders)
- Launchkey 37: (37 full-sized keys with velocity + 16 pads + 8 encoders)
- L49: 49 full-sized semi-weighted piano-style keys + 16 pads + 8 encoders + 9 faders and 9 track buttons
- L61: 61 full-sized semi-weighted piano-style keys + 16 pads + 8 encoders + 9 faders and 9 track buttons
- Launchkey Mini 25: (25 mini synth-action keys with velocity + 16 pads + 8 encoders)
- Launchkey Mini 37: (37 mini synth-action keys with velocity + 16 pads + 8 encoders)
Core features Of All Novation Launchkey mk4 Controllers
All six Launchkey mk4 controllers offer in-depth, hands-on control of all major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Reason, and more, with no set-up required. For example, in Ableton Live, you can launch clips right on the keyboard and tweak parameters of the devices.
Depending on the model’s amount, new endless encoders and faders give you instant control over the DAW mixers, virtual instruments, and effects. User mappings can also be created.
Then, each model has a new OLED display that visually represents all the features. This includes a new scale mode that locks notes on the keyboard into the right key.
The built-in chord detector shows what chord is currently being played, and the new OLED display visualizes this information. Also new is a creative built-in generative arpeggiator with various modes and a chord generator with three modes: fixed chord, user, and chord maps.
Launchkey mk4 keyboards are fully customizable via Novation’s easy-to-use Components software, where you can map MIDI parameters to pads and controls of your choice.
The 49- and 61-key models also have a split and layer feature. Split enables you to divide the keyboard into two independent zones, and Layer means two MIDI channels can be played simultaneously from the same keys.
On the connection side, all six units share the same ports. You get a USB-C port, a MIDI output, a sustain pedal input, and a Kensington lock. Further, the MIDI output allows you to connect them directly to synths of other MIDI hardware.
Like the previous mk3 version, they also work with iPhones and iPads via USB-C or the Apple camera connection kit USB-3 adapter.
Software Bundle
The new Novation Launchkey mk4 controls also ships with an impressive software bundle, including plugins from Kevgrand (LUXE R0verb, Slammer), GForce Software (Oberheim SEM, OB-EZ, and AXXESS), and Orchestral Tools (Parallel Orchestra bundle).
Additionally, it includes an Ableton Live 12 Lite license and Melodics, a keyboard-learning application.
First Impression
At first glance, solid updates for the Launchkey keyboard controllers. I think the new design is particularly successful. Just like with the Keylabs Mk3 at the beginning of the week, it’s an evolution but not a revolution.
The new Novation Launchkey Mk4 are available now in the US, later in the EU for the following prices (US/€ without tax and £ with tax):
- Launchkey Mini 25 $119,99 – £109,99 – 109,24€ and Mini 37 $149,99 – £139,99 – 142,85€
- Launchkey 25 $179,99 – £169,99 – 168,06€
- LK 37 $209,99 – £199,99 – 193,27€
- LK 49 $249,99 – £229,99 – 226,88€
- Launchkey 61 $299,99 – £279,99 – 277,31€
More information here: Novation
Available at my partners
No AT? AT ALL? I mean…what’s the bloody point?
The pads are poly after touch. Not ideal, but still useful.
2024, no AT.
15 years ago: Virus with AT, 16 parts, 100 voices, audio interface…
Technology is worse today than 15 years ago. Sad. Sad. Sad.
The Launchkey were always entry-level keyboards without aftertouch similar like the Arturia Keylab Essential series or Native Kontrol A
Virus also cost like 5x more than a Launchkey 37 or 49.
The premium keyboard like the Novation 49/61 SL MKIII, Arturia KeyLab MKIII, Native Instrument Kontrol S have aftertouch or poly AT.
This way of spearate products always existed also 10 years ago. I have many old MIDI controllers (10 years+) and didn’t have aftertouch but just velocity.
This doesn’t necessarily make it a correct basis of market segmentation. The Keystep 37 has AT. So does the Minifreak. Yes – Mini keys But! A branded full size keyboard with AT at an entry price is a truer definition of an essential. Particularly so 10 years on. Perhaps Behringer needn’t close anything here but just go for it.
I have the Launchkey Mini mk3 and it is a very fun keyboard for traveling and use with an ipad. Not sure how this compares to the mk3 version but if it has significantly more features I might upgrade and give this small one away.
Micro display is better than no display I guess but not everyone is a youngster. (older generations have been complaining about this for so long) Encoders instead of pots is better but no touch sensitivity is more or less a dealbreaker. Only software based (Ableton only) sequencer features while you have built in sequencers in other products feels just lame. No wireless MIDI connectivity, no USB hub. Still terrible keys. It all seems they cared more about bringing low prices products to the market than actually good controllers with features we already seen for years in their other products. It seems Novation is not willing to go the extra mile. for 50,- more all these controllers would’ve been so much more useful. I don’t want companies having big catalogues with as many different series as possible and only create more waste on this planet with half backed gear.
Hello there. Launchkey MK3 at least has on-board MIDI Arp with some fun mutation tools, no Ableton required, and it’s pretty good.
MK4 also
I would have thought people would pay good money for a Novation 88SL mkIII with more CV/gate outputs and poly AT. It’s a shame Novation has chosen not to iterate on their flagship model after 8 years.