Novation unveils fourth generation Launchkey controller

Novation has released the fourth generation of its popular Launchkey range, designed to provide the most detailed DAW integration of any Launchkey to date, as well as a totally overhauled suite of creative tools.

The hardware has been re-engineered to look, feel, and play like an instrument, with high-quality keybeds, unique patented Launchpad-style FSR pads with polyphonic aftertouch, continuous encoders, and a sharp OLED display.

Users can explore a wide range of creative tools, including a generative arpeggiator, chord and scale modes, and a step sequencer for Ableton Live. Launchkey ships with a collection of plugin instruments and effects from Klevgrand, Orchestral Tools, and GForce, as well as Ableton Live 12 Lite, and exclusive lessons from Melodics.

Launchkey also offers custom integration for Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, Reason Studios, FL Studio, and Ardour. With these, users get a hardware-powered workflow that provides full control of transport functions, timeline navigation, mixing and EQ, clip launching, and instrument and effect parameters.

Eight continuous encoders — and an additional nine faders on the 49 and 61 key models — deliver instant control over DAW mixers, virtual instruments, and effects; user mappings can also be created for customised control.

Launchkey has 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch for playing drums and instruments, as well as launching clips and working with grids. Launchkey 49 and 61 both have keybeds that are semi-weighted with waterfall keys for piano-style performances; 25 and 37 keybeds are synth-styled, and Launchkey Mini 25 and 37 have responsive and sensitive keys.

A built-in Arpeggiator and three Chord Modes allow users to create musical progressions: Fixed Chord, User Chord, and Chord Maps. Scale Mode locks notes on the keyboard into the right key, and Chord Detector shows what chord is currently being played, with visual representation on the OLED display. Meanwhile, Split lets users divide the keyboard into two independent zones, and Layer means two MIDI channels can be played simultaneously from the same keys.

Launchkey can be connected directly to synths and other MIDI hardware with the MIDI out port, and it also works with iPhones or iPads. It is also fully customisable; users are able to map MIDI parameters to pads and controls of their choice with Novation’s Components software.