novation launchkey 49 mk2 midi controller

Press Shift and the Scale chord pad to set the 16 pads to Scale Chord mode, for which every pad becomes a different chord in the chosen key, organised into rows covering triads, sevenths, ninths and sixth ninths. We test the following in REAPER but it’ll works just the same in your DAW of choice. The mostexciting elements of Launchkey MK3, however, are to be found in the Harmonic modes. The Launchkey MK3 has lots of superb standalone features too, with the velocity-sensitive drum pads capable of outputting MIDI notes from C1 to D#2, and working wonderfully for finger-drumming tasks. You can also control individual devices using the encoder pots when in Device mode, or the sliders, using the up and down buttons to navigate through various devices in a track. On the larger 49 and 61-key models, the 45mm faders control volume by default, with the first eight controlling track volumes and the ninth controlling the master volume, though this can easily be assigned to control the send A and B levels instead. Simply press Shift and then the Volume, Pan or Sends buttons grants control over their specific criteria. Its intuitive controls provide access to core mixing parameters. The Launchkey MK3 is highly adept at mixing duties too.

Pressing Shift and the Drum pad will see the pads adhere to a velocity-sensitive drum mode that lets you play your Drum Rack, using the up and down buttons to scroll through its bank of 128 pads. It’s also simple to record, quantise, turn the metronome off and on, undo, and (with the 49 and 61-key models) arm and select different tracks. To access Live’s Session mode, hold Shift and hit the Session pad, and you’ll be greeted by an 8×2 grid of the clips in the Session view, all of which are colour coded via the RGB lights and correspond with the clips to provide visual feedback.įrom here, you can launch your Live Clips and Scenes and swiftly change modes so you can easily stop, solo and mute clip, and jam with clips you’ve already made. It’s small but it accurately conveys all the information you need to know, and all the buttons and pads are solid and responsive, with the pads sporting attractive RGB lights.Īs with its predecessors, the Launchkey MK3 has unique synchronicity with Ableton Live, and control comes effortlessly. With brand-new scale, chord and arpeggiator features, the addition of the MK3’s backlit LCD screen is terrifically useful. The black keys have the same matte finish as the body of the keyboard, which is a fantastic touch. They feel substantial, like they’re built to last. The sharp corners and matte finish are aesthetically pleasing and, although it’s lightweight, the feel of the full-size keys is satisfying too. It’s more refined than previous versions, with rotary encoders and faders that feel especially solid and have no discernible wobble. Whichever version you’re using, you’ll find that the MK3 appears sturdy and well made straight out of the box. The new Launchkey is available in four versions, from the diminutive LK25, the new LK37 and the LK49 (which we’re evaluating here) to the fully-fledged studio-ready large-and-in-charge LK61. Now, after a four-year wait, the MK3 is finally here. Its original Launchkey was released in 2013 and followed by an updated version in 2016. Novation has always been one of the leading lights in this arena.

Novation launchkey 49 mk2 midi controller