Novation today introduced the fourth generation of their Launchkey range of MIDI keyboard controllers.
They say that the the new Launchkey is designed to provide the most detailed DAW integration of any Launchkey to date. It offers in-depth hands-on control of all major DAWs, and a totally overhauled suite of creative tools, including a generative arpeggiator, chord and scales modes, and a step sequencer for Ableton Live.
The hardware has also been re-engineered to look, feel, and play “like an instrument”, with high-quality keybeds and unique patented Launchpad-style FSR pads with polyphonic aftertouch. They also now feature continuous encoders and sharp OLED displays.
Features:
- In-depth DAW control – Powerful control of Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Reason, and more, with no set-up required
- Tweak your software – Eight encoders (and an additional nine faders on the 49 and 61 key modals) deliver control over DAW mixers, virtual instruments, and effects; user mappings can also be created for customized control
- Play drums and instruments – 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch for playing drums and instruments, as well as launching clips and working with grids; the patented design delivers increased responsiveness than standard FSR drum pads
- Perform with high-quality keybeds – 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, delivering superb playability and feel; and finally, Launchkey Mini 25 and 37 have responsive and sensitive keys.
- Powerful tools for creating chords and patterns – Powerful built-in Arpeggiator and three Chord Modes to easily 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
- Split and Layer the keyboard on the 49 and 61-key models – 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
- Connect to other instruments – Launchkey can be connected directly to synths and other MIDI hardware with the MIDI out port; it also works with your iPhone or iPad
- Create your own control surfaces – Launchkey is fully customizable; map MIDI parameters to pads and controls of your choice with Novation’s easy-to-use Components software
The Launchkey range offers six models:
- Launchkey 61: (61 full-sized semi-weighted piano-style keys and nine faders)
- Launchkey 49: (49 full-sized semi-weighted piano-style keys and nine faders)
- Launchkey 37: (37 full-sized keys)
- Launchkey 25: (25 full-sized keys)
- Launchkey Mini 37: (37 mini synth-action keys)
- Launchkey Mini 25: (25 mini synth-action keys)
Software Bundle:
- Klevgrand plugins: Plugins including LUXE, R0verb, and Slammer enhance your production with professional-grade tools for track refinement and sound design.
- GForce Software: Recreate the sound of legendary synthesizers with emulations like the Oberheim SEM, OB-EZ, and AXXESS.
- Orchestral Tools Parallel Orchestra Bundle: The bundle combines selections from two Orchestral Tools collections; Inspire 2 and Time Macro.
- Ableton Live 12 Lite: Live 12 Lite is the latest version of Ableton’s software for recording, producing, and performing music. It includes essential workflows, instruments, and effects for creating new sounds, recording ideas, performing on stage, and more.
- Melodics: Hone your skills with bespoke keyboard lessons for Novation users, designed for musicians of all levels, ensuring you get the most out of your new Launchkey.
Pricing and Availability:
The new Novation Launchkey range is available now, with the following pricing:
- Launchkey Mini 25 $119.99 USD
- Launchkey Mini 37 $149.99 USD
- Launchkey 25 $179.99 USD
- Launchkey 37 $209.99 USD
- Launchkey 49 $249.99 USD
- Launchkey 61 $299.99 USD
meh – not sure about this era’s style of buttons
“Novation Intros Launchkey mk4 Keyboard Controller Line”
… and still NO polyphonic aftertouch… 🙁
…no MIDI 2 either…
So, Bitwig is not a “major” DAW?
Rest assured, Bitwig integration is something we hope to bring to Launchkey MK4. Our developers are already in contact with the Bitwig team
We don’t have a firm release date yet, but we’ll share any relevant updates as soon as we have them.
John // Novation UK
How can the keyboard not have aftertouch????? (yes, I understand that the drum pads do)
Non-polyphonic aftertouch is essentially useless – people act like it’s a crime if a keyboard doesn’t have it, but no one uses it in practice.
It’s unnecessary for the intended audience.
When the product specifications tell you nothing that you need to know, that tells you everything you need to know.
OK, Novation says “high quality” keybed. That sounds good. But with MIDI controllers, especially in this price-range, the corners they cut can be shameful; so the devil is in the details. What are the velocity scan rates? What are the scan rates for the mod sources? What is the velocity resolution for the pads? Does the pitch wheel have true 14-bit resolution (per the official MIDI spec)?
Without those details, I’m assume the worst. Hard pass.
no aftertouch, this range will sink like a brick
Sold fine without it for three generations/11 years.
Am I weird because I almost never use aftertouch, I have to actively remember it exists and I don’t really find it adds a tremendous amount of expressivity that can’t be done with either pitch bend or mod wheel?
I know it has it’s uses but I barely consider it an essential.
Don’t confuse commenters rent and practicality.
I usually have to turn it off because playing dynamically creates too much unintended AT data.
2 keyboar zones? My A-80 from the 1980’s has got four. Powerful tools for making chords? It’s a keyboard dammit – most of us has got fingers. Tools for contolling my DAW is ok – but I do not understand this…
My Yamaha EX7 from 1998 have aftertouch …