Introduction to Launchkey
Novation makes some lovely controllers, and in particular those with deep integration with Ableton Live. As well as the Launchpad line of matrix controllers come the Launchkey family for those who need the ability to play notes on a traditional synth-style or semi-weighted keyboard as well as have access to controls, pads and so on, in one unit.
Now available in six units:
- Launchkey Mini
- Launchkey 25
- Launchkey 37
- Launchkey 49
- Launchkey 61
- Launchkey 88
Launchkey Look
Here’s a look at each model.
Launchkey Features
Keyboard
All six Launchkey models feature some kind of keyboard for playing melodies, bass lines, step note entry, and so on.
As the name implies, the Launchkey Mini features 25 mini keys, while all other models have full size keys. All are light synth action keyboards with the exception of the Launchkey 88 which is a premium semi-weighted keyboard, offering an experience more akin to a digital piano but without the full weight.
Controllers
Much like the FLkey controllers, the total available control methods do tend to increase with the size of the instrument, due primarily to space constraints. That said, even the Mini and 25 key versions are no slouches, offering 16 pads, 8 knobs, some kind of pitch and mod control and arpeggiator.
As size and space increase, additional controllers are added including eight faders, a screen, and more chord modes.
Integration
The main selling point of the Launchkey range is its tight integration with Ableton Live, including Capture MIDI, track arm, quantise, click and loop controls. Novation claims it has the deepest Ableton Live integration in its category.
The controller keyboards do make a decent job of integrating with other DAWs, though, including Logic, Cubase and Reason, plus Studio One and Pro Tools via HUI (Human User Interface protocol).
Musicality
Various features allow for musical expression including scale mode, chord mode and and arpeggiator. Scale Mode transposes keys and pads played to notes in the scale selected; three chord modes let you trigger complex chords with one finger, while the powerful arpeggiator gets melodies moving. There’s also a strum mode.
Hardware Control
The Launchkey range can all be used to control an all-hardware studio or live rig, if so desired, rather than being tethered to a computer and DAW. The Scale and Chord Modes, arpeggiator and Custom Modes can all be used.
Software
At present, each Launchkey comes with a range of software including:
- Ableton Live Lite Industry-leading music creation software, with seamless operation with Launchkey.
- Spitfire Audio LABS Expressive Strings Exceptional strings samples made by musicians and sampling experts in London, for anyone, anywhere.
- XLN Audio Addictive Keys Add great sounding piano to your tracks with the Studio Grand, based on the iconic Steinway® Model D.
- Klevgrand R0Verb A hybrid between a simple reverb and a very complex delay in an easy-to-use plugin.
- Klevgrand DAW Cassette A plugin that emulates the sound of a tape deck, with accurate recreation of saturation, distortion, noise and wobble.
- AAS Session Bundle Keys, guitar and synth plugins for music makers, which provide essential sounds for your tracks.
Specification Comparison
Here’s a handy specification comparison chart so you can see the primary similarities and differences between the six models.
|
Launchkey Mini |
Launchkey 25 |
Launchkey 37 |
Launchkey 49 |
Launchkey 61 |
Launchkey 88 |
|
|
Keys |
25 |
25 |
37 |
49 |
61 |
88 |
|
Key Size |
Mini |
Full size |
Full size |
Full size |
Full size |
Full size |
|
Keybed |
Synth action |
Synth action |
Synth action |
Synth action |
Synth action |
Premium semi weighted |
|
Pads |
16 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
|
Knobs |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
Faders and Fader Butons |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
Pitch/Mod Wheel |
2 x Touch Strip |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Screen |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Chord Modes |
1 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Scale Mode |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Arpeggiator |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Clip/Scene Launch |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Custom Modes and MIDI Out |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bus Powered |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
RRP |
$109.99 |
$169.99 |
$199.99 |
$229.99 |
$279.99 |
$399.99 |
Conclusion
The Launchkey controllers provide exceptional control particularly for anyone tied into Ableton Live who wants the controllability of that DAW with a range of inputs as well as a proper keyboard. The 88 key version is especially nice, particularly for studio use, for those who want the full keyboard range and a playing feel a little bit heavier than the light synth style of the other instruments. Meanwhile, the Mini is superb for more basic control on the move and where space is tight.
