A Must-Read for Anyone Searching for a MIDI Controller! An In-Depth Review of the Novation Launchkey Mk3 Series and Its Ready-to-Use Features

An In-Depth Review of Novation's Popular MIDI Keyboards/Controllers

A Look Back at the Cubase Integration

First, let's briefly look back at the Launchkey's Cubase integration.

For details, please watch the video from the article above, but it had the following features.

• It is reflected in the GUI right after connecting
• It supports mixer control and Quick Controls by default
• Each mode can be switched with buttons on the controller
• In mixer mode, it follows the track colors
• In addition to transport controls, it has a Capture MIDI button that recalls what you played while not recording as MIDI data

It is great that it is simply easy to set up and ready to use right away.

About the Manufacturer Novation

What impression do you have of the manufacturer Novation?
Most people probably think of MIDI controllers/keyboards like this Launchkey, but the company was actually founded in 1992 as a synthesizer manufacturer.

It celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, so it can be called a manufacturer with a relatively long history.
The "BASS STATION," a synth made in its early days, has been upgraded and is still sold today, and the flagship "SUMMIT," which combines true analog with modeled wavetable synthesis, is a high-end instrument that spares nothing in pursuit of quality.

Because it is a manufacturer with strong craftsmanship like this, its character actually shows even in the details of its affordable MIDI keyboards.
In fact, a hallmark of Novation products is that the design is good, and the build of the chassis and the feel of the keys seem a cut above other companies' products in the same price range.

Features of the Launchkey Mk3 Series

The Launchkey Mk3 series has a rich lineup, mini, 25, 37, 49, 61 and 88, meeting a variety of needs.

A High-Quality Keybed

Please watch the video above for our impressions of the keys, but the quality is something common to Novation products in general.
The feel of the newly added 88-key version in particular was distinctive and wonderful.

It is lighter than a typical piano touch, so it will not suit those looking for that kind of feel, but it is highly recommended for those looking for a quality keybed in the so-called "semi-weighted" category.
The keys go down with a light touch but spring back well and have a pleasant feel that seems to cling to your fingers, making it an addictive touch.
It allows delicate velocity expression, so it will show its strength when entering various instruments. I think it is also suited to live performance.

Beginner-Friendly Features

1. Scale Mode

When Scale mode is on, only notes included in the set scale are entered.
In other words, if you know the song's key or the scale you want to use, setting it means you will not hit wrong notes, so you can play boldly without fear of mistakes.
Even advanced players may be able to create new phrases by playing freely without their usual habits.

Operation is also nice and simple: specify the root on the keys and choose the scale type with the pads.

2. Scale Chord Mode

When Scale Chord mode is on, the chords used in the currently selected scale are assigned to the pads, so you can play chords with one finger.
You do not need to memorize chord structures or think about fingering when changing chords, making it a beginner-friendly feature that lets anyone easily play chord progressions.
Besides triads, you can try 7th, 9th, 69 and other chords by moving back and forth on the pads, so it looks especially powerful when building a song's basic progression during production.

3. Arpeggiator

Many MIDI keyboards now have an arpeggiator, and the Launchkey has one too.
You can change patterns with the keys toward the left, and use the knobs to adjust various parameters such as tempo, gate and swing.
Pressing the Shift key at the same time is a little awkward, but for production rather than live use, it should be no problem.
Note that voicing for this arpeggiator must be done on the keys; you cannot specify chords with the pads in Scale Chord mode, so be careful.

That concludes this thorough review focusing on the Novation Launchkey Mk3.
We previously ran a survey about MIDI controllers/keyboards, and it seemed that many people do not actually get to try them and do not know how they can help with production. If you cannot see the benefits, it is hard to invest.
However, for those who already use one, it has become an item they cannot do without, and I think it really can make a difference in production.
In that respect, the Launchkey is very easy to get started with and high in quality, so we can recommend it to everyone from beginners to advanced users.
We hope this will be helpful to those considering buying a MIDI controller/keyboard.

An in-depth review of the popular MIDI keyboard "Novation Launchkey Mk3 series"!
It is very easy to get started with and high in quality, so we hope this helps those considering buying a MIDI controller/keyboard.

Video: https://t.co/eimxvtCD6O

Article: https://t.co/cUJ8wqh4zz#DTM #MIDIkeyboard pic.twitter.com/CIjwExke4k

— SLEEP FREAKS (@SLEEPFREAKS_DTM) February 3, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Does the Novation Launchkey Mk3 need setup to use with Cubase right away?

No. It is reflected in Cubase's GUI right after connecting and supports mixer control by default. A big advantage is that you can put it to practical use immediately without complex setup.

Q2. Which features are suited to MIDI keyboard beginners?

Scale mode and Scale Chord mode are powerful features for beginners. The scale setting prevents wrong notes, and you can play chords on the pads with one finger, so you can compose even without much knowledge of music theory.

Q3. What makes it better than other companies' products in the same price range?

Novation is a long-established synthesizer manufacturer founded in 1992, and its craftsmanship shows even in its affordable models. In particular, the feel of the keys and the quality of the chassis are superior to other companies' products in the same price range.

Q4. Which size should I choose?

The Launchkey Mk3 comes in six sizes: mini, 25, 37, 49, 61 and 88 keys. You can choose according to your space, need for portability and playing style. For beginners, 49 to 61 keys are recommended for a good balance.

Q5. Is it suitable for live performance too?

Yes. The semi-weighted keys spring back well and velocity expression is delicate, so it is suited to live performance. However, the arpeggiator is somewhat difficult to operate live.