When talking about MIDI controllers, the Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 49-key Keyboard emerges as a standout, boasting a suite of features that elevate it beyond the ordinary. This review delves into the nuances of this third-generation marvel, exploring how it seamlessly blends innovation with user-friendliness. Designed for the modern music maker, the Launchkey 49 MK3 promises to transform how you interact with your digital audio workstation (DAW), whether a studio-bound producer or a live performer.
As we dissect the Novation Launchkey MK3 49-key Keyboard’s capabilities, we’ll uncover what makes it an indispensable tool for music producers and live performers. This review will guide you through its strengths, its few limitations, and ultimately, why it might be the missing piece in your musical arsenal.
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What Is Novation Launchkey 49 MK3?
With its third-generation design, it’s clear that Novation has listened to user feedback, resulting in a more intuitive controller packed with features that push the boundaries of what a MIDI keyboard can do. From its innovative Scale and Chord Modes to a revamped arpeggiator and larger, more sensitive pads, this controller is designed for the modern musician who demands efficiency and versatility.
Its seamless integration with Ableton Live sets the Launchkey 49 MK3 apart, though its flexibility doesn’t end there. It’s also effortlessly compatible with other major DAWs, offering instant mapping and control. The onboard Scale Modes are another standout feature, allowing even those with limited music theory knowledge to lay down complex musical ideas easily. Meanwhile, the Chord and Arp Modes are revolutionary for live performance and studio work, allowing producers to explore new sonic territories.
But it’s not just about the internal features. The Launchkey 49 MK3 also addresses the practical side of music making. Its lightweight design and the ability to connect external gear via a 5-pin MIDI DIN make it a robust choice for both studio and stage. Coupled with an extensive software bundle, including Ableton Live 10 Lite, this keyboard is more than just a controller; it’s a comprehensive solution for the contemporary music producer, ready to tackle any project immediately.
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What I Liked Most About Novation’s Launchkey 49 MK3
It’s Portable
Modern MIDI keyboards and controllers often feature numerous additions, leading to bulky designs occupying significant space on a studio desk. But this issue doesn’t apply to Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 49-key Keyboard, with its sleek, lightweight design that seamlessly integrates into any setup. Initially, I positioned it conventionally under my screen, serving as my primary keyboard for production. Despite concerns about accommodating it alongside larger hardware synths, its slim profile effortlessly fitted in front of my Behringer 2600, a substantial synth in my setup.
The Launchkey 49 is exceptional for mobile producers and those with limited studio space. It combines many features and functionalities within its compact form, maximizing the creative potential of any given space.
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Its Arpeggiator Section
The standout feature of the Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 lies in its advanced arpeggiator functions, offering exceptional value. Unlike the standard arpeggiators in most MIDI keyboards, which usually have limited options, the Launchkey 49 MK3 elevates the experience. This keyboard isn’t just about basic ascending or descending patterns; it’s about creating complex, dynamic soundscapes.
The Launchkey 49 MK3’s capabilities go well beyond the norm. It includes a gate and swing, enabling precise control over the arpeggiator’s groove. But the excitement truly begins with the Deviate and Mutate knobs. These allow real-time modifications of the arpeggiator’s notes and patterns, introducing innovative and spontaneous musical creations. This feature is not only inventive but also inspiring. While I could elaborate endlessly on its merits here, I’ll delve deeper into its impact later in the discussion.
It’s All At Your Fingertips
I’m thoroughly impressed with the layout of this keyboard. My first experience with a 25-key controller was frustrating; manipulating the knobs meant removing my hands from the keys, interrupting the flow of music. However, the Launchkey 49 MK3 overcomes this challenge.
Its design cleverly positions extra features, allowing simultaneous play and adjustment. You can maintain harmony with your left hand or carry the lead with your right while the other hand tweaks settings without missing a beat.
Overall, the key to its effectiveness lies in its layout – it lets you play, keeps you locked in the groove, and focuses on the music.
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What I Wasn’t Crazy About
Lack Of Aftertouch
With technology these days allowing for what used to be premium-level functionality to be included in entry and consumer-level gear, it’s not uncommon for other keyboards at a similar price level as the Launchkey 49 MK3 to have features like polyphonic aftertouch and other fun buzzwords that have dominated the space over the last few years.
Before I discovered this keyboard’s true potential as my new go-to controller and player for hardware gear, I was a bit disheartened to see the lack of aftertouch on this keyboard. However, this is a minor issue, as the 49 MK3 keyboard version is the entry-level option in this product line. If you invest in the larger versions of this keyboard, they come with Aftertouch and many other premium features.
Moreover, the Behringer 2600 can’t handle that amount of MIDI data anyway, so the Launchkey 49 MK3 is the perfect keyboard for what I need it to do.
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Who Is This For?
Music Producers
This one is obvious, but this is an ideal keyboard for music producers looking for something with more functionality and purpose than just a simple keyboard to play your softsynths with. I would say it’s a step up from an entry-level keyboard, which means amateur, intermediate-level, and entry-level producers committed to the craft should invest in it.
The arps section is also mighty for generative music composition, where you can sweep through the different arp modes with the Deviate and Mutate features, waiting for your synths and the keyboard to generate riffs that you can cut, paste, and edit later. Overall, it creates a fun and exciting workflow that yields even more exciting results (without knowing complicated music theory and trying a million different ‘clicked-in’ melody variations).
Live Performers
Performing live is about delivering a fresh interpretation of the music your fans love, familiar with Spotify and other streaming platforms. The X-Factor features mentioned earlier are perfect for creating on-the-fly variations of your productions. Having the Arp section do some heavy lifting allows you to present familiar sounds and progressions in a new light.
Its incredibly lightweight design ensures the load-in and load-out process is highly efficient!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 is a testament to what modern MIDI controllers can achieve. Balancing cutting-edge features with user-friendly design, it caters admirably to studio producers and live performers. Its seamless integration with various DAWs and innovative functions like the arpeggiator, Scale, and Chord Modes make it a versatile powerhouse.
While the lack of aftertouch might be a minor setback, it’s overshadowed by its overall functionality and practical design. Whether you’re just starting or looking to elevate your musical journey, the Launchkey 49 MK3 is more than a controller; it’s a gateway to new creative heights.
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