Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] — Portable 25-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. Fixed Chord Mode and Arpeggiator — for Music Production

I've just set up the Novation Launchkey 49 MK 3, and I can't get over how great it is!I upgraded from my M-Audio Oxygen 49. My old MIDI keyboard was a faff to get integrated with Ableton, so I wasn't really making use of the features outside the actual piano keys.The difference is like night & day, this really feels like an upgrade.Firstly, the Launchkey is class-compliant, which means you can truly plug & play. Ableton automatically detected the Launchkey and set it up, so no fiddling around in Ableton's settings.The first thing I did was register on the Novation website and watch a couple of tutorials. These explained how to make the most of your Launchkey. How the different menu functions work, the pads and the faders, how to use the pads for launching in session view, how to drum with the pads and to record MIDI musical parts. For me, the menu system will take some getting used to, but I can tell that when I've got my workflow sorted, it will become pretty easy.There are a few features for those who aren't skilled piano/keyboard players. From within the Launchkey, you can select a type of scale (F Minor for instance), and the keyboard will 'help' your playing so that you don't play any wrong notes. Great for a novice like me. There are also chord and arp functions, which are especially handy for those making electronic or house music.The product itself feels good quality, looks professional, and has so many features that I'm sure I'll still be learning new stuff in a month. If you buy this I really recommend watching the tutorials on the Novation website to get used to it, and you can really unlock the power of this keyboard.The Launchkey will work with other DAWs such as FL Studio, Cubase, etc, but I have not tested it on those so I could not comment on how well it integrates. But it is important to note that the Launchkey was designed for use with Ableton. I'm fairly sure you can map it to any DAW, as is usual these days, but it won't be as quick to use out of the box.Two Thumbs Fresh!System Requirements:Windows 10 or higherAbleton 10 or higher (Intro, Standard or Suite)

This is a very good keyboard and MIDI controller it is well built and very conveniently sized and hardly takes any room up on my desktop it is powered by the USB socket on your PC so no extra cables needed to power it and you get quite a lot of software included in the purchase and the controller is immediately recognised by the DAW software that is supplied so is easy to play and record music the drum pads feel very nice to use and they can be assigned to a number of your own presets as can the 8 rotary knobs very reasonable price for what you get I would stress that you take a look at the user manual as this keyboard has many surprises that you will want no know about

This was far better than I was expecting. The keyboard is quiet and has a really good synth action. The pads feel good. Ableton integration worked flawlessly out of the box. The only downside is a lack of aftertouch.

I was looking for a small portable MIDI keyboard controller to use with a laptop and Abelton Live. I already own it’s bigger brother so was confident that Novation would work OK for this and I wasn’t wrong!The Novation Launchkey Mini fits in my laptop case along with my laptop and leads to provide a perfect portable solution for going to jams and recording sessions. It’s made of sturdy plastic and the keys/controls seem tough enough to withstand normal use.The device integrates perfectly with Abelton and connects instantly with the provided USB lead. It’s packed with functionality including coloured light up clip launch buttons & a cool arpeggiator. There’s a lot going on in this little keyboard so its worth looking up some tutorials on YouTube to get the best out of it.

I bought this keyboard because my long-time Roland PC-150, though it still works, is a pain to tie into a modern USB-driven MIDI world. The Launchkey 37 mk3 is small enough to fit happily on my desk/workstation, being one octave shorter than the Roland, and only a small amount deeper (back to front) to house drum pads, pitch/mod wheels, rotary pots (fixed range, not infinite encoders) and some other buttons for assorted purposes.Main thing is, it plugged in and worked first time with Windows 10, without needing any additional drivers. I'm using it for note entry into notation software (Finale 2005, and soon-to-be, Dorico Pro 4). So I am not currently using or needing some of the DAW automation buttons. Having said which, once I learn how to set this up, I will be assigning them direct access to much needed features in my scoring software.I've bought, hated, and ultimately thrown away (literally!!) several "short" MIDI keyboards over the years. This one is the FIRST of them all, that I actually feel (as a trained pianist and organist) I can PLAY. Textured black keys, a firmly but evenly sprung action, and even a pivot point (SO important) slightly behind the "fall", so keys can be played along their entire length.In short, this is QUALITY. Could even be tempted to buy one of the longer ones (61 note?) for rehearsals and gigging.Good work Novation, this is one lovely controller!

This is little midi is quality in a compact form. Its easy to use and connects automatically with Ableton and Reason. The keys and pads are velocity touched sensative so will have to apply a little pressure for a deep or sharp sound and plays in real time. Worth the money for a professional experience towards music production, plus you can find tons of tutorials on YouTube about the performance of this controller.