Novation Launchkey 61 [MK4] Keyboard Controller

Launchkey 61 – The Creative Controller

Find inspiration with Launchkey 61 – a powerful, all-in-one DAW controller with five octaves of semi-weighted keys and 16 patented FSR pads for finger drumming, clip launching, and more. You also get a bank of nine faders and eight endless rotary encoders for mixing, controlling plugins, and performing with built-in creative tools.

Beyond overhauled hardware and a refreshed, minimalist design, the next generation of Launchkey gives you new ways to get creative in your DAW, with hardware synths, or on iPhone and iPad. Chord, Scale, and Arpeggio Modes have each been expanded to help you stay in key and perform in even more expressive ways all with detailed feedback from the crisp, new OLED display.

FEATURES

• In-depth DAW control: Powerful control of Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Reaper, Reason,and more, with no set-up required
• Tweak your software: Eight encoders and nine faders deliver instant control over DAW mixers, virtual instruments,and effects; user mappings can also be created for customised control
• Perform with a high-quality keybed: The 61-note keyboard is semi-weighted with waterfall keys; delivering superb playability and feel
• Play drums and instruments: 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch for playing drums and instruments, as well launching clips and working with grids
• 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
• Always stay in key: Scale Mode locks notes on the keyboard into right key, and Chord Detector shows what chord is currently being played, with visual representation on the OLED display
• Split and Layer the keyboard: 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 61 can be connected directly to synths and other MIDI hardware with its full-size MIDI out port; it also works with your iPhone or iPad
• Create your own control surfaces: Launchkey is fully customisable; map MIDI parameters to pads and controls of your choice with Novations easy-to-use Components software
• Additional software: Comes with Ableton Live Lite and a collection of pro-grade virtual instruments: The full list can be found below
• Enjoy three years of warranty: Wherever you happen to be in the world, you can rely on a three-year warranty if any Novation hardware needs repairing or replacing due to a manufacturing fault.

HIGHLIGHTS

Enhanced DAW integration

Launchkey supports all major DAWs right out the box, with seamless, custom integration for: Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, Reason Studios, Reaper, FL Studio, and Ardour. With these, you get a hardware-powered workflow that gives you full control of transport functions, timeline navigation, mixing and EQ, clip launching, and instrument and effect parameters. And when using Ableton Lives Session View or Logics Live Loops, the 16 drum pads double as Launchpad-style clip launchers with RGB backlights that perfectly match what you see on screen.

Novation’s best-ever keys and pads

Launchkey 61s upgraded keybed is sensitive enough for the most delicate passages, but its also built to last. Now with 61 semi-weighted, waterfall-style keys, Launchkey gives you all the power of a software-based workflow with the feel of a premium hardware instrument.

And for finger-drummers, Launchkey now sports Novation’s patented, velocity-sensitive FSR drum pads with polyphonic aftertouch. Unlike standard pads, each one features a unique, radial sensor that increases sensitivity and improves consistency for even tighter performances.

More powerful creative tools

Launchkey 61s creative tools are built into the hardware itself, so they work the same way in your DAW, with your hardware synths, or on your mobile devices. Scale Modes now allow you to lock your keyboard to one of 30 different scales to eliminate wrong notes, or even map everything to just the white keys. Fixed Chord mode triggers full chords from a single key, and new Chord Maps take things further, allowing you to craft emotive progressions from Launchkeys pads. And the latest iteration of Novation’s much-loved arpeggiator makes it easier than ever to twist and mutate your sequences for endless inspiration.

Want to control more than one instrument at a time? You can now split Launchkey 61s keyboard into two zones, and play one with each hand or layer two MIDI channels across all 61 keys and send the same notes to both.

Play your way with Custom Modes

Launchkeys controls arent limited to their default assignments; just load up the free Components software in your browser, and configure them to behave exactly the way you want with your software or hardware. You can store up to four custom mappings each for Launchkeys faders, pads, and encoders, and recall them instantly from the hardware to send your chosen notes, MIDI CCs, or program changes.

Go beyond the computer

Launchkey 61s five-pin MIDI output makes it easy to hook up your hardware synthesizer no DAW required. Together with Components and custom mappings, you can take control of all its most important functions directly from your keyboard. Launchkey is also USB-powered and class compliant, so its fully compatible with countless music-making apps for iPhone and iPad – including the free Novation Launchpad app.

All you need to create

Launchkey 61 comes with everything you need to plug in and start making music right away. The included Ableton Live 12 Lite gives you the ability to record and perform with up to eight tracks of MIDI or audio, as well as a suite of instruments, effects, and creative tools and it all works perfectly with Launchkey. You also get a selection of additional studio-grade effects and sounds from Novation and Focusrite.

A HUGE COLLECTION OF SOFTWARE, INSTRUMENTS, AND EFFECTS

Ableton Live 12 Lite

Live 12 Lite is the latest version of Ableton’s innovative software for recording, producing,and performing music. It includes essential workflows, instruments,and effects for creating new sounds, recording ideas, performing on stage, and much more.

GForce

Novation also partnered with GForce to bring a comprehensive, 4-in-1 bundle of some of the most iconic synths in history. This bundle includes one mono synth, two poly synths,and a tape sampler emulation. Craft powerful basslines, airy melodies, lush chords, and intricate sequences effortlessly.

Orchestral Tools

Discover the perfect blend of orchestral instruments and effects tailored for Novation Launchkey. Novation’s curated bundle combines selections from two Orchestral Tools collections; Inspire 2 and Time Macro, offering you a versatile suite of sounds. These samples, recorded to the highest standards, bring the essence of a full orchestra to your fingertips.

Klevgrand

Klevgrand’s LUXE is an easy-to-use effect plugin designed for enhancing tracks to fit seamlessly within a mix, whether on drum buses, vocal tracks, or anything in between. Klevgrand’s R0Verb is a unique audio effect that merges the simplicity of reverb with the complexity of a multi-delay system. With up to 50 individual delay lines at your command, you can precisely control volume, pre-delay, feedback, and high shelf for each one. Slammer is a multi-sampled drum plugin that contains 30 different instruments made from a large number of carefully recorded and edited samples with highly customizable with settings for pitch, filtering, effect sends, decay time, velocity mapping, and more.

Melodics

Melodics is a unique desktop and mobile app the helps you learn to play the music that you love; whether on keys or pads. They have created a bundle of bespoke lessons for Novation users which are included free with Launchkey.

SPECIFICATIONS

General

• 61keys
• OLED display
• 16 RGB backlit velocity sensitive pads – with proprietary FSR technology
• 2 pad page buttons
• Scene Launch / Func buttons
• Pitch bend and modulation wheels
• 8 encoders
• 2 encoder page buttons
• 9 faders
• 9 faders buttons
• 5 pin MIDI out socket
• Capture MIDI/Undo/Quantise/Metronome buttons
• Scale/Chord Map/Arp/Fixed Chord/Settings/Shift buttons
• Octave up/down buttons
• Play/stop/record/loop button
• Track navigation buttons
• USB C socket
• Sustain pedal 1/4 jack socket
• Kensington security slot

Power Requirements

• USB bus powered
• Power supply not included

Dimensions

• Height: 3.66″
• Width: 35.24″
• Depth: 10.37″
• Weight (without accessories): 10.54 lbs
• Weight (with accessories): 10.63 lbs

Full software collection included

• AbletonLive 12 Lite
• GForce bundle:
  • Oberheim SEM
  • Oberheim OB-EZ
  • GForce AXXESS
• Parallel Orchestras bundle by Orchestral Tools:
  • Delicate Piano
  • Flautando Strings
  • Percussion FX
  • Shadowy
  • Paradox Texture
  • Woodwind Parallax
• Klevgrand bundle
  • LUXE
  • R0Verb
  • Slammer
• Melodics curated lessons

What’s In The Box

• Launchkey 61
• USB A to C cable