Customer Ratings & Reviews

I got the Novation Launchkey 49-key MK3 controller to replace my older Oxygen II -49-key. I wasn't expecting a big jump in features and quality, but the MK3 is a whole lot better than what I was using. The Novation LaunchkeyMK3 49 blended with Ableton 11 on first plug-in great. I watched a few videos and could already get down some new and useful features, mainly centered around the drum pad area. The keys have a fluid, smooth press. I'm not an accomplished keyboard player, so the whole weighted keys thing isn't something on my radar. These keys move great coming from an electronics-type person that just wants a positive, good key press. The pitch and modulator wheels have good, basic construction and feel. The pitch wheel returns to it's 'zero' with smooth, quick locked-in movement and don't have a rubbery toy-feel. The sliders move good, and have longer paths than my Oxygen II. I like the way the track buttons under the sliders light up exactly like the color of the Ableton tracks on-screen. There is a lot of communication behind the scenes that goes on between the Launchkey controller and Ableton. And, it really shows when learning all the modes the drum pad area can be used. I would say the one negative I noticed right off, and ongoing, is the placement and size of the LCD two-line display. One, they definitely should have placed it above the right-hand side track stop/start/record control buttons. And two, they should have made it larger. This is a glaring design error that screams out at the user. Having a distant, small lcd display makes looking up at the computer screen to read values a necessity and habit, and basically negates it's regular use, relegating it to assignment functions and utility, non-musical use. Which is maybe what the designers settled on. Overall, I would say this is a good expenditure of the $239 I spent on it. It breathes new life into my Ableton use. I've re-gained an eagerness to sit down and play that disappeared with my Oxygen II, Radium, and Oxygen II-Air controllers. I had though about the Oxygen Pro 49, with it's after-touch keyboard ability, and I wanted that. But in the end, the Novation's seamless plug n' play integration into Ableton sold me. I've learned to stick with one DAW, and just get better with it. Ableton is my DAW. I highly value less tinkering with midi-controller settings to get started, and more quick playing and putting tinkering towards the music creation itself.

This thing is incredible! The integration with Ableton is seamless. Within minutes of installing Ableton, I was able to quickly pick 3 or 4 VSTs, set up a drum track and put down several parts with little effort. Once I learn more, it will be the perfect songwriting and performing tool. Highly recommend.

I love the built in arpeggiator, global controls that work seamlessly with Logic Pro and Ableton, and faders that integrate well with the DAW mixer. Way to go, Novation!!!

Really easy to use even for me that i bought it to use it as a hobbie

Bought this for myself because I like making music. The item came with abelton software and now I can compose musical compositions like the pros!

The best midi controller I've used and the customer support is excellent.

Very nice addition to my keyboard. A lot to learn.

Great overall. Must take the time to really understand it.

This is an alright keyboard. Nothing super special and the fact that the software you get is just a half version and the actual program to use it is over $400 makes this a regretful purchase.

Great midi board easy to use and would recommend for anyone starting out