Introduction
Design and Build Quality
Features and Functionality
Performance and Sound Quality
Connectivity and Compatibility
Power
Software and Included Plug-ins
Comparison to Other Portable Keyboards
Technical Specification
Pros and Cons
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] is a portable 25-key MIDI controller designed for music production and performance. The keyboard has been updated to its third generation and now offers a range of new features that make it an even more versatile and useful tool for musicians and producers. In this review, we will take a closer look at the design, features, and functionality of the Launchkey Mini [MK3] to help you decide if it is the right MIDI controller for you.
The Launchkey Mini [MK3] is a compact and lightweight keyboard that can be easily transported and set up. The keyboard features 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, eight backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads, and eight rotary knobs, making it a powerful and versatile controller for a wide range of music production and performance tasks. Additionally, the keyboard has a built-in arpeggiator, sustain button, and octave up/down buttons, further expanding its capabilities.
Design and Build Quality:
The Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] has a sleek and modern design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The keyboard is constructed from durable plastic and feels sturdy and well-built. The mini keys are velocity-sensitive and have a good amount of travel, making it easy to play expressively. The drum pads are also velocity-sensitive and have a satisfying amount of bounce and response. The rotary knobs are smooth and easy to turn, and the buttons feel solid and responsive.
The keyboard's overall design is compact and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go. The size of the keyboard is very convenient for traveling and it can also save some space if you're working in a small studio. The build quality is good and the keyboard has a premium look and feel. The keys and drum pads are laid out in a logical and easy-to-use manner, making it easy to navigate and control the various functions of the keyboard.
In terms of portability, the keyboard is lightweight and easy to transport, making it great for live performances, or for taking with you on the road. The keyboard is also USB bus-powered, so you don't need to carry an external power supply.
Overall, the Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] has a great design and build quality, and is both portable and durable. The layout is simple and easy to use and it has a premium look and feel.
Features and Functionality:
The Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] offers a wide range of features that make it a powerful and versatile MIDI controller. The keyboard features 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads, and 8 rotary knobs, providing a wide range of control options for music production and performance.
One of the standout features of the keyboard is its built-in arpeggiator. This allows you to create intricate and complex patterns with ease, and can be used to add depth and interest to your music. The arpeggiator can be controlled with the rotary knobs, providing a hands-on approach to controlling the speed, direction, and style of the arpeggiation.
The keyboard also has a built-in sustain button, which allows you to add a sustained quality to your playing, making it perfect for piano and keyboard-based performances. Additionally, the keyboard has octave up/down buttons, which allow you to easily shift the octave of the keyboard to access a wider range of notes.
The 8 backlit drum pads are another great feature of the keyboard. They are velocity-sensitive and can be used to trigger samples, loops, or to play drums in a drum rack. The pads are also RGB backlit, which makes it easy to see what you are playing even in low-light environments.
The 8 rotary knobs are another great feature, they can be used to control various parameters in your DAW such as volume, pan, or effects. They are also backlit, which makes it easy to see what you are controlling, even in low-light environments.
Performance and Sound Quality:
The Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] offers great performance and sound quality, making it a great choice for music production and live performances. The keyboard's 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys provide a good amount of travel and are responsive to the player's touch, allowing for expressive and dynamic performances. The 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads also provide a good level of response and sensitivity, allowing for precise and accurate triggering of samples, loops, and drums.
The keyboard's built-in arpeggiator is a great performance tool, allowing you to create intricate and complex patterns with ease. The arpeggiator can be controlled using the rotary knobs, providing a hands-on approach to controlling the speed, direction, and style of the arpeggiation. The sustain button is also a great performance tool, allowing you to add a sustained quality to your playing, making it perfect for piano and keyboard-based performances.
In terms of sound quality, the keyboard itself does not produce any sound, as it is a MIDI controller, but it can be used to control the sound of external devices such as synthesisers, drum machines, or software instruments. The keyboard is compatible with a wide range of music production software and can be used to control and manipulate a wide range of sounds and samples.
Overall, the Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] offers great performance and sound quality, making it a great choice for music production and live performances. The keyboard's responsive keys, velocity-sensitive drum pads, and built-in arpeggiator provide a wide range of performance options and make it a powerful tool for music production and performance.
Connectivity and Compatibility:
The Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it easy to integrate into any music production or performance setup. The keyboard is USB bus-powered, so it can be connected to a computer or laptop using a USB cable. This allows you to use the keyboard as a MIDI controller for your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or other music production software. The keyboard also has a standard MIDI out port, which allows you to connect to other MIDI-enabled devices such as synthesisers, drum machines, or other controllers.
The keyboard is also compatible with a wide range of music production software, including popular DAWs such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio. Additionally, the keyboard comes with a free software bundle, which includes Ableton Live Lite, a 3-month Splice Sounds subscription, and a range of other software and plug-ins.
The Launchkey Mini [MK3] is also compatible with the Novation Launchpad app, which allows you to use the keyboard to control and play with a variety of different samples, loops, and sounds. This app is available for free on iOS and Android and can be used with the keyboard to create music on the go.
Overall, the Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] offers a wide range of connectivity options and is compatible with a wide range of music production software, making it easy to integrate into any music production or performance setup.
Power:
The Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] is USB bus-powered, which means it can be powered through a USB connection to a computer or laptop. This eliminates the need for an external power supply, making it a convenient and portable option for musicians and producers. This feature means that you can simply plug the controller into your computer using a USB cable and it will receive power, no need to carry additional power supplies or adapters. This allows for easy integration into any music production or performance setup and makes it easy to take with you on the go. The controller also has a MIDI out port, which allows you to connect to other MIDI-enabled devices such as synthesizers, drum machines, or other controllers.
Software and Included Plug-ins:
The Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] comes with a free software bundle that includes a range of music production software and plug-ins. The bundle includes Ableton Live Lite, a 3-month Splice Sounds subscription, and a range of other software and plug-ins.
Ableton Live Lite is a powerful and popular DAW that is widely used by musicians and producers. It is a streamlined version of Ableton Live and includes a range of features that make it perfect for music production and live performances. The 3-month Splice Sounds subscription gives you access to a wide range of samples, loops, and sounds that you can use in your music productions.
In addition to the software and plug-ins included in the bundle, the keyboard is also compatible with a wide range of other music production software, including popular DAWs such as Logic Pro, and FL Studio.
The compatibility with the Novation Launchpad app, which allows you to use the keyboard to control and play with a variety of different samples, loops, and sounds, is a great addition. This app is available for free on iOS and Android and can be used with the keyboard to create music on the go.
Overall, the Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] comes with a free software bundle that includes a range of music production software and plug-ins, making it a powerful and versatile tool for music production and performance. The included software and compatibility with other music production software and apps make it easy to integrate the keyboard into any music production or performance setup.
Comparison to Other Portable Keyboards:
When compared to other portable keyboards on the market, the Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] stands out for its range of features and functionality. The keyboard's 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads, and 8 rotary knobs provide a wide range of control options for music production and performance. The built-in arpeggiator, sustain button, and octave up/down buttons further expand the keyboard's capabilities.
In terms of portability, the keyboard is lightweight and easy to transport, making it great for live performances or for taking with you on the road. Additionally, the keyboard is USB bus-powered, so you don't need to carry an external power supply.
When compared to other portable keyboards, the Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] also offers a great value for its price. It comes with a free software bundle that includes Ableton Live Lite, a 3-month Splice Sounds subscription, and a range of other software and plug-ins. This bundle provides a lot of options for music production and performance, making the keyboard a powerful and versatile tool.
In comparison to other portable keyboards, the Launchkey Mini [MK3] has some unique features such as the built-in arpeggiator and drum pads, which gives it an edge over others, but it also has a smaller key count of 25, which might not be suitable for some musicians.
Check out these alternatives:
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3: This is a 25-key MIDI controller that also features 8 drum pads and 8 rotary knobs, making it a similar option to the Launchkey Mini [MK3] in terms of features and functionality.
Arturia MiniLab MK3: This is a 25-key MIDI controller that features 8 drum pads, 8 rotary knobs, and 16 encoders, making it a more feature-rich option than the Launchkey Mini [MK3].
Korg nanoKEY2: This is a 25-key MIDI controller that is similar to the Launchkey Mini [MK3] in terms of size and portability, but it does not feature drum pads or rotary knobs.
M-Audio Oxygen 25 MKIV: This is a 25-key MIDI controller that features 8 drum pads and 8 rotary knobs, making it a similar option to the Launchkey Mini [MK3] in terms of features and functionality.
Alesis V25: This is a 25-key MIDI controller that features 8 drum pads and 4 rotary knobs, making it a similar option to the Launchkey Mini [MK3] in terms of features and functionality.
Technical Specification:
25 velocity-sensitive mini keys
8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads
8 rotary knobs
Built-in arpeggiator
Sustain button
Octave up/down buttons
USB bus-powered
USB MIDI and MIDI out ports
Compatibility with a wide range of music production software
Free software bundle including Ableton Live Lite, a 3-month Splice Sounds subscription, and a range of other software and plug-ins.
Dimensions: 15.2 x 7.7 x 1.8 inches (385 x 196 x 45 mm)
Weight: 1.76 lbs (0.8 kg)
It's important to note that the above technical specifications are subject to change and may vary depending on the region or the specific model you purchase. It's always recommended to check the manufacturer website for the most up-to-date information.
Price
The Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] has a retail price of £86 in the UK. This price point puts it in the middle range for portable MIDI controllers and makes it an affordable option for musicians and producers looking for a compact and versatile controller.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Compact and portable design, easy to take with you on the go
25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads, and 8 rotary knobs provide a wide range of control options for music production and performance
Built-in arpeggiator, sustain button, and octave up/down buttons further expand the keyboard's capabilities
USB bus-powered, no need for an external power supply
Compatible with a wide range of music production software, including popular DAWs
Free software bundle including Ableton Live Lite, a 3-month Splice Sounds subscription, and a range of other software and plug-ins
Affordable price
Cons:
Smaller key count of 25, which might not be suitable for some musicians
No built-in sound generator, it only functions as a MIDI controller
Some users may find the keyboard too small if they are used to play on full-size keyboard
As with any product, the Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It is a powerful and versatile MIDI controller that offers a wide range of features and functionality, but it also has its own limitations. It is important to consider your own needs and preferences before making a purchase, and to weigh the pros and cons against your own requirements.
Some of the main problems that people have reported with the Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] include:
Size of the keys: Some users have reported that the keys on the keyboard are too small, which can make it difficult to play for those who are used to playing on full-size keyboards.
Lack of built-in sound generator: As the Launchkey Mini [MK3] is a MIDI controller, it does not produce sound on its own and requires an external sound source to produce sound. This can be a limitation for some musicians who are looking for a portable keyboard that can produce sound on its own.
Limited number of keys: The keyboard has 25 keys which may not be suitable for some musicians that require a full-size keyboard.
Software compatibility: Some users have reported issues with compatibility when using the keyboard with certain music production software.
It's important to note that these problems vary in their severity and frequency, and not all users will experience these issues. Additionally, some of these problems are subjective and depend on the user's preferences and needs.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts:
The Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] is a powerful and versatile MIDI controller that offers a wide range of features and functionality. The keyboard's 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads, and 8 rotary knobs provide a wide range of control options for music production and performance. The built-in arpeggiator, sustain button, and octave up/down buttons further expand the keyboard's capabilities.
In terms of design and build quality, the keyboard is constructed from durable plastic and feels sturdy and well-built. The layout is simple and easy to use, and the various functions of the keyboard are clearly labeled and easy to access. The keyboard is also lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go.
In terms of connectivity and compatibility, the keyboard offers a wide range of connectivity options and is compatible with a wide range of music production software. The keyboard comes with a free software bundle that includes Ableton Live Lite, a 3-month Splice Sounds subscription, and a range of other software and plug-ins.
Overall, the Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] is a great choice for musicians and producers who are looking for a portable, powerful, and versatile MIDI controller. The keyboard offers a wide range of features and functionality and comes with a free software bundle that provides a lot of options for music production and performance. It is lightweight, portable and easy to use, and offers a great value for its price.
In summary, the Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] is a great portable MIDI controller that offers a wide range of features and functionality, it's well-built, easy to use and comes with a free software bundle. It may not be the best option for those who require a full-size keyboard but is a great option for those who are looking for a compact, portable, and versatile MIDI controller.
Whether or not to buy the Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] depends on your specific needs and preferences as a musician or producer. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:
Portability: If you're looking for a lightweight and portable MIDI controller that's easy to take with you on the go, the Launchkey Mini [MK3] is a great option.
Features and functionality: If you're looking for a controller that offers a wide range of features and functionality, such as 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads, and 8 rotary knobs, the Launchkey Mini [MK3] is a great option.
Compatibility: If you're looking for a controller that's compatible with a wide range of music production software, including popular DAWs such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio, the Launchkey Mini [MK3] is a great option.
Budget: If you're looking for an affordable MIDI controller, the Launchkey Mini [MK3] is a great option.
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