Novation Launchkey 88 MK4 MIDI Keyboard Controller - Black

About: Novation Launchkey 88 MK4 MIDI Keyboard Controller - Black

Launchkey 88 is a powerful DAW controller with a suite of onboard creation tools. Every element has been designed to feel musical, expressive, and laser-focused on creative flow; from the semi-weighted keybed and 16 pads with polyphonic aftertouch, to the carefully laid out control surface with in-depth DAW integration. Play instruments and drums, launch clips and scenes, and get instant hands-on control of your DAW’s mixer, instruments, and effects. Launchkey also has a unique, editable Arpeggiator, three Chord Modes to quickly create musical progressions, a Scale Mode that keep you in the right key, and a Chord Detector that shows what chord is currently being played on the OLED display.

• Powerful integration with all major DAWs
• Custom semi-weighted keybed
• Eight endless rotary encoders
• Nine faders and buttons
• 16 velocity-sensitive pads
• Chord and Scale modes
• Pro-grade software bundle

Enhanced DAW integration

Launchkey supports all major DAWs right out the box, with seamless, custom integration for: Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig, 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 Live’s Session View or Logic’s Live Loops, the 16 drum pads double as Launchpad-style clip launchers with RGB backlights that perfectly match what you see on screen.

Our best-feeling keys ever

Launchkey 88’s upgraded keybed is sensitive enough for the most delicate passages and dynamic enough for the loudest. Featuring 88 custom-designed, semi-weighted, waterfall-style keys, Launchkey gives you all the power of a software-based workflow with the feel of a premium hardware instrument that’s built to last.

Versatile, velocity-sensitive pads

For finger-drummers, Launchkey now sports our patented, velocity-sensitive Force Sensitive Resistor (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 88’s 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 and filter out wrong notes while practicing. Fixed Chord mode triggers full chords from a single key, and new Chord Maps take things further, allowing you to craft emotive progressions from Launchkey’s pads. And the latest iteration of our 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 split Launchkey 88’s keyboard into two zones and play one with each hand — or layer two MIDI channels across all 88 keys and send the same notes to both.

Play your way with Custom Modes

Launchkey’s controls aren’t 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 Launchkey’s faders, pads, and encoders, and recall them instantly from the hardware to send your chosen notes, MIDI CCs, or program changes. Looking to speed up your DAW workflow? Try placing custom keystrokes directly on the pads.

Go beyond the computer

Launchkey 88’s five-pin MIDI output makes it easy to hook up your hardware synthesiser — no DAW required. Together with Components and custom mappings, you can take control of all its most important functions directly from your keyboard. And thanks to the bright, clear OLED display, you can see what you’re adjusting in real time instead of relying on memory – or masking tape.

Launchkey is also USB-powered and class compliant, so it’s fully compatible with countless music-making apps for iPhone and iPad.

All you need to create

Launchkey 88 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.

Spark inspiration with Novation Play

Novation Play turns your controller into an inspiring instrument. This exclusive collaboration with Klevgrand features 80+ expertly designed basses, leads, pads, pianos, drum kits and more — all sampled from vintage Novation, Sequential, and Oberheim synthesisers. Step away from the screen and stay in the flow with pre-mapped encoders for sculpting each sound, four included Pad FX toggled via dedicated pads, and rapid preset switching from the encoder bank buttons. Play works standalone or as a VST/AU plugin in your DAW of choice.

Included Software

• Ableton Live 12 Lite: The iconic DAW that gives you everything you need to get started including instruments, effects and Live’s trademark clip and scene launching for taking ideas further or performance.
• Cubase LE: Cubase LE is ready to meet the demands of high-quality songwriting and production projects with up to 16 audio tracks, 24 MIDI tracks for external instruments, and eight instrument tracks.
• Melodics: Melodics is a unique desktop and mobile app that helps you learn to play the music that you love on keys or pads. Explore a bundle of bespoke lessons for Novation users, included free with Launchkey.
• Novation Play: This exclusive collaboration with Klevgrand includes 80+ expertly designed basses, leads, pads, pianos, drum kits and more — all integrated seamlessly with Launchkey's controls for an immediate, hardware-like workflow.
• GForce Bass Station: Back in 1993, we introduced the world to a compact analogue synth with a colossal low end — the original Bass Station. Now, more than thirty years later, we’ve partnered with analogue-modelling pioneers GForce Software to create the definitive virtual version of this cult classic.
• GForce Oberheim SEM: The Oberheim SEM emulates the classic Oberheim Synthesiser Expander Module, a powerful yet simple monophonic synth that delivers a massive punch, allowing you to craft incredible sounds instantly.
• GForce Oberheim OB-EZ: A polyphonic synth with an iconic 80s sound, the Oberheim OB-EZ offers eight-voices of rich, captivating leads, basses, pads, and more. Use the Stereo Delay control to thicken your sound, add a spatial dimension, or apply lush reverb to achieve that signature Oberheim tone.
• GForce AXXESS: The Axxess synthesiser is ideal for crafting sounds across genres, from cinematic scores to hip-hop, offering extensive modulation options for diving deeper into sound design, along with an onboard sequencer for rhythmic patches.
• Klevgrand LUXE: Compresses and saturate your sound in subtle-yet-musical ways with two selectable algorithms and a slider to set the desired strength. LUXE is an easy-to-use tool that simply makes your audio sound better.
• Klevgrand Slammer: Slammer is a multi-sample drum plugin with 30 hard-hitting kits. Choose from a variety of natural and distorted drums, as well as percussive sounds, perfect for creating highly distinctive and instantly gratifying beats.
• Orchestral Tools Parallel Orchestra: This original spin on orchestral sampling pairs modern sound design with traditional acoustic instruments to add an unfamiliar twist to any track. Select from six individual expressive instruments spanning piano, strings, percussion, ambient textures and a full orchestral ensemble.
• Native Instruments Komplete Select: Choose from three different bundles of essential production tools, each tailored to a specific style of production — Beats, Band, or Electronic. In each, you’ll find a hand-picked selection of instruments and effects, including big names like Massive X, Battery, and iZotope Ozone Elements.

Specifications

• Keybed: 88 semi-weighted piano-style keys
• Creative tools
  • Generative arpeggiator with step editor
  • Scale Mode - with 30 built-in scales to choose from
  • Zones: Parts A and B, Split, and Layer
  • Chord modes: Chord Map/Fixed Chord/User Chord
  • Custom Modes: pads/encoders/faders
• Controls and pads
  • 16 RGB backlit velocity sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch
  • 2 pad page buttons Scene Launch / Func buttons
  • Octave up/down buttons
  • Pitch bend and modulation wheels
  • 8 endless rotary encoders
  • 2 encoder page buttons
  • 9 faders and buttons
  • Play/stop/record/loop buttons
  • Capture MIDI/Undo/Quantise/Metronome
  • Track navigation buttons
• Display: 128 x 64 monochrome OLED display
• DAW integration
  • Custom DAW scripts: Ableton Live 11 or later, Logic X and 11, Cubase 11 and 12, Reason Studios, FL Studio, and Ardour
  • Compatible with all other DAWs through HUI
• Software Compatibility
  • ​Launchkey 88 is class-compliant and will work with any recent Mac, Windows PC, or iOS device.
• Connectivity
  • USB-C socket
  • 5 pin MIDI out socket
  • Sustain pedal 1/4” jack socket
  • Kensington security slot
• Power Requirements
  • USB bus powered
  • Power supply not included
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 5.16 x 10.39 x 3.66 in (1274 x 264 x 93 mm)
• Weight: 17.73 lbs (8.04 kg)

What's in the Box

• Launchkey 88
• USB type C-to-A cable