Everything You Need To Know About The Novation Launchkey Mini MK4 (BIG UPGRADES!)

[@Taetro]

what do you think of this new launchkey mini??? 🫢 20:57 - a better explanation: Adventure = Complexity of Chords, Explore = the Chord Sets

[@ReinhardtBuhr]

Great performance bro!

[@Taetro]

Means a lot coming from you my friend!!!

[@BIONDIEST]

Out of all the controllers that you have showed us I really want to get this one! The intro song was amazing as well. Thank you Taetro.

[@soyogen22]

Awesome TAETRO! Very comprehensive. Other channels only seem to cover a few new features, but you walk us through everything. Thanks so much!!

[@bek-original]

Thank you for this! Just got my mini 37. Would love a video on a beginners guide to use the mk4 mini 37 with Ableton. (Learning Ableton and MIDI controllers at the same time.)

[@Taetro]

That's a great idea - I'll add it to the list.

[@heartofinfinity]

Great video!.. In-depth, easy to follow, super inspiring. I finally bought Ableton Live yesterday - after 2 expired trials, ha ha - AND I just ordered MK4 Mini 25 today, this video was the first to watch in anticipation of things I'll be able to do with that "power couple". Thanks so much and keep up the good work!.. :;)

[@StephanieSante]

Nicely done Taetro. Nice to see someone really showing the new features creatively.

[@db_030]

So happy to see Novation implementing new features based on their users feedback. Great upgrades! :)

[@EdCardinal-MindThump]

Thanks, Taetro. I just got mine for Xmas and this is a very thorough introduction.

[@lucasabdo4260]

Cool upgrades! I love my Launckey MK3 and am excited to see what upgrades they bring to the MK4, maybe I'll get one if they're substantial enough. The step sequencer might be the main reason I jump the gun on it.

[@renek.6434]

Wow the new chord mode is something I really wish Push had. The ability to build a chord step by step and save it on a pad.

[@aquietgarden]

It's pretty impressive.

[@musicman4christjesus]

Is it possible to play a custom chord on a pad and do a lead on the keys simultaneously?

[@jimrunfola]

Another awesome video! Thank you! I personally am grateful for the endless encoders.

[@eaman11]

Launchkey was the best, now it's even better. Finally it has some useful functions for those that just compose music and stay in Arrangement mode.

[@Jimmisopapas]

The mk4 era begins!

[@SkyEst98]

Reminds me of the NI 37 key except with pads ! Honestly it looks great and the size is perfect

[@Taetro]

Do they have a 37? I think they have an M32 right?

[@SkyEst98]

@@Taetro yes my fault 32 is correct 👍🏽

[@iamOrangeFM]

Damn, this is a mighty upgrade

[@rez9159]

For me the special thing about the new Launchkeys and Launchpads is the ability to store Keystrokes including modifiers directly on the device. Almost like a Stream Deck without complex commands but with the advantage of not relying on external software running in background. Since it is not only a generic midi controller but a generic keyboard too, no additional software is needed. I just bought a Keychron B1 Pro with Via support for same reason. With LED color feedback you can set multiple custom pages, print the shortcuts on small labels in colors corresponding to the chosen pad color. That way you won't forget them. I think this is the most underrated feature for DAWs like Ableton without integrated shortcut editor.

[@axoplanet6081]

It‘s like a SL MK3 mini, great work from Novation. Waiting for the SL4 but for vacation this is great.

[@petercorrigan2070]

Would you consider doing something like a walkthrough of your performance! Maybe not a tutorial, but perhaps a voiceover explaining what your doing?

[@Pazaluz]

Thanks for this detailed review! I switched from FL studio to Ableton and looking for a new controller since my old M audio oxygen 25 started bugging out. It seems like this is currently the best option for a good workflow. Only need to decide between the 49 or 61. Price difference is significant.

[@copasetickid]

Great review. I wish the screen was slightly bigger but overall I love the upgrades. For the mini versions would you recommend the 25 or 37 keys for a producer who likes to travel with gear?

[@tehjargonz0r]

did you ever decide between the two? i'm trying to decide myself, I don't travel with gear much though so was thinking 37

[@copasetickid]

@ Yes I plan on getting the 37 keys after I sell some of gear.

[@genaugenaugenau]

Great review, and a truly amazing performance at the start.

[@tubeMonger]

The step sequencer for the win.

[@ar-gnostic999]

Love Novation products) This new launchkey mini 37 perfect for me because I searched some midi-keyboard of this size. And I think I can use it with my Circuit Rhythm.

[@superspectrum625]

Should I buy mk3 right now or wait for mk4? I'm complete beginner, what is your recomendations?

[@user-mb8rf7qk5q]

Lol after I finally bought the 37 like 2 months ago after waiting endlessly with nothing coming out for years. The 37 is too big but I needed more than 25 keys. Life.

[@anzatzi]

I also am a reluctant 37 key owner!

[@RaquelFoster]

The Launchkeys (and Launchpads) are awesome for developers because they have a complete SysEx API. The Mk4 now gives developers full RGB control of the pads and much better control of the screen. And the switch to encoders is nice. You can tell they're shifting away from performance because the full-size 25-key is now the only one with normal pitch/mod wheels. If you have any '90s modules (or VSTs of them) there are SOOOO many patches designed for the wheels. Not using the wheels is like buying a 303 and not using the filter.

[@mlou4902]

Thanks for another informative review! What’s your take between this and the AKAI MPK Mini Plus? This seems better for an Ableton user, and lighter for travel.

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

I use the Wheels on the MPC Key 37 all the time. Particularly when playing woodwinds and guitars.

[@HeyAdamGrasso]

Can you remap the octave for the pads now? So you can play an instrument (not just drums) via the pads? Was always frustrating to have to jump into Novation components to do this on the mk3

[@Taetro]

an easier software workaround for that would be to use the MIDI Note device in ableton live and transpose the instrument you're playing with pads accordingly

[@HeyAdamGrasso]

@@Taetro Do you mean the midi device called 'Scale'

[@Taetro]

Sorry I actually mean the device called ‘Pitch’ which just allows you to transpose incoming notes.

[@HeyAdamGrasso]

@@Taetro Pitch does the trick 🙌 Thanks Taetro. Do you know if there's now a way on the mk4 to change the octave of the pads and/or the keys separately? So then you'd effectively have multiple ocaves accessible to play at once for a simple instrument. Would be useful for the smaller mk4 25key version.

[@PeterTorr]

Damn haven’t had my 49 MK3 long now I want the 49 MK4 with its improved keys and new features 😅

[@HONjramiroz98]

That performance made me subscribe The remaining of the video confirmed I did the right thing

[@Taetro]

happy you found your way here!

[@BlackUniverseBeats]

Hopefully you could help me taetro! Fl studio user many years have yet to buy the fl keys. I kind of want that hands on experience the fl keys gives but i really like the chord modes n scales on the launchkey mk4. If i could use the step sequencer on the mk4 in fl would be a no brainer...Which one would you get?

[@same.different]

Damn bro, beaut. Gonna decide between the launch key 25 and the 25 mini

[@bogey4741]

Omg. Nice performance! I would listen to that shit all day..

[@RogueTransformations]

Well constructed - and well played - demo! Thanks also for the tips! 😀👍

[@hztjtao]

Do you feel the absence of the "undo" button makes re-doing parts over and over a hassle? the only way is to use the computer keyboard to do an redo ?

[@Taetro]

I can hit command z so fast it's become like an automatic gesture for me but I do prefer to keep my hands on one keyboard

[@robertfimbres9628]

Finally some real Ableton navigation!

[@ticketstomars]

Great video. Thank you. Can you sequence external synths (same way you sequence ableton)?

[@Phadddy]

It's hard to decide between the smaller ones. The undo, metronome, loop keys are SORELY missing on the minis (I wish I could reprogram the scale and arp buttons which I will never use). If the 37 key had these buttons, I would go for it. I would go for the bigger 25 key with it's impractical footprint if it had aftertouch.... Great updates, but still incomplete. But I love that the drum pads can have key combinations now, so I will program important ones there.

[@Taetro]

yeah those function keys are clutch. I think we'll never have the perfect controller. There will always be some sacrifice

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

FAB 'LIVE' PERFORMANCE!

[@Taetro]

Thank you!!

[@morizanova]

I imagine those new features will be implemented in new version of launchpad or at least will be have double function sfor live performances and studio production in one unit

[@aquietgarden]

Crikey, I've been looking for a mobile MIDI controller upgrade from my LaunchKey Mini Mk3 that could also replace my Native Instruments M32. I'm sold. This and a 61 key controller (I'm looking for one right now) and I'll have all I need. Except an actual piano.

[@mjptaque]

really good and instructive video. very helpful to get grasp on this fast and use live or playing around. Just one comment - possibly the auto-arm option will not work unless you have manually activated Enable arm tracks in preferences...I had to manually add this command via text editor to Preferences....Cheers.

[@Taetro]

Interesting, I've never had to manually add that to the preferences file.

[@mjptaque]

@@Taetro Thx. Might be just my setup or other unworldly interference.....I had to add a text option to preferences to enable. all good now... best! And yes I also miss that little ARM button...

[@adamauskas-music]

Hi, I also didn't have auto-arming function by default (ableton v.12), so will try to make it work with text file.

[@marketingninja2641]

I'm looking to invest in a new MIDI keyboard with 61 keys and have narrowed it down to three options: the Novation Launchkey MK4, the Nektar LX61+, and the Arturia KeyLab Essential. Could you share your experiences with these models? Which one do you think would be the best choice? Additionally, do you have any other keyboard recommendations I should consider? Thanks!

[@FirstLast-nr6gf]

If you don't need knobs and faders and plan to play piano, Casio CT-S1 has the best keybed in this price range. I haven't tried new Launchkey 61 MK4, but I tried both Launchkey 61 MK3 and KeyLab Essential. In my opinion Casio CT-S1 is way better. I use it as my MIDI controller. For knobs and faders you could buy another board / control surface / mini controller.

[@k1r4hbint.48]

Is that better than minlab3 for beginner?

[@rez9159]

The new Launchkeys are not the only controllers with Ableton step-sequencer where everything is reflected bi-directional. The NI Maschine Jam has also a Push like step-sequencer integration for Ableton which is still supported for Live 12, unlike some newer models without a dedicated template by NI.

[@Taetro]

Can you share a source on that?

[@NirYouth]

Great video! I got my unit yesterday and it's really an amazing controller. The only thing I found a bit annoying is how 'slow' the knobs are.... It takes like 4-5 motions to go for minimum value to max - so a full filter sweep is for example is very tricky to make. this behavior really makes performing with it a bit meh... - is here any way to change this behavior of the knobs?

[@musicman4christjesus]

Is it possible to play a custom chord on a pad and do a lead on the keys simultaneously? Great top Pro level videos and tutorials Taetro. ❤ Praying God blesses and prospers you for all your hard work to the online music community!❤❤❤

[@langzhaomusic]

If this is hooked up to a push 3 standalone via usb , will it integrate well with all these functions?

[@JonothanHenBoisen]

I'm very grateful for your videos. They have shown me a lot of how these controllers work, and I really want to get one. In an honest opinion, I am stuck between the M-VAVE SMK 25 II 2nd Generation and Launchkey 25 MK4. Can you maybe give some advice on which one would work the best? I am still a novice with this.

[@povertyofphilosophy1788]

Cool song u played in the beginning!

[@danieloshaughnessy6834]

Extremely helpful. Does anyone know if there's any theory behind their chord sets? It feels fairly random to me

[@spip72]

Thanks for the intro. Procured one of these 37-keys myself. There's no delete clip function on the keyboard, is there?

[@samkelly2213]

Love this, inspired me so much that I went and bought one myself!! Do you know if you're able to custom map in ableton any of the custom modes to arm tracks 1-8?

[@chubaka50]

Great video and great controller. Can you say that about using it with Ableton Note? Does the step sequeunzer also work in the app? Thanks :)

[@AntonKuznetsovMusic]

Can one access chains in a rack through the Launchkey somehow? Like go to a particular chain on a device? To be honest, the Launchkey does many things which I had wished the Push would do. With Shortcut Buddy m4l device one can load devices perhaps with one of the custom modes. So the only unticked box for screen-less control of Ableton would be accessing chains, I think.

[@KhingTut92]

What happen to the navigation button from mk3 that looked like this [....] and why would they leave it out ? That was one of the main reasons i loved it, being able to scroll through sounds on my keyboard besides mouse or keyboard smh.

[@unchartedwaters]

I have mostly used Logic over the years, went with Studio One when I went back to Windows. With studio one it just didn't really click with me like I thought it would. My question is are all these sounds used in the video created from stock Ableton, if so what version/package is required? I am more focused on Tycho and Snythwave styles and just synth vibes within my more adding vibes like with Black Keys, Built to Spill, Cars, Nada Surf ect. Hearing the sounds in my head with these tones. Currently working with Logic Pro, V Collection X and NI 14 standard paired mostly with midi controllers and iPad Logic Control.

[@HooktOnCarolina]

I'm torn between Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 and Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3. I'm using Bitwig. Any suggestions on which one makes more sense or holds more value

[@ursdubel3585]

Dude.. 1:55 Ablotute killer 👍👍👍Also like the sharp slick look.. Does it have a undo button ???

[@Taetro]

Thank you!! No undo button on the MINIs unfortunately 😢

[@anzatzi]

The thing with keys is velocity curve dynamic response. The mk 3 mini key response is awful---nut an Ableton midi effect can help. Great review!

[@1314Ruben]

Does It work with ipad? And is It possible to map the knobs in koala sampler?

[@vincentd.4217]

I am about to buy one for that reason. I think its working perfectly, but I would be more confident if someone have already a pretty sure answer 😅

[@musicman4christjesus]

If anything on the iPad is midi mappable I don't see why it wouldn't work.

[@razoraz]

From what I've heard, keyboards like this that are USB-bus powered alone often don't like the power from iPads and won't work with them alone. This might be remedied by powering it with a powered USB hub. Can't say for sure.

[@ShawnBrandon888]

Great review, how would i power this to play a hardware synth without a computer?

[@Taetro]

You could use a usb power bank!

[@soooooTASTY]

A video about how you assigned everything and executed it in the video/intro song would be much appreciated. To me it looks like sorcery lol. Idk what you’re doing.

[@zzrwood]

So the new mini keybeds still suck as much as they used to? How can Yamaha get it so right in the Reface, yet Novation can’t?

[@gjmatamoros]

Would this work the same using Logic Pro? Or would some features only work through ableton? Thinking of getting it bot sure if this is a good pick for Logic Pro.

[@JeffTuneK]

I use the pitch and mod strips a lot. Unfortunately the Launchkey Mini MK4's Pitch Bend Strip is not as responsive as my Launchkey Mini MK3. It lags in comparison and hopefully Novation can fix this with a firmware update.

[@AlexKono999]

Your watch looks nice, what is it?

great video! which headphones are you using?

[@Gabeconstantinemusic]

Can you use this device with all its features with Logic Pro X? I’m not an ableton user but I’d love to buy one of this due to all its features

[@yourfriendmikem8018]

Does the step sequencer work the same way in logic?

[@Capeluxo]

Hi ya! How do you quickly switch midi channels? I know you can access the settings to do it but is there a shortcut like on the mk3 version? cheers

[@christopherbntv]

Cool, thanks for the video! Quick question, where can we find the same Ableton theme (skin) as you?

[@robertfimbres9628]

I would also definitely 100% use the scrub function, not sad about the moving away from the live performance functionality cuz we get this !

[@jeffagoddard]

For encoder mapping to NI Komplete Kontrol, I’ve had to use Custom 1 then switch between DAW and Custom back and forth. Looks like this is still true? Also true for Arturia Analog Lab?

[@ginotubbo1531]

what about transposing single chords (in pads)?

[@ritchxmusic]

Hey chief kind of a basic question but can this be permanently mapped to say, Komplete Kontrol and Analog Lab so it loads up as seamless as the Arturia and NI controllers do? Love the in depth vid btw, ended up watching all the way through!

[@Taetro]

You can do this by creating a template in your DAW - open a blank project, load up the plugin, do your mappings, now you've created a blank slate which you can use as a template

[@ritchxmusic]

@@Taetro I think mapping also work natively within analog lab as well right, for previous projects

[@Taetro]

Custom mappings don’t usually carry over from project to project

[@SkyEst98]

Hear me out Taetro ! An Arturia minilab 4 with 37 keys, 2 small metal jog wheels, and a screen like the key lab MK3 !

[@Taetro]

think the screen probably requires a bigger body

[@meBrokenBody]

Thanks for the good videos! Question for you. Do you think that can work the same in Bitwig Studio? I don't see any mention of Bitwig as supported DAW. If so, I assume the sequencer wouldn't work? Does anyone know?

[@FirstLast-nr6gf]

I don't think Bitwig has a step sequencer. Well I don't use Bitwig much. In other DAWs like Logic or Cubase you can "step-input" individual notes or chords from a MIDI keyboard. No pads or knobs are required. Anyways, in Bitwig I configured the Launchkey as a generic controller and used pads for transport control and to go to next / previous track. Pads have to be in CC switches mode. I haven't tried to mute / solo tracks from the Launchkey yet.

[@meBrokenBody]

@@FirstLast-nr6gf Thank you for your input, Yes, that's what I concluded as well. I bought the new Arturia Keylab MK3 instead.

[@micaelarvidsson9034]

Is the keybed better than on the mk3 mini?

[@jacobkartes1036]

Damn nice performance!

[@Taetro]

Thank you!!!

[@yglegacy100]

Do you have any idea how to make this work with Mpc one Plus

[@HooktOnCarolina]

I heard the Step Sequencer ONLY works in Ableton. Does anyone know if this is still true?

[@ShohTann]

very nice. do you think theyll release launchpad mk4 as well?

[@publika6883]

You should release that track my guy

[@emadsetayesh4669]

any improvements on the keybed compared to mk3 ?

[@hunterfrederick2731]

Oh God, I am so frustrated. I literally just threw away the box for the Akai MPC mini plus

[@mcdan2696]

How about polyphonic after touch on a mini keyboard?

[@Serjo8H]

Hi bro! Thanks for your vids! Is there the sequencer mode in mk3 mini? Thanks alot❤

[@CookinBeatloaf]

This 32-37 space is getting kinda crowded, wish someone would try a new format. And yeah the dead space is slightly annoying but seems common except maybe tge Oxygen Pro Mini or the 49+ launchkey

[@xalexburzumx]

Killer for arturia😂

[@lovepreetsinghgill517]

😂 yes

[@circaxx85]

Killer? Nah. Damn good competitor though.

[@musicman4christjesus]

Anyone know I'd Arturia is planning a Mini 37 key veraion?

[@GrillChillDavis]

This doesn’t appear to be available currently. The Amazon affiliate link goes to the MK3.

[@Taetro]

It just dropped! The stores will update soon! 😊

[@GrillChillDavis]

@@Taetro Sweet! Thank you!

[@ZozillaThaGreat]

Looking desperatly for videos talking integration with other daw (Bitwig in mind) , nice video anyway

[@badh0mbr342]

I’m not gonna lie…I’m very curious to know what the next Launchpad Mini is gonna be like; I really hope the pads are velocity sensitive

[@kisho2679]

Why no faders?

[@DJ-Ventrilok]

Thanks so much TAETRO!! Very insightful and great practical examples ❤️ Do you know if all these functions would work with Ableton Push 3 in Standalone mode? Thanks 🙏

[@Taetro]

The Push 3 can do pretty much all of that (and more) in Standalone - besides the arrangement view features since Push standalone is entirely working via session view

[@DJ-Ventrilok]

@@Taetro Thanks! Yes true Push already does so much!! I was asking because I am after a companion for Push 3 to get more controls. It’d be great if these existing mapping from the Launchkey would work with P3 Standalone by just connecting it. That’s kind of what I was wondering 🤔

[@Taetro]

Ohhh I misunderstood. I have not tested it, but it should function! Any controllers that have control scripts for ableton live work when connected to the push

[@DJ-Ventrilok]

@@Taetro could be a super combo then!!! Thx for taking the time to reply!

[@aplusimagery5271]

Please tell me we can change midi channel quickly on these ?

[@akshaygurav9855]

Yes you can change easily.

[@attuneu]

How is the unit turned off its not obvious. Great music.

[@ChiefExecutiveOrbiter]

USB probably

[@adityapothulori4665]

I bought the Arturia Minilab 3 few days ago. I didn't know this MIDI would come out 🤦🏻

[@DopamineOverload]

The damn encoders need a Relative (not just Absolute, which is how they operate) option, in Components. Otherwise, what the hell is the point of it being an encoder?