Is the Launchkey MK4 a GAME CHANGER? Full Review!

[@SanjayC]

⬇ All Links ⬇ XTS Stand (Sponsor) bit.ly/3sGK2SY Launchkey MK4 geni.us/A1YM Launchkey MINI Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5PUZ4KEo8mNmNk Keylab Essential MK3 geni.us/lSIiN Native Instruments A Series bit.ly/2Sx0DRx M-Audio Oxygen Pro geni.us/SqpPXxX

[@djcontour]

I’m so glad I waited to buy. I almost pulled the trigger on an mk3 but decided to wait for Black Friday. I’m glad this came out!

[@Jmjazz4711]

Regarding the strum function, this was also available via an update on the MK3. Nice video, as always.

[@shapeshifta3431]

have to say, so many cool creative features in this. also good for learning music theory with the chord detector thing

[@margaretchristo6859]

Wow, I did not expect another cool video on the MK4 from you. Great features and excellent review. Nobody does these reviews better than you. Thank you Sanjay C.

[@towerrunner4675]

One of the best Ableton controllers so far. The screen is tiny, but I can ignore that on a controller.

[@jaelawrence1456]

They beat NI with the hardware standalone integration. Getting one

[@not_willdowns]

Last generation launch keys had strum mode. And in my experience, capture midi has worked in Logic Pro.

[@TandLstorm]

This is an incredible review! Thank you!

[@VentureNW]

Let's hope the SL comes next...

[@Gahttz]

That's what I'm waiting for

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

I won't be surprised if they remove even more controls from it and introduce some useless feature only a percent of a percent of the customer base will use.

[@manny_f]

@@BrunodeSouzaLino I bet you the SL will disappoint just as much. For starters, it will be ginormous. These manufacturers don't listen. People don't have infinite desk space. There is a huge market for narrow keyboards. The Korg Keystage form factor is definitely a step in the right direction, although it failed to implement some features correctly.

[@RAISING_WOLVES]

@@manny_f Has the new LK disappointed? Most controllers have 49 or 61 keys, that dictates the size... That said MIDI 2.0, poly aftertouch on the keybed and more developed MPE features would have made sense now. Fingers crossed they listen to those requests for the SL. I like the implementation of Ableton note sequencing directly inside a clip of the new LKs, a definite move in the right direction.

[@MrModusOne]

Hope not...SL was always garbage!

[@amauryft]

I miss the time we had 76 keys keyboards. All my old synths were 76 - 01W/pro - W5... I really like that size, a great compromise between playability and "mobility".

[@furiobisotti8150]

Fully agreed. Perfect size for serious live musicians. It seems midi controller are designed only for impaired DJs...

[@VentureNW]

haha, mobility in quotes. I like it!

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

And then people will complain there are no 73 key versions...

[@soundtreks]

even 73 keys. I wish a manufacturer would make a full weighted under 88 note controller for those of us with limited space on our composing desks.

[@yesmate4530]

@@furiobisotti8150 agree so much. i love my a88 mkii but its so not portable. and the studiologic sl73 kinda sucks in my opinion...

[@geekmastermind]

Oooh, this really intrigues me. Thanks for the heads up (as always)!

[@Loagz_Beatz]

I liked the faders on the right and the pads on the left honestly 😅 good video!

[@fredmanteghian5913]

Like Arturia? I have. Don’t like the layout. But I like everything else about the KeyLab Mk2 better than this and better than the KeyLab Mk3 too

[@eaman11]

Step sequencer is good, multi encoders is good, small pitch / mod wheels on top is good, price is good.

[@01blaval]

Love the Solina behind you! I've got one👍🏼❤️🎹

[@tubeMonger]

The step-sequencing is the game changer.

[@davidvierabarreras]

Finally someone comes up with something SO EVIDENT as putting a CHORD DETECTOR on a KEYBOARD!!!!

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

Why would you need a chord detector in an Live centric keyboard when Live already has that feature?

[@treschlet]

Been wanting to pick up keys again, start maybe even taking some lessons, and have been wanting a controller to hook up to my synth rack. I think the Novation 61 might be my new keyboard

[@peabodyscientific2082]

12:57 wow, this chord feature seems super innovative and creative. That's a real differentiator and looks really interesting. I've never really been that interested in chord features, but it looks like that feature is really developing and at least for this on the Launchkey, I might actually play around with that.

[@estate0007]

This is the most musical feature I#bve seen in a controller for a long time. The demo chords Sanjay played sound beautiful! Let's hope this has a wide range and variety to play around with and is not limited to just a few chord sets.

[@mladen777]

Hey Sanjay thanks for really helpful videos! I was wondering can you make a video directly comparing keys and pads on all major budget keyboards in this pricerange? You are doing a good job of mentioning "the competition" in each one of these videos. but over the time the competition changes and sometimes there isn't a direct comparison. Keep rocking!

[@lamardoss]

Very interesting features in this. I like it.

[@gbalfi]

I sent the MK4 61 I had purchased back to Amazon because I found the edge of the white keys were scratching my fingers when playing. The plastic edges at the end of the keys protrude slightly leaving a sharp corner edge. This makes for an unpleasant playing experience. I am amazed none of the reviews mentions this so I am wondering did I just get unlucky with a faulty model or is this common to all MK4s?

[@paulonogueira7937]

I also felt this with my mk4 49. I've been looking for your comment for weeks since I bought it, cuz I remember reading someone mentioning somewhere on the internet 😅

[@Taetro]

2 is too many keyboards for one week 😅

[@jee_rapp]

so truee

[@ritapatel5727]

Very cool ! Love it ! 😍

[@kozihoppy]

Amazing how this new controllers design is just catching up with the Push 2 design from nearly 10 years ago.

[@kingech_B15]

Built quality looks solid.

[@JSprayaEntertainment]

your videos should have those TIME stamp Markers .. like loopop and stuff ..

[@kstyle12]

Oh my goodness I bought a novation impulse 61 in 2014 which have a big screen , polyphonic aftertouch , pedal input , split , full midi in out , endless encoders etc and still nowadays I use with Ableton 12 , Logic Pro x , plug-ins and have perfect compatibility. From 10 years ago or more if you bought a “ premium “midi keyboard you don’t need to upgrade … features like scale and chords are useful but most of daws have this by functions . Only new plastic and small screens …

[@Antigolfjay]

What do you recommend for a beginner

[@Devinop]

Hi. Did you know, if aftertouch with M-Audio Oxygen Pro midi controller?

[@dannymolns3573]

How's the keybed? How would you rate it up against the launchkey MK3? I didn't like that keybed as it felt so light!

[@Pazaluz]

I got it today, It feels rather light, it's supposed to be semi-weighted but i'm not sure what that's supposed to mean. They're quite springy but overall it's good enough for me. haven't tried many other controllers though, i do have a Yamaha p105 digital piano (lovely keybed!) but you can't really compare those.

[@Old_Man_Jay]

Meh. I said this on another video about the New Arturia Key Lab and I'll say it here: I'm not impressed. We already have plenty of capable midi keyboards on the market today. What we need are more sequencers. A new keystep pro with 8 tracks and Novation SL mark 4 with new features is what we need. These new releases are extremely underwhelming.

[@revp01]

Correct. And add linear sequencing ability not just step. Also, we need a midi controller with true waterfall keys.

[@Antigolfjay]

What do you recommend for a beginner

[@akigh-fh3hg]

How good is it for using modular synth direkt from MK4 to use the function from the mk4 keyboard connected to modular interface if not. Is there a way to use cc through DAW or indirect from DAW to Modular to use the function from the MK4 ? Thanks

[@FunkyELF]

Those cases from your sponsor look nice. The issue I have with my Novation launchpad though is that I can't use it outside near any amount of sunlight. I wish there was something like these stands but also with little hoods or shades.

[@cinepost]

Does this unit have any actual physical or software differences from the Novation FL49?

[@markkilley2683]

It's an improvement that they should have done in the first place.

[@paulkishan]

Hi, thanks for the video. It’s very helpful. My question is..can it control the VST from native instruments.

[@SanjayC]

Yes, absolutely

[@paulkishan]

@@SanjayC thanks for the reply

[@scottdenmark3577]

Is it easy to get Logic to work with this keyboard? I sent the new Arturia back after struggling to get that integration working

[@cinepost]

It should!

[@Yosser70]

I’d love a review of the recent crop of keyboards, when used with an Ipad and App DAWS. SO many people use the IPad for music creation, I’m surprised no one’s made a dedicated controller.

[@blaster3744]

pressing the Like button took me 0.04sec , not 5s thx a lot for the review

[@eyarouziel3528]

The step sequencer function looks fire, I wonder if they'll update the firmware on the MK3 to be able to do that?

[@Youbadouba]

Wow. Doesn’t even compare to the cheaper m-audio oxygen pro that has aftertouch ! Great review Sanjay ! Thank you

[@mihajlodjokic596]

Does mk4 send the entire chord to DAWs piano role or just one note when operating in chord mode?

[@JeffyG]

I’d hoped for more. Unsure why Novation and Arturia are waiting to add polyphonic aftertouch like NI and/or MPE, Midi 2.0 like Korg. I have and like the LaunchKey 61 MK3 and it’s great, but the new chord/scale features and endless encoders are not significant enough to warrant a $500 upgrade to the MK4. The way Novation uses the pads for various functions is smart and the integration with Ableton a no brainer (although I use Logic). It’s easy to map the encoders, faders and buttons for Arturia Analog Lab, or NI Komplete Kontrol - but without a big display it doesn’t come close to the NI Kontrol S Series. But then again, it’s half the price…..

[@cirisirpula152]

What do you mean by $500? Isn't the 61 key more like $300? With that price you were never going to get poly AT ot MPE. Launchkey is their budget keyboard similar to arturia essentials or NI A series. This doesn't compete with NI S series as this is in completely different price bracket

[@JeffyG]

@@cirisirpula152 $530 CAD

[@YonatanLidar]

this novation launch key has polyphonic aftertouch check out the website under specs. Jeez! people too lazy to research

[@mrlotuss]

I'm an Ableton user. My Novation Launch Key 49 MK2 is acting weird with my new Windows based laptop (Asus Intel I9, 16 gig, 1 TB). Should I upgrade to the Mk3 or Mk4?

[@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.

[@HitEmUpru]

Can't decide between Native-instruments KOMPLETE KONTROL S61 MK3 vs Novation LAUNCHKEY 61 MK4. What to choose?

[@mrxavo]

What is the software you are using?

[@dinasleemrose]

.. so would you say this is better than the arturia keylab essential?

[@sawz_z]

My question too

[@HewittH]

If the chord modes and pads were available in a non-keyboard unit, I would buy it instantly.

[@Hoodyhoo504]

I'm sure the launchpad mk4s will be dropping soon.

[@Dibdibber]

Better key beds out there ? I´m a pianist and uses a Nord Stage 4 at home and needs something to bring along. I have here in front of me Kontrol S49 mk3, Arturia Mk3 49, Korg Keystage 49 and the Launchkey Mk4 49. . Arturia Mk3 have reduced the width of the keys so that´s out. Keystage feels ok but is a click a clack nightmare. Kontrol s49 with the fatar is good, but not crazy awesome and has no noise and comes in a very unfriendly travel size. Launchkey 4 has full size nice feelings keys, a little more noise than Kontrol S49 - but is a perfect travel size with out all the Native Kontrol Fuss. To me this is the best 49 for piano on the go - but I would love to be corrected. Ps. I´we also tried all the M-audio stuff with weird keys beds. For me it´s either the massive Kontrol 49 or Lauchkey 4 with the later winning on size and usability :)

[@moguld4419]

Hi!I got an Akai mpk49 and i hate the keybed so much,so i need to change.I'm thinking about Arturia keylab mk2(price is much),Launchkey mk4,(I dont know how good for Pro tools,plus no aftertouch)or Kontrol S49 mk3.M audio Oxygen pro have AT,and work with Pro Tools,but as you sad,keybed is wack to me,plus M audio wont support a newer osx.What do you think?

[@ufuka.307]

why dont they make 73/76 key versions?

[@MasterMojo85]

Strum Mode was already available on the Launch key MK3. The added it via an software update.

[@timetravelvictim]

I assume a SL Mk4 version is coming and it will include a larger screen, aftertouch and more features.

[@ProducerHindi]

I Have FL Keys 61 , This One Looks Really Good Would Love To Try.

[@frazy7097]

can you compare FLKey and Launchkey mk4? I'm wondering between these two. are the keys in mk4 actually better than those in FLKey?

[@frazy7097]

does capture midi function also work in fl studio?

[@vincentd.4217]

Thanks for the review Sanjay, clear as usual. However, I do have one question : what about the integration of this midi keyboard with an ipad ? And especially with Aum ? Thanks

[@Grant82gc]

I came for the keyboard review, now I'm about to buy XTS stands lol

[@ezion67]

Does the scale filter work on the fixed chord mode so that the transposed chords work within a scale? If not bummer, because that seems the only real application for the scale filter on this keyboard.

[@yourfriendmikem8018]

Does the step sequencer work in Logic Pro?

[@Kinnor.Home.Studios]

Where is the 76 key, which I've been asking for.

[@CarlitoProductions]

Did they fix the keybed that currently has no action in MK3?

[@its4sia]

What keyboard stand are you using?

[@SanjayC]

It’s just a generic X stand. I think it’s by OnStage.

[@lukassbeataddicts]

To me non motorized faders are liability hence I’m thinking about 37 version. Encoders are welcome. Overall good keyboard for the price for sure

[@mehradraissi]

Hey Sanjay thank you for amazing videos can I ask you what’s the best new midi controller you ever tried . If you had to chose only one which would u pick. Thank you

[@sudosaurus]

How well would this work mapped with Komplete Kontrol to use Komplete software instruments?

[@changer1285]

How do the keys on the 37 compare to the 37 mk3? Basically the same?

[@Devinop]

Hi, how would you compare the feel of these keys to the Studiologic Numa Compact and M-Audio Oxygen Pro keys ?

[@christians774]

Has it the same usability for FL Studio like the FLkey?

[@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!

[@albshore8]

Did they change the FL version?

[@noodlingaround2023]

Can you move to different effect banks in Ableton without using the mouse. I think I saw you using the mouse.. You can’t do this in previous Novation controllers..

[@WarpedBlinds]

Seems a lot of the features are centered around their pads, and i guess understandably so since Novation has been known for having nice pads for the price. The keybed seems nicer than their last launchkey model. Placement of faders and knobs is better. Novation has always had a tight integration with ableton, so i might end up getting it

[@AlavonMajor]

Any additional keyed dampening? I know they aren't Fatar grade but the previous generations keybeds were poorly dampened making them cheep feeling and annoyingly noisy when the keys bottom out.

[@prodmorningstar]

Do you know if it has the same amount of control in FL that it does with FLKeys?

[@gunnar1797]

Is there one of these that doesn’t require a daw?

[@lenardkentvillanueva8744]

are there other midi controllers with the same scrub functionality on ableton as the launchkey mk4?

[@Matthew-m2y5v]

Is it a course to learn how to use it. Got it for school and I’m almost done with having only one class ever semi using it as if they already knew how to use it

[@bboymac84]

More game changers…? Bring it on 😁💪🏽

[@udaysingh8379]

Will it work well with fl studio? how would it compare with fl keys?

[@VERSUXH]

how would you compare this Launchkey MK4 61 to M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61. I'm looking for a larger keyboard and stuck on choosing now that this came out. What are the main differences and pros and cons. I use ableton, studio one and reaper

[@AricTheAnderson]

The more you talked about this product, the less I wanted to buy it :/ and that isn't your fault! You didn't design this thing! Great review Sanjay. I think if I had to choose one thing that I love about this product, I'd say I love how comically small the screen is. Did they just reuse a bunch of Samsung Jukebox's? There isn't really anything new here that another product wouldn't offer you. Maybe the "note out" scale where it doesn't play the notes that AREN'T in a scale, but...I'd just say you should spend time practicing scales more :l

[@MichaelSzatmary]

Since I am FL Studio user, I was happy to get Novation midi keyboard custom created for FL studio. This has a nicer design and some new features, but I dont see a reason to purchase it.

[@sampadaverma]

what is that button on your chest?

[@SanjayC]

It’s a mic :-)

[@vipin_kanwar9472]

Hey can you please suggest me a only keyboard which i can use for my music production and feel of piano keys

[@officialamonplays]

does it come with free ableton ?

[@JoergWessels]

When I see a new keyboard integrating with Ableton's session view, I have one question: Does it work with Bitwig's clips as well? But I guess it makes sense for keyboard manufacturers to ignore the smaller contender.

[@ZombieLincoln666]

There are third party scripts for bigwig

[@Xavier-sp5ec]

Can someone please tell me if the 88 Key Mk3 is the same as the 61 Mk4 just with more keys? I really want 88 Keys, but not at the expense of features, but there is no 88 Mk4, so is that because the Mk3 was already good?

[@raflialiim8927]

This video explain that novation launchkey 49/61 mk4 is the same as the 88 mk3 ❤❤🎉🎉

[@pacspecific]

I have the MK3 version took a long time for MK4 to post through

[@robmcguinness2818]

Well at least the slider and pads are on the correct sides😀 Arturia I am looking at you 🤬

[@MrModusOne]

Novation user guide is a "BOOK". Don't expect to use this out of the box! No way! FREEBIE- If you have a volt interface, and Live starts acting up......turn the interface off......restart everything EXCEPT the interface. Once everything is up and running, turn on the interface. For some reason the volt drivers don't like to play nice with Live if they are all started together for some reason. You can tell because Live will load..but you get the busy hourglass symbol that does not clear. I'ts not your ram! It's the volt drivers. A lot of people on reddit are searching for a SOLUTION FOR MONTHS. Make it easy on yourself and just turn on the interface, AFTER the daw is up and running!!!!!!! You're welcome.

[@blee3ee]

What would you recommend for making Vangelis like sounds?(synth and DAW)

[@dannymolns3573]

Oberheim. Any daw works

[@desmosnob]

If only this had the light guide above the keys as the SL.

[@Greemfy]

So its basicly the same as every other midi controller. Sanjay could just reupload older reviews and change up the name of the product.

[@peabodyscientific2082]

@@Greemfy It seems like these recent refreshes from Arturia and Novation are iterative upgrades that would have been fine if they had come 2 or 3 years after the last version. It almost feels like we're just getting back on that cycle now, and the next version in 2.5 years might be much more exciting. The pandemic is as much to blame as the companies, but it seems like now is not the iteration to hop on these products.

[@steviek6484]

I love the noob friendly features on this. Lack of after touch the thing holding me back

[@BlazertronGames]

Was thinking about buying a launchpad X soon. If they're coming with a new launchpad, I hope they announce it soon, and not right after I buy an X...

[@ThiagoDuarteKeys]

M audio oxygen pro or launchkey mk4 ? @SanjayC

[@nested_King]

It ALL matters.... sold!

[@stevehofer8312]

Can the faders transmit midi cc for controlling synth parameters. My big gripe with my 2017 M-Audio CTRL-49 is the faders only control the daw and can't control synth parameters. If I am playing synth with my right hand, I want to adjust synth parameters with my left hand on faders/sliders. I don't want to cross over my right hand and use my left hand to manipulate a small knob.

[@Jesse-f3i]

ahh i dont know what to get this or the keylab essential.....

[@paulonogueira7937]

I spent weeks tryna decide which one to get. Ended up getting the launchkey bcuz the keys feel better and the ableton integration is top notch.

[@MreenalMams]

I'm getting the vibe that I really am not the target audience for these newly released midi keyboards.. I've got a Launchkey mini Mk3 & Keylab MkII 61 already and seems both these new releases have nothing that would want added comparing to what i already have..