LAUNCHKEY MK3 MIDI keyboard Review & Tutorial // 25,37 vs 49,61 // Generative Arp by Novation

[@KibweBrathwaite]

Loopop, the most reliable and probably the only human user-manual out here.

[@BarbieChaite]

reliable ??? he's paid by the company to show the gear...

[@KibweBrathwaite]

@@BarbieChaite I'm sorry but does that somehow make it less reliable??

[@loopop]

@Barbie That’s false - I never take money for reviews - but thanks for the comment, it gives me an opportunity to correct your mistake

[@BarbieChaite]

@@KibweBrathwaite to be "independant"... it makes a difference... no ??

[@winddealer1]

@@BarbieChaite It's ok Barbie, I remember my first Loopop review, it was so good I thought for sure it was commissioned too.

[@CaidicusProductions]

A new Loopop gear video, what a treat! Loopop, I can't believe how much work you put into each video. Not only do you have impeccable editing in your videos, great labeling, and perfectly clear audio, you learn each device thoroughly enough to give perfect tutorials during your reviews. Your reviews aren't just "this gear is good, this is why", but also "this is how to use it effectively" and it's all super easy to follow. You deserve all the praise you can get, I really appreciate all you do in your videos.

[@loopop]

Thanks very much! I try to be respectful of people's time and give them value :)

[@CaidicusProductions]

@@loopop Well, your videos are absolutely top notch, I'm very grateful.

[@Mikas_Emil]

loopop it shows!

[@Pulse2AM]

He's so good I watch even if I have no intention of buying what he's reviewing! That and I'm in C-19 lock down! Haha

[@igotsomespace]

@@loopop I just bought the 37-key today...mere hours ago and brought it home... I have not unboxed it... and I am happy to say, you are the first video I watched on it. I feel really fortunate, because your video gave me the confidence I made a good choice, and it also makes me feel like I am not going to have a hard time at all, because of the clear instructions and overview you provided.

[@FlexVector]

No other controller on the market a few months ago had exactly what I wanted, but this 37 key version really hits a sweet spot for me for size and features. Glad I held out and waited.

[@marike1100]

When I saw that tip after 18:40 about setting chord lengths in the piano roll, I instantly bought a Launchkey 37 Mk3. Uneven note endings sets off my OCD. 😂 But seriously, great content, extremely useful content as usual.

[@ellestice3996]

Finally, an actual good honest overview. Thanks bro, I'll be picking up the 49 key this Christmas after producing for a year self taught with no midi controller haha. Cheers.

[@marcwashington9733]

I agree, as Loopop is blessed with that talent of understanding the functionality of a host of different keyboards drum machines etc. finally, Loopop’s voice is perfect for instructional direction and tutorials. I applaud him. Ive learned so much from his tututorial videos. Perfect over perfect with a fair impartial.

[@WEHAVETHISDREAM]

Here is my experience with this controller - maybe it helps YOU, the interested potential buyer :) I recently bought the "37" and the "Mini" (Launckey), to compare them and... while you can add "Scaler" VSTs or "Players" (like in Reason) or sort of "Chorders" like in Ableton, FL Studio and other DAWs, the thing is: on the "37" and its bigger brothers, you can press "Scale" and voila! You are playing the right notes (just press the white keys, which you like and you'll be fine...). Then "Shift" + "Scale Chord" (Pad) on the controller and you can play CHORDS. Then with the UP and DOWN buttons (near the Pads) you can switch to complexER chords (1-3-5, 7ths, 9ths etc.) of the same root note. Is pretty dope. I wish the "Mini" had the Scale and Chords functions and would have went to bed, to sleep, every night, always carried it in my backpack, wherever I go. The "37", while smaller than other controllers, it still is a big chunk of plastic, which will only stay home, unfortunately... Hope this helps you and others as well.

[@gustavobarboza2107]

I read your comment, and I think that the 37-key launchkey, even though it's compact, is still great, in this case, due to the small difference in price, I think it's more advantageous to buy a 49-key or buy the akai mini plus 37 for portability. sorry for the english and thank you.

[@WEHAVETHISDREAM]

@@gustavobarboza2107 True. Portability... I had to give that up for the chords heaven :) Thanks and take care.

[@positivia]

Chords mode! Wow! Thank you sooo much!🎉

[@croay]

theres a 25 version that isn't mini and has all those functions

[@nacs]

Love the chapter markings for the video progress bar. Perfect for your channel

[@Drinkyoghurt]

Because of your review I ended up ordering the 49 key MK3. Sure, there might be better midi keyboards out there who do one thing better (or have aftertouch and expression), but as a beginner this seems like the most complete "cheap" package I can get and the possibilities far exceed what I'll be doing initially. Your review is insanely high quality.

[@LukezyM]

Does the scale mode let you play any scale on the white keys only?

[@olkid5076]

I LOVE (capitalisation absolutely intended) the animations you put in sync with the music. Very clever and well worth the effort I would say.

[@Zontar82]

love that early 80's style intro song (usually used for news program or weather programs )

[@winddealer1]

As always thanks for efficiently presenting the relevant features and capabilities with such a meaningful and logical workflow. The quality of your efforts make your channel the one stop shop for fair and unbiased reviews. Good catch on the lack of MSB/LSB/PC and RPN/NRPNs within Components. Gratefully.

[@jr6786]

I need a loopop narrator in my daily life. I would be so much more engaged and relaxed. National geographic and the history Channel really missed out on you.

[@valdir7426]

wow came for a tutorial; left with an awesome tip indeed, still so many things I don't know about ableton

[@WycliffStudios]

@Loopop You are hands down the best gear reviewer in the business.

[@michaelknight141]

It's amazing how detailed, in depth and structured your reviews are. Exactly like I would do them, if I wasn't that lazy 😎 If I want to know a unit in detial, I watch your videos. well done 👍🏻

[@RockLobster223]

Thankyou - better than any instruction manual could ever dream of being!

[@joshcoon5769]

One of the best and most professional reviews I have ever seen.

[@MrBrandonLau]

My new favourite music channel. Love that you add chapters

[@josephterlaje8732]

I am a harsh critic. This guy is the best. Informative and to the point

[@JesseJuup]

With the latest version of FL Studio, there is new built-in integration with the Launchkey MK3 range.

[@anzatzi]

@19:00 great chord enter tip. Very helpful review

[@GrantEllman]

Thanks for the detailed review! I really like the functionality of this board but it would be really nice if they’d made the encoders endless/touch sensitive since they can serve so many different functions.

[@FluxNoise]

Wow this is the best Review/Tutorial video i've seen on youtube for years. Nice work!

[@GabrielPerboni]

Now, THIS is a review!

[@willarnold3882]

Wish I had known this was coming before I bought my LaunchKey 61 Mk2 a few months back. Looks really good!

[@jersontanan7409]

As someone who doesn't know anything about keyboards, this is very helpful. I just ordered my 49 keys MK3. Subbed! :)

[@damelos4039]

Extremely well done, as usual!!

[@EannaButler]

17:07 - in Ableton Preferences Midi tab, change the Pickup Mode drop-down to Value Scaling. Far more natural than Pot Pickup, for me - I hate that experience of having to go searching for the pickup position. Works for sliders too.

[@SuperBillsykes]

thanks ! will try that :)

[@jere_aldazz]

Me acabas de salvar la vida, yo queria tener el pickup mode activado y no podía, ahora si funciona. Gracias genio!

[@101Potatoproductions]

Just got this 37 keyboard, and holy crap it’s incredible. It does everything my launchpad pro does (pretty much) , and the quality is probably the best I’ve ever seen from novation. Lots of people are talking about the keys being a little on the cheap side, which is true in comparison to other MIDI keyboards. But - in comparison to the MK2 range - they’re FAR better. They’re even slightly weighted and the keys have a matte finish. I’m so happy with this keyboard for the price! I got it for £134.99 with student discount. Makes me wonder why the launchpad pro costs so much :(

[@ForSure-quiz]

where did you get the discount bro

[@MS7.7]

​@@ForSure-quizfrom the education company.

[@HansKarlsson1971]

Got my MK3 37 today...very pleased. Thanks for great review since this one convinced me to buy one!

[@djdazza2796]

Great tutorial. Clear and understanding and like the visual timings at the side.

[@illeybishop]

Watching this tutorial alone made me want to get the Launchkey. Still debating weather 37, 49, or even the mini is for me. Time will tell though as this, really does look like the midi for me.

[@spoppp]

The best review, as always.

[@deangianotti906]

thanks for helping me understand the differences between the 37 and 49!

[@arvinsim]

The only video I need for learning about my Launchkey 49 MK3. Thanks!

[@PaulHatzigiannis]

I am a rookieebyt I love the Ableton integration and the quality. Plus scale and chord function plus arpeggiator simply rocks

[@michaelcurran5245]

I've been thinking about updating my first-generation Launchkey 49, the new generative arpeggiator and midi-din out on the MK3 pretty much seals the deal for me.

[@ericroblejo2058]

Thank you, this has been the most helpful video I’ve seen so far out of all my research on these products! Many thanks 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Shakedown2u2]

Thanks bro good content. I just bought a LAUNCHKEY 37..I LOVE. ALOT OF DIFFERENT SOUNDS ❤

[@IanJones942]

Really looking forward to using this with my Model:Cycles!

[@glennharrall8655]

I would like the chord feature on my SL Mk3 as well seeing as its the flagship model.

[@jmula1963]

Yeah Novation better add it in 1.5 update

[@theclutch]

Seriously! Not to mention all these cool generative arpeggiator options!

[@Garethduffy707]

Excellent review as always from the best…Picking up a 25 tomorrow and this has given me really useful hands on working knowledge already 😎👊

[@danielismyname3727]

Dude I really like this guy. He knows this shit. Subbed

[@OscarOverlanding]

Thank you so much!!! I have been struggling to figure this out and you made it incredibly easy to understand!

[@SyncdAlien]

Nice review. Great job.

[@calvinmay35]

Your reviews / tutorials are amazing. The organization and focus is exactly what I need. It is probably as good as, or better than, if I personally went into a store to try the products out myself. Could not subscribe fast enough.

[@drsumantamajumdar2771]

U Sir r fantastic... just made me place an order for the 49 key version.... I was thinking more on the line of SL49 MK3..... but what the hell... these r quite good... even if we miss the extra features.... and saved lot of dimes.......Thank you for the great narration.....

[@androidemulator6952]

Attempting 2nd go with getting up and going with Ableton, and the Launckey MK3

[@georgegeorge4199]

Thank you for the review Loopop. Your detailed and explanatory reviews are always very helpful. There is no doubt that this new Launchkey midi controller is awesome especially considering the price.

[@jaelawrence1456]

I wish they would have placed the scales along the white keys only. Some of the black and white keys are the same note next to one another in that mode

[@m-stat9]

I use the 37 with my Akai Force and the combo is surprisingly powerful and just works plug & play. The size is perfect, quality is good, and I got it for ~120$

[@dovepaige]

Ok you sold me on this, it should be interesting to see how it gets along with my MC101

[@insomniatr]

Thanks to you, I figured out the keyboard, how can you explain it so well? You opened a brand new door. best wishes from Turkey-Istanbul

[@AmanSabbarwalArtist]

Thank you so much Love from India

[@anzatzi]

Setting up chords on the Launchpad is so much more dynamic than Scaler. This chord function looks next level!

[@bobclark5360]

The Chord function is nice but each time I use it I have to edit the velocity...I wish it could translate the chords to single white keys and I can play them in rather than a fixed velocity. But for chord previewing the pads are a nice feature.

[@anzatzi]

@@bobclark5360 If your in Ableton you can use a midi velocity limiter

[@coversongsonkeyboards]

Wow so much information in just a few minutes this is cool , i like it

[@TiberianFiend]

I bought a Launchkey 37 hoping it would be a smaller, cheaper SL MKIII. I'm severely disappointed to discover it doesn't have even a rudementary sequencer. Fortunately, I only paid $90 for a new one. Thanks for the video. I'll watch the whole thing to see what all this thing is actually capable of.

[@wrldonwill]

Great video! I always wanted something with more keys than my 25 mini. Didn't know Novation had a 37 key model.

[@nestorparedes2996]

Thank you a lot!. Always before choosing a new gear, it's good to see your reviews and those of Bo Beats

[@luckyblueduck]

Wow! Very well laid-out and informative video! Thanks!

[@mjaa1307]

17:10 you can change that on SETTINGS - Pot Pickup

[@tomelwich49]

Amazing coverage and great pacing...thank you LP!

[@ruiner01]

I love my Mini MK3, but now craving more keys so this is great timing! Some nice additions with the scales/chords and multiple modes will be really useful! I just hope these aren't too deep for my desk. Great video as ever!

[@mercedesescobarmusic]

I wish the mini had the undo button!!! I feel like the larger sizes just didn't keep the "cuteness" of the mini... Too bad because I think I'm going to have to get the 25 or 37 -_-

[@ruiner01]

@@mercedesescobarmusic undo button gets way more use than I thought it would. If you've got the mini already, consider getting the biggest you have space for! I went for 49 for the faders, but sometimes wish I'd gone for the 61...

[@mercedesescobarmusic]

I feel the lack of undo button is a huge oversight from Novation. I ended up getting a Korg NanoKontrol 2 and programming all the useful shortcuts into it (undo, copy, paste, quantize, etc.) as right now I have an Arturia MicroLab. I guess it kind of defeats the purpose of having only one device, but it will work for now.

[@squoblat]

and chance of a comparison between the 49/61 launchkey and the SL MKIII please?

[@Daquarius_.]

i loved this tutorial. I'm still deciding between the 25 and 37, although I'm leaning more towards the 25 to save some money. I started learning ableton to make hiphop beats and well I've been experimenting with other genres lol. This seems like the perfect device for me, was using a launchpad X mk3, a friend let me borrow it as he didn't have the time to use it and learn.

[@holyswordsmanoffaith]

I was looking for a good starter keyboard/ midi controller, looked at a few dozen. I was also looking to future proof as I'm already a musician on guitar and needed something that was capable of more. This seems like a well priced option that has a ton of features I'll likely use in the future. Thanks for the in depth review, you have really helped me out man. Thanks. You and Sanjay C are great for information.

[@holyswordsmanoffaith]

Also, great editing. Really well done graphics and implementation of second screens. This channel is going to be an interesting exploration.

[@AveMcree]

Whhhhhhhhhoooooooooa! Novation really coming for people’s soul

[@yannispanos782]

Great work as always with the review. I agree that a step sequencer would be a killer addition (with parameter locks per step). I love the sequencer on my Mono station. It would be awesome to get the same fonctionnalities on the Launchkey line. That said keep up the good work sir!

[@jmula1963]

SL Mk3 has Sequencer so they wont put it in Launchkey line

[@yannispanos782]

@@jmula1963 make sense, I didn't about the sl mk3. Still it would give me more incentive to upgrade my launchkey mini mk3. A lcd screen and a few more buttons isn't that big of a step between the mini mk3 and the regular mk3.

[@SunnyBeeRandomTuber]

I wish sl.mk 3 has this user chord feature as a firmware update, then it would be helped make it a really good investment

[@DopamineOverload]

Picked up the Launchkey MK3 49.... love all the functions, especially the custom modes (color-coded pads, buttons--- which the SL MK3 cannot do... because according to Novation, they want to keep the color matching the Part you're on... wish we had a CHOICE for that)... the Transport section is midi-learnable for non-Ableton use (Channel 16 thankfully, not Channel 1)... the 4 custom modes for the knobs/pots, pads, and faders/buttons... chords, scales, arp, deviate, mutate... decently easy to change midi channel on the fly... (also, different midi channels for pads, keys)... but, as some others (but not many) have mentioned..... The keybed is meh. It's too springy/spongy, and it feels like there's too much "resistance". I much prefer the Keylab Essential 49/61 by Arturia... and even better, the SL MK3's keybed. I can live with this keybed considering all the other cool stuff, but I really wish Novation thought about it a little more.

[@devtester2032]

I feel like there is an important feature overlooked here, and a deal breaker for some users. Other midi controllers have patch memories, so you can save different midi pad set ups or different chords for a variety of songs, and then you can play live with different patches for different songs. It seems this Novation product has zero patch memories, or 'one' if you will. Unless I am missing something - this is a really strange thing, for studio use only?

[@CONVEX_MIRROR]

That was a legit awesome tip, excellent overview!

[@ActualKaktus]

The recent Cuebase 12 integration is fantastic

[@DM43685]

For anyone reading this, ARP Does not work for PAD's only Keys, good example wanting to appregorate a hihat, on Ableton, it wont work I'm afraid...using pads on the LK37

[@loopop]

If you like you can still do that with an arpeggiator MIDI effect in ableton live

[@DM43685]

@@loopop I could but wanted to use the pads, as I wanted to strum a sequence 😕

[@loopop]

@@DM43685 you can put the arp in live on a channel listening to the pads, not the keys

[@steviewondek]

Looks good, what i would to see on these controllers is a backlit lcd that also displays the current patch name of your vst synth, so you don't have to be in front of the computer to see it .

[@colleenwangviolinist]

"Drunk option" re: the arpeggiator 😂

[@jamiesrevenge87]

Nice guide mate. Keep up the great work!

[@positivia]

Thank you so much! This is what I need 🎉

[@SuperDuckQ]

Physical pitch bend / mod wheel, full-sized keys, velocity sensitive pads, faders... this is damn near everything I could want. If only it had CV/Gate over 1/8", it would be the Platonic ideal of a controller.

[@muffinviking]

the keybed on these is pretty shitty though, comparable to the feel of a typical membrame computer keyboard. I found the keybed to be poor enough that I sent it back.

[@jmula1963]

SL MK3 got CV

[@bullet1218]

Great video..now I will consider getting one because of this review...thanks for your videos..💯

[@epatnor]

Insta like and sub. What a comprehensive review. Very nice, thanks! I'm glad I just ordered the LK61MK3.

[@andesneko]

I gotta give it to Novation. I have avoided them for years, but a feature packed 37 keys? That's a first. Gotta get this. Now, had they put the left panel on top in the 49 (as they did in the 37), it would be perfect.

[@fincorrigan7139]

Sound review and demo as always, thank you. (In Ireland when we say something is sound that means it's a metaphor for the best) I'm liking the scale modes the most - bye, bye bum notes :)

[@EannaButler]

Maith an fear! :-)

[@AudioReplica2023]

Damn, I just found the perfect midi controller to play with my hardware and producing on ableton live. Nice

[@thevoid5117]

Thank you so so so so so so so so much for this video. That is all.

[@JasonVermillion]

This is how bored I am today: I just watched a 25-minute review of a damn MIDI controller. ...Kinda enjoyed it, too.

[@MBSGAMES_]

They should ad a step sequencer mode. That would be making this perfect.

[@LongEarthTradingCompany]

Great walkthrough, as always! But why are there no midi keyboards on the market with good quality synth keys that just focus on controlling hardware? I don't want a keyboard for Ableton, or for any specific software synth environment. I want a good, basic, quality keyboard for playing desktop synthesizers. And no, the Arturia Keystep is NOT that keyboard.

[@fumonshow87]

Best launchkey video.

[@ebutuoy1324354657687]

Thank you so much for this amazing video!!

[@zdravkodimitrov]

You should do a review of the Sinevibes Groove - it is a game changer for the Korg 'logue series.

[@SuperBillsykes]

Another excellent video, many thanks. Your style is very user friendly to listen to. More useful tips with Ableton. I def subscribed for more :)

[@riojamz2553]

That arpeggiator is dope!

[@itsrelativ3967]

Was such in a hurry to get the 25 key controller but I think you get more control and flexibility with the 37 key controller. 25 is just too small for my creativity.

[@Kollapz3000]

WHY NO Sequencer in this thing? I Dont get it

[@Dos_Osos]

Great review mate, thank you

[@MachineGamer728]

the only thing I care about if how did he do the thing in the intro where when he played the notes it showed up on the screen

[@loopop]

it's an overlay added in post...

[@101Potatoproductions]

This MIDI keyboard looks absolutely great, the 37 key version was a great decision. However, why on earth is it so much more expensive than the MK2 range? I understand they’ve added some additional functionality with arpeggiators, but they did that with the MK3 Mini and it didn’t bump up the price that much. Apart from the slight aesthetic redesign, it doesn’t actually seem to be such a drastic upgrade. I think this keyboard is absolutely perfect, but why so much more expensive than before? Weird.

[@daytrace4635]

got a theoryboard but couldnt hook to hardware synth and neither could my mpk mini, I was worried I wouldnt like any new kb since I started with the mpk and tb, boi was I wrong, recommended this one by sweetwater and I will probably forever use the launchkeys, got fat fingers and these being a good bit larger makes this so much easier, midi out hooks to my ju06a synth and can do chord mode and scales similar to the tb, keys feel amazing compared to the mpk, I definitely recommend this!