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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@WycliffStudios]

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

[@elleymeows]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@nacs]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@josephterlaje8732]

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

[@Zontar82]

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

[@deangianotti906]

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

[@joshcoon5769]

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

[@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!

[@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?

[@MrBrandonLau]

My new favourite music channel. Love that you add chapters

[@RockLobster223]

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

[@FluxNoise]

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

[@spoppp]

The best review, as always.

[@damelos4039]

Extremely well done, as usual!!

[@anzatzi]

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

[@djdazza2796]

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

[@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.

[@HansKarlsson1971]

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

[@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.

[@willarnold3882]

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

[@valdir7426]

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

[@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 👍🏻

[@arvinsim]

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

[@jersontanan7409]

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

[@Shakedown2u2]

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

[@GabrielPerboni]

Now, THIS is a review!

[@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.

[@glennharrall8655]

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

[@blankcheckguy69]

Yeah Novation better add it in 1.5 update

[@theclutch]

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

[@IanJones942]

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

[@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.

[@Labackmusic]

Hey, cool vid, what happens if you press a button clip that is already playing ? it stop the clip ?

[@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.

[@squoblat]

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

[@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.

[@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 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@coversongsonkeyboards]

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

[@tomelwich49]

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

[@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 .

[@luckyblueduck]

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

[@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 😎👊

[@fumonshow87]

Best launchkey video.

[@nestorparedes2996]

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

[@AmanSabbarwalArtist]

Thank you so much Love from India

[@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?

[@jamiesrevenge87]

Nice guide mate. Keep up the great work!

[@danielismyname3727]

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

[@CONVEX_MIRROR]

That was a legit awesome tip, excellent overview!

[@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 :(

[@Flo-AI]

where did you get the discount bro

[@MS7.7]

​@@Flo-AIfrom the education company.

[@wrldonwill]

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

[@SofiAlvaOk]

I'm a bit confused, don't know which one to buy... love the novation ones but which is better if i don't have any other, which is best to start? the mini, 37 49 or 61?

[@felixwiden]

37 seems like a sweetspot if you want to use as a midi controller. If you want to use it as your main piano get the full keyboard version

[@AveMcree]

Whhhhhhhhhoooooooooa! Novation really coming for people’s soul

[@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.....

[@JesseJuup]

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

[@StephanieSante]

Re: ... , say you have komplete control software on a ableton track, I know you can use the up/down pads to navigate sounds, but does the pad that mimics return key enable you to load the KK instrument without double clicking the mouse?

[@PaulHatzigiannis]

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

[@polyphonico]

Looks like this doesn’t have a midi in port. I would imagine that means it has to be the master clock if you are syncing it with a hardware synth. Is that correct? Does it accept midi clock in via usb?

[@LuchoDa]

Nic Discepoli same question here!

[@KibweBrathwaite]

Yup. No midi clock in so it's master for HW. Accepts Clock-In with usb though.

[@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.

[@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.

[@thevoid5117]

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

[@ebutuoy1324354657687]

Thank you so much for this amazing video!!

[@androidemulator6952]

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

[@Dos_Osos]

Great review mate, thank you

[@dovepaige]

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

[@positivia]

Thank you so much! This is what I need 🎉

[@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.

[@CamGetm]

Why is nobody talking about how the play button doesn't function properly?? The mk361 full on disregards your cursor location and just plays from the beginning every time. This failure to perform the most basic function is so frustrating man, and even Novation says there's no fix.

[@loopop]

I think it's an ableton thing, they really should add a setting. meanwhile hit SHIFT SPACE instead

[@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!

[@blankcheckguy69]

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

[@yannispanos782]

@@blankcheckguy69 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.

[@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.

[@riojamz2553]

That arpeggiator is dope!

[@ActualKaktus]

The recent Cuebase 12 integration is fantastic

[@patlecat]

Shift Undo = Redo has been added in the firmware btw

[@haliburton69]

Not for Ableton though....

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@vijayslager]

Thanks bro! Helps a lot!

[@heymisterjoshua]

2 Questions... 1 - Controller Redundancy: Are the pads/controls ultimately redundant for those with a PUSH2 as centerpiece (plus APC40 or LaunchControlXL)? I’m a beginner with Ableton (and may use Logic also), buying a full setup, and trying to avoid overlap in functionality. I love the idea of deep integration with Ableton, but perhaps a simple set of keys is adequate with a robust setup centered on Push? 2 - Multiple Midi Keys: Most advice/videos focus on the pros/cons of individual keyboards, and comparisons with peers; but what advice do you have for those buying multiple keys, i.e. a mini (for simple) and larger (for traditional playing). Perhaps a no-frills mini + a larger with all the bells & whistles (knobs/sliders). Perhaps from different manufacturers to get more total plugins/instruments?

[@MorwenWhyte]

Nice review and very detailed! Some questions I'm left with: -Is the pads' octave up/down control independent of the keyboard or both the keyboard and pads change octaves when you press it? -Are the pads' chords relative to the scale or they always play fixed triplets/4h/&c? (it could be that you tried this feature being in Ionian mode and looked like that).

[@Jack_Richards]

the answer to your first question is that they are separate the answer to the second is it depends on the scale

[@MorwenWhyte]

@@Jack_Richards Thank you!

[@DopamineOverload]

Hey Loopop, thanks as always! Is there any way to semitone transpose the Chord mode on the pads? You shifted octaves but I didn't see you do semitones unless I blinked and didn't notice.. haha. Thx!

[@dup4126]

i think you can change it in scales

[@clauberalex]

An absolutely marvelous review as always! Now a question: does this 25 version gains anything over its little brother, Launchkey Mini MK3, other than pitch and modulation wheels (that are just strips on the mini)? Or "just" the full-sized keys?

[@loopop]

Thanks! The bigger brothers also have chord modes and an LCD display, which is very useful for quite a few things, and a latch mode for the arp. Hopefully I didn't forget anything...

[@Edwin.Fernando-g7n]

Very nice and interesting!

[@JAN-DOP]

Can you control 9. 10. and other tracks with using faders of mk 49

[@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

[@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

[@musicman4christjesus]

Totally awesome 👍 ​@@loopop

[@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.

[@artemi-music]

yay, thanks for the demo

[@joshwilson8501]

A great keyboard! Novation rules

[@desmondb43]

Am so impressed with all

[@mjaa1307]

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

[@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.

[@manuelfilho11]

Nice review! Can you tell if it has “bidirectional” midi? For instance: if you set a PAD to control a “On/Off” parameter and you turn it On and Off directly on the software using the mouse, does that reflect on the PAD? Thanks!

[@davcar23]

Can it be used to control hardware synths, if so, how is it powered ?

[@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