Novation Launchkey 88 Review - BEST 88 keys for Ableton, Logic, Cubase?

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This is a review of the Novation Launchkey 88. Its a full-size 88 key version of one of the best Ableton Live MIDI controllers out there. And this keyboard also controls Logic, Cubase, and other DAWs with HUI integration. And its only $400. Today I’m going to give you a tour of the features, the pro and the cons, and I’ll let you know if I think its a good choice for you. I’ll also compare it to other 88 key controllers in this price range to help you make the best decision for you.
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0:00 What it does
1:01 Key Feel & Pads
2:40 Build and layout
3:58 DAW Control
5:04 Virtual Instrument Control
5:43 Knobs, Faders, Screen
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7:30 Arpeggiator and Chord Features
8:47 Included Software
9:06 Final Thoughts
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[@johntnguyen1976]

This one is definitely on my list to investigate. Thanks, man! This channel is my magnetic north!

[@margaretchristo6859]

Love listening and watching you play - it looks effortless! Your background looks neat. Great review of the Novation Launchkey 88!

[@SanjayC]

Thank you so much.

[@KevboKev]

And here I am still waiting in hopes that NI comes out with an S88 MKIII in the near future. :-) Great video as always, Sanjay! Love getting notified of new videos!

[@mickehog76]

It's so relaxing to hear and see you playing :).

[@Mr.Nobody-420]

Novation needs to now make a 88 key version of the SL with weighted keys for around $1100

[@SteveZ1]

For my money, I think this keyboard would last better than the 88 key hammer action keyboards that all the other guys use. They all use the same 88 key keyboards from a manufacturer in Italy including Native Instruments. They are great at first but they all wear out fairly quickly if you play them often according to the multiple reviews I have watched.

[@jadenphan8106]

One can only hope!! Or if NI issues a new version of S88 with a better keybed, that’d also be great!

[@SteveZ1]

@@jadenphan8106 I think the key is to make it serviceable. All musical instruments require tuning and tune-ups. There is probably a way to tune up the Italian 88 key Keyboard now, I just don't know how yet.

[@MwtcultureisSHE]

Let us 🙏🏾

[@Satyam2700]

the only problem with sl series is that, they don't have a awsome connection and integration with fl studio if the sl 88 comes with hammer action and fl integration, that will be best for me

[@b3owu1f]

I keep going back and forth on the big brother to this one.. the SLMK3, Arturia (which seems like the best bang for buck given its price) and the NI boards. But all 3 have been out for 3 or more years now. I feel like they are all do for an update/refresh and thus I am still waiting on one of them to come out with a new one.

[@Steve-br7wt]

I have a Launchkey 37 and keep it for a travel keyboard, but for 88 I prefer the Keylab mk2. I know it's not in the same price range but those weighted keys are so damn nice, and analog lab and the other included software make it a no brainer.

[@michaelgreyproductions5103]

I was waiting for it! Thanks!

[@SanjayC]

Glad to hear that...what do you think? Something you'd get?

[@michaelgreyproductions5103]

Probably… I already have a Circuit so I could vibe with some more Novation gear.

[@crazyindigo]

I love this channel! Great job!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much. Glad you liked this video

[@reginaldbraithewaite5833]

Thanks for the review. I need weighted action myself, but the only reason I haven't picked up an NI S88 is because of the lack of CV I/O. Based on their newest iterations of the Maschine, I'm not hopeful that NI will ever implement that kind of flexibility. But the quality of the keybed still interests me. I also wonder if the Arturia Keylab 88 is due for a Mk III upgrade. My dream would be if Kawaii updated their VPC-1 to have modern features and DAW integration. CV I/O would be icing, but the Kawaii's superb action and damper/sostenuto/sustain pedals would make up for that.

[@not_willdowns]

I've been using the Launchkey 61 and it is awesome, I use it with logic and I love it. Thinking about getting this, but it would be nice if it had hammer action keys tho.

[@benhorton7885]

I came here to watch your review of the controller, but I had a hard time paying attention because I liked your Speedmaster so much. Great review though. Thanks!

[@jyotichristo7720]

Awesome video SanjayC!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks a ton!

[@maubry1675]

Great video! The way you explain things is very simple and to the point, super helpful! I'm currently running Cubase 12 with the Launchkey 61 any chance you can do a Cubase specific video like this one?

[@debdootmanna]

I was waiting for this...

[@SanjayC]

Glad to hear that! :-D

[@peterjames2617]

I did a lot of research re purchasing an 88 key controller and tried out all the ones I could get my hands on. Fully weighted / hammer action keys are too heavy and frankly not that responsive for my needs - I feel they get in the way of my wanting to express myself properly. This said I realise that this is a very subjective thing This said, I also I don't like non-semi weighted keys as they generally feel toy like / not serious if you know what I mean. Some of them feel very much like bits of plastic on a spring ... very uninspiring. I am very fussy about obtaining quality semi-weighted keys. I was unable to demo test a Novation Launchkey 88. So I took the plunge after this excellent review (thank you Sanjay!) and went ahead and bought one. I must say I am extremely pleased with the purchase. This keyboard is simply fabulous in every way. Absolutely fantastic feel. If I had to criticise a bit, as nothing is perfect in this world :) , all I can muster as a criticism is: A) I wish the keys to be ever so slightly less 'resistant' to the press therefore making them a little quicker on the down travel in feel. This aside the keybed has an absolute quality feel allowing me to express myself properly in play from very delicate to hard velocity. B) Also it would have been great to include keybed aftertouch. Not absolutely critical to operation as you can use the finger pads to assist in this as they have aftertouch .. but would have been nice to integrate in the keybed for obvious reasons. C) Lastly it is a shame that there was not a separate power in socket in teh back. I have a setup that that allows me to play the keyboard directly through to the MIDI modules without the PC, therefore in this scenario there is no power to the keyboard. This meant swapping PC USB cable with a power source USB at the back each time I wanted to do this which is a bit of a faff. However I solved the problem by purchasing a USB switchable Y connector box which works fine - although this meant more expense, wires and switch box at the back - easier than 'blind' unplugging and plugging in, etc. But these minor criticisms aside, it is a fantastic keyboard controller for the money. Lovely overall quality well made keybed, lovely feel on all the controls and modulation wheels, Nice layout and features. Well done Novation! I use the Launchkey 88 to control Cubase DAW and a bunch of soft synths and a rack of MIDI synth modules through a Focusrite Scarlet 4i4. (modules: Yamaha MOTIF XS Rack, Akai S3000XL, Yamaha TX81Z) Interesting fact - The best semi-weighted keybed I ever played .. and I still do, is the (now very vintage) Ensoniq (VFX) SD32 61 key synth - and it does astonishingly have polyphonic aftertouch! A real rarity. I believe its keybed is made by Fatar.

[@Vmadethebeat]

Niceeee! Appreciate the review!!

[@SanjayC]

Any time! Are you in the market for a new 88 key keyboard?

[@Vmadethebeat]

@@SanjayC Yessir! Was looking into the Komplete NI 88 key...

[@peralta229]

I really love this keyboard sir, this is a good competitor to the arturia and native instruments but in a good budget.😀🙂👍

[@ConxurOz27]

Actually I was making a choice between those premium keyboards but the price was to high and I wasn't sure about the weighted keys because I play fast speed solos live, and now this is perfect because I don't like the Arturia essentials

[@ConxurOz27]

I have a cuestion, if i'm going to use de traditional midi output how do I power on the keyboard without USB?

[@headsman2023]

Waiting for the flkey 88🔥

[@sleepyhoops]

You didn’t have to go so crazy on the intro tho 🔥🔥

[@uselessoldman7964]

I own the Nektar Impact 88+ the NI Kontrol S49 Mk2 and recently bought the Novation Impulse 61 cos it was dirt cheap in a local second hand shop. The Impulse is almost as good as the Nektar but not quite and none of them come close to the NI Kontrol but then that costs an arm and a leg to buy (double the price) but its worth every penny if quality matters. The Impulse is built like a tanks and fun to use. I wanted a midi keyboard for gigs and carting about that I wouldn't cry over getting damaged and I have to admit, I failed I do not want to damage it in any way since it was like new and way better than I expected. So I am after another keyboard, one I can batter without caring. The Keys are good but not on par with the Nektar and the Kontrol keys by comparison are superb If your looking for a cheap midi keyboard I would recommend looking for something second hand, if your after a good one and like professional grade keys, BUT THE KONTROL its worth the extra and you will fast fall in love with it especially if you use Kontakt and it works great with many other plugins.

[@cameronpritchard626]

The synth wall looks epic! 🔥🔥

[@SanjayC]

Haha!! Yes...I love it!

[@mrz80]

Yeah, every time I see that Juno behind him I get all twitchy :D

[@Okamiiee]

Absolutely love this thing! Perfect for gigs. The “mini” style is actually a great space safer! Other 88 keyboards are really heavy and bulky. Arturia mk2 88 is awesome but it has it very much heavy and bulky. Plus, it’s super clicky AND it’s also $1000!! .. the Novation 88 Mk3 is perfect!!

[@peralta229]

I wish native instruments makes a budget keyboard like this sir.🙂👍😀😊

[@sahrngaujah8812]

Your background is neat, Sanjay C. Where did you get the midi keyboard shelves/ mounts?

[@cameronpritchard626]

Second vid this week! Big fan of these types of vids 🥳🥳

[@SanjayC]

Hi Cameron....so glad you like these. I'm going to do more...making time for them.

[@cameronpritchard626]

@@SanjayC Great! Dont get too pressured though 😃

[@SanjayC]

True. Need to take breaks...always

[@jeighmsc1251]

Hey Sanjay. Great video!!! What piano vst were you using in the intro?

[@josuevelazquez]

🙏 Could you please tell me if you press the black keys further up closer to the beginning of the key, are they much more harder to press? I have encountered that on one y have from another brand.

[@gregcurtis7682]

Great meeting you at NAMM!!!

[@SanjayC]

Likewise!

[@kerylmcjohnson9537]

My issue with most of these budget 88 key controllers is the missing expression pedal port. Only reason I keep sticking to my M-Audio Keystation MK3

[@terrencerobinson3104]

Very nice!!!!

[@kidtaco]

Great video! I have a question as someone who wants to learn how to play keyboard for production purposes. How many keys would you recommend for me in order to learn the instrument properly, and could you recommend a specific midi keyboard? I'm not really looking to learn Beethoven songs, just produce modern music.

[@babukdbabu1175]

I love this video bro

[@justinjoshua1648]

Awesome 👍

[@SanjayC]

Hey Justin! Thanks so much!

[@isx2]

Would it be possible to review the Roland A88-MK2? I've been doubting between it and the Arturia Keylab 88 MK2, around the same price. I really like how informative your videos are! :))

[@frankymino8773]

I just purchased a Launchkey 88 mk3 and it's absolutely perfect in combination with Pianoteq when it come's to piano due to pianoteq's 127 points of velocity. The launchkey 88 is such a pleasure to play. Though it's terrible with sampled pianos like Keyscape due to Keyscapes 16 points of velocity. I also have electronic weighted/hammer action keys though I just find most modelled weighted keys too heavy really. When I've played an acoustic piano it doesn't feel so heavy. In fact it's much lighter and responsive to the touch and release in comparison to electronic weighted/hammer action keys. Even though the Launchkey 88 is not hammer action the keybed actually feels quite premium and lovely to the touch. And the black keys are not stiff like so many midi keybeds on the market. I have a few midi keyboards and all the black keys are stiff towards the pivot though they have their place when I need them. When playing piano on these it's so difficult to express piano vst's. I believe Novation have really nailed the middle ground between fully weighted and synth action keys here. If you're into piano vst's and prefer a lighter touch to hammer action then this midi keyboard is a must have. The keys are not too light... not heavy.... synth action when you need it.... I don't know how Novation have done it but it's perfect in my opinion. And no... I am not affiliated with Novation or anyone else. Trust me.... you won't be disappointed with this midi keyboard. And Sanjay.... thanks for your video and the effort you put in to making this content.

[@andres2955]

terrible on keyscape? What do you mean by that

[@frankymino8773]

@@andres2955 When it comes to keyscapes piano's... I just find them difficult to express what I really want to play. That's due to it's 16 points of velocity. I love keyscape though when getting intimate with it, it becomes virtually impossible to play expressively. Especially when played softly. It's terrible in comparison to pianoteq. Pianoteq is modelled hence why it's able to achieve 127 points of velocity which is a pleasure to play. Keyscape uses samples, which isn't a bad thing. It's just that every note is only sampled 16 times at different velocities. It becomes stale to play when trying to play softly. This is my experience. Others may differ and also be fine with it due to their playing style. And that's ok.

[@JesseJuup]

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

[@neetishdhavgaye]

Hey, I can see you upgraded you MacBook pro to the new MacBook pro 14" , can you give it a review as a musician/producer's standpoint. Also the specs and how much power would be good for our needs and the new M1 pro/max chip.

[@devans83]

You need a follow-up to the Novation SK Mk III two years later please. Comparison videos.

[@montazownianr1]

There is nothing like Casio privia pro PX-5S piano keyboard with 256 polyphony :) I also have that nektar 88+ and thinking about this as an extra gear.

[@paulsarodh5460]

Superb 😍😍💓💓👌

[@danielel9191]

Hi there Sanjay, I am looking for a controller with sliders to use with spitfire librairies. Mostly ones with sliders to be mapped to expression and dynamics... Any suggestions?

[@heavydevy-c5630]

FL Studio has a controller type for Novation Launchkey 88, it will work amazingly. I'm getting this controller next pay check two days from now and can't wait. I don't know why FL Studio is not advertised for this piano since it has a controller type in the MIDI settings. It should work flawlessly though.

[@SamTRajkumar]

Great video Sanjay 😁

[@SanjayC]

Thanks...what do you think of the 88?

[@SamTRajkumar]

@@SanjayC as a pianist the 88 keys are great for range of sounds looking for ... Midi controller means more options for recording sounds... Should get my hands on one

[@SanjayC]

Yes, I like the full range as well. Need it sometimes to get expressive :-)

[@SamTRajkumar]

@@SanjayC ya transposing in the small keys to get that range you look for is not fun after a while 😅 especially if it's a live program

[@warrennate9]

THE BEAT IS FIREEEEEE

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much!

[@Zedonus0]

So, I saw this before watching your 88 comparison. How do you compare this one with Native Instruments S88 for your pros and cons?

[@futur_sunds]

How long have you hade that blue electric guitar in the background? I don’t remember seeing it before.

[@martymarr333]

How do u think it compares to the axiom pro 61 it’s semi weighted I absolutely loved that midi controller

[@daphneofc]

sanjay, which one would you choose? launchkey mk3 88/ Arturia essential 88/Arturia Mk3 88/ Nektar lx88.

[@JaredAlexanderStevenson]

You know what they should do in more midi keyboards? Articulating scribble script screens. And in general, just bigger screens

[@luca4229]

What if I already own a launchkey mini mk3. Maybe my best bet is to go with the Arturia Essential 88 instead, because of the additional bunch of plugins.

[@mauriciomiranda220]

Can you review the keypad on the new Roland FA 08 soon please.?

[@Whyarmani]

Hey Sanjay is the volt 276 studio bundle a good deal or should I get something else for the price ?

[@_CharlieHarper]

Guys, I have to tell you this : since 2012 I have tested (shortly used & then sold) more than 10 different midi keyboard controllers (those were 25, 49 and 61 key versions) and I came to this conclusion. I removed all those Arturias, Nektars, Native Instruments, Novations, M-Audios, AKAIs, Korgs, Alesis, etc. and I stayed with my trusty CME VX5 (purchased in 2011) 49 key midi keyboard with its overall top build quality, superb knobs, awesome pads, motorized faders and fantastic keybed. What I did : I took my (wanted new) midi controller keyboard, put it right beside my CME VX5 and did the complete comparison - just for myself. And all of those guys (which I listed previously) were falling to pieces when compared to the red one. Sorry guys, and sorry my dear manufacturers. But can't you finally build a 2022 midi controller keyboard which will (at least) match the high overall standard of the legendary CME VX5?

[@wybuchowyukomendant]

meh, i sold my cme vx5 after a year, wasnt happy with the keyboard feel at all. Now I play mostly on the roland fp90, and honestly I dont miss a thing from the hardware knobs and pads, at all

[@_CharlieHarper]

@@wybuchowyukomendant but Roland fp90 is a digital piano with hammer keyboard (which cannot be compared to vx5 - it is completely different thing) I understand you are a pianist-like person and that's ok; but vx5 is a midi controller with semi-weighted keys and completely different usecase. I also tried the iconic Yamaha YZF1000 R1, but as long as I am no biker, I cannot appreciate it enough, and if I cannot enjoy riding it, I cannot like it even ...

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Several complaints on Novations own announcement video about this 88 midi keyboard saying that it should of had fully weighted keys and not semi. My response to that this is not an electric piano, it's got to be useful for soft or hardware sythersizors not just piano sounds, so I think its great with semi weighted keys and reasonably priced.

[@julioguerrero8849]

I actually was waiting for Novation to come up with exactly this controller. 88 keys, no hammer action, plus all the bells and whistles of the Launchkey series. I need the keyboard range for blues piano riffs, but also a fast action+faders/knobs/mod wheels for organs and synths. And it seems light enough and easy to carry around. Will buy as soon as it's available.

[@johnsuggs3952]

*Don't* *purchase* *Novation* *products.* Purchased a Launchkey MK3 back in December. One of the keys is already broken. Had the same thing happen to a Impulse 61 I purchased. I own 4 pieces of Novation Gear. *Circuit* (the original one) *Impulse* *61* - Had the same thing happen with the key on this one as well. *Impulse* *49* in White. Got it only because it was in the white I wanted and it was 49.99 from guitar center and my daughter got it for my birthday. Otherwise I wouldn't have purchased anything else from them. *LaunchKey* *61* *MK3* Piece of junk Had the nerve to ask me if I dropped it. So I drop a keyboard and only one key breaks? Some would say they had to ask. Not really. I wasn't even the biggest fan of Arturia. They took care of me when they didn't even need to. I asked about a replacement rotary knob. Just asked. Next thing I know, it shows up.....from GERMANY. They allowed me to register used item and get all of the software that would be available if I purchased it new. Just smooth operation. Novation, stop being cheap and design a better product. I've been playing for more than 35 years and on just about every keyboard made. Rolands, Korgs, Kurzweils you name it. *YOURS* *IS* *THE* *ONLY* *ONE* *THIS* *HAPPENED* *WITH* I own a cheap M-Audio 49-key controller for 10 years. ALL the keys still work.

[@lenthoithofficial8904]

Sir please kindly review the M audio code series midi keyboard in the next video

[@dennisvandermeer8238]

Thanks for the great review. If I were to buy an 88-key keyboard I would probably pick a NI Komplete Kontrol S88. Of course it is waaaay more expensive but it has excellent Kontakt support and probably (have not tried it myself) has excellent Ableton support too. And on top of that the lights are also very usable (why has nobody copied this yet - patented?). Of course there is a major price difference. And this keyboard has existed for some years now so it is overdue for an update (not sure if one is planned). I read somewhere that they would never cannibalize their own products so they will probably never create one with pads as that might hurt sales for their Maschine.

[@SteveZ1]

For my money, I think this keyboard would last better than the 88 key hammer action keyboards that all the other guys use. They all use the same 88 key keyboards from a manufacturer in Italy including Native Instruments. They are great at first but they all wear out fairly quickly if you play them often according to the multiple reviews I have watched.

[@MS7.7]

Novation SL mk3 uses light guide. It is also taller light and more visible. However I still admire NI, I have Maschine mk3 and I love it.

[@iamshiv21]

Notification squad 🙌💚

[@SanjayC]

Shiv is here even on a Tuesday!!

[@Only1Dharti]

🥳🥳🥳🎶

[@synthopius]

I can't decide between the launchkey 88 or keylab 88 and specialy for the keybed. Any thoughts which has the best keybed in velocity and feeling (are they the same size keys etc) ?

[@abhishekrao6017]

What would you pick if you have to pick between novation launchkey 88 and arturia essential 88

[@blackruby1003]

I'm about to get an 88 key controller. im not looking for a weighted keybed since i prefer synth action. what im looking for is quality in the keys. could u guide me on which has the best Keys? ( not weighted ) Thanks 👍

[@HoxPlay]

Hello, between this controller and the studiologic sl88 which is better?

[@JaderRubini]

Hey Sanjay thanks for the review! Would you recommend the Novation 88 over Arturia Essential 88 for working with Logic? I’ve just watched your review on both and just can’t decide which one would be best for that scenario.

[@andres2955]

don't buy the essential. It has horrible velocity

[@johnluis899]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@furiobisotti8150]

It was interesting when I saw first ad. Then I asked to Novation guys: no aftertouch, no expression pedal input. I play live and those features are essential. Real pity... I would have bought it immediately if key action is good enough

[@savithk]

🔴🟡 recently i purchased launchkey 37 mk3 i noticed that when i press all black keys feels very light it take minimum pressure but white keys feels little harder. is this normal in launchkey 37 mk3. please reply

[@miikkatoikka5055]

Hi everyone, apart from the number of keys, what are the differences with this vs the SL?

[@ChrisGSimmons]

Warning about the Nektar LX88+. They are notorious for the pitch wheel malfunctioning and constantly send MIDI pitch bend data while you are trying to record. Mine just started doing this after having it for 4ish years and there doesn't seem to be a fix from the company. Therefore I am looking at the Novation.

[@jeffryleonardo1174]

Hey how do we use the sustain feature? I have a sustain pedal but don't know how to get it work :(

[@heartflame503]

How is the keybed compared to the novation 49 and 61 key versions?

[@anything7087]

Is this really good or hyped? As beginner yamaha or novation?

[@SteveZ1]

Well done Sanjay C, I just got a 61SL MKIII and a Maschine MK3 to go with my PUSH2 and Live 11 Suite. For my money, I think this keyboard would last better than the 88 key hammer action keyboards that all the other guys use. They all use the same 88 key keyboards from a manufacturer in Italy including Native Instruments. They are great at first but they all wear out fairly quickly if you play them often according to the multiple reviews I have watched. 🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹 What I like about this keyboard is that it meets my needs in wanting 88 keys with basic controls that other 88 Key MIDI controllers don't have without trying to be a Top of the Line MIDI controller like the 61SL MKIII or Maschine MK3. As far as ease of choosing the sound, I'll just do that in Ableton Live while (God forbid) looking at my DAW and then enjoy the controls on the Launchkey 88 for fine-tuning the sound and mix, which makes way more sense to me. QUESTION: DOES THIS 🐶 PUPPY 🐶 HAVE AFTERTOUCH? .

[@jadenphan8106]

Nice setup Steve. Are you going to get this 88 keyboard? I already have a Komplete Kontrol S49, and would still like to add an 88 keyboard and a drum controller to my setup. My current contenders are Novation launchpad pro and either this launchkey 88 or Maudio Hammer pro. Can't really make up my mind in which direction would be best...

[@SteveZ1]

@@jadenphan8106 Hi Jaden, I am currently looking at the Yamaha P71 88 key weighted/hammer action keyboard on amazon for $480 + a 4yr ins plan so I can replace it if I wear it out. My focus in owning an 88 key weighted/hammer action keyboard is to play piano. I can setup 20 different sound profiles from grand piano in carnegie hall to old western and that’s all I need for my intention with this 88 key keyboard. For everything else I can use my 61SL MKIII, Maschine MK3 and other MIDI controllers. Full disclosure I bought a Novation launch control XL To work as my assignable MIDI controller for an 88 key keyboard and multiple software synthesizers, ie: way more flexibility at ½ the cost for the same exact Italian made 88 key weighted/hammer action keyboard and an assignable MIDI controller for Ableton Live and a bunch of software synthesizers.

[@jadenphan8106]

@@SteveZ1 that makes sense. Due to space limitation, I’d love to have a good weighted 88 piano that I can also use as a midi keyboard for daw control, but like you said, all 88 keys from NI, Arturia, etc use very heavy Fatar action, which I don’t like. That’s why I was thinking of either Maudio Hammer Pro (not fatar keybed) or a digital piano (Korg D1, etc) like what you’re getting. The combo between novation sl and maschine mk3 is a dream. But I already have NI control thru the S49, so now wanting to add a drum controller as well as an 88 weighted keyboard, is challenging…

[@SteveZ1]

@@jadenphan8106 I was shopping for a Maschine Mini MK3 when I talked myself into going for the Maschine MK3 instead. The Maschine Mikro MK3's go on sale for $220 from time to time. They are solid drum machines.

[@SteveZ1]

One more thought, Getting a 88 Key keyboard that can be divided up by octave and assigned different expansion packs has its appeal too as does being able to stand a non-weighted keyboard on end for storage. I want to find out if you can store a weighted keyboard on end for months at a time without damaging it from its own weighted keys. I also think that a non-weighted keyboard would hold up better to wider swings in high and low temperatures during storage. I have also heard that weighted keys are much harder to play. I know that I really like the key action on my Novation 61SL MKIII so if the Novation Launchkey 88 has the same action and can be divided by octave I think I would go with it. Clearly, I am still researching. Please let me know what you go with. Peace, Steve

[@raytoni7013]

i have Novation SL61 mk3 order. what is the difference in the launchkey and sl61?

[@AKHMaster]

Can I use it with USB in a adapter in a wall (Btw Sorry For My English) Because I’m looking for a keyboard that is a synthesizer with 88 keys but can be used with, usb adapter in wall. (I’m also looking at M-Audio hammer 88 pro)

[@username2516]

If i program a pad to play C chord... then i transpose -1 on midi keyboard controller..... will the pad play B or C chord?

[@jcpuga]

Is the keybed synth action? That’s what I’m looking for…

[@johndominick67]

Very nice overview! I understand that this Novation has HUI integration? I am currently using StudioOne v6.1, I do not see this instrument listed. How would i add it as a controller? Thank you!

[@johndominick67]

Disregard. I bought the board and have set it up properly with my DAW :)

[@garysonyalouzon8117]

I am new in this area of music. You mentioned that this is a midi keyboard, so there are no sounds without running it into a DAW. What if it was run through a Boss RC 600 looper? I am looking to purchase the Boss RC 600 looper so that I can record some guitar loops, and then play flute over top of that. I was looking though to connect a keyboard to the looper as well (one that might give me some drum sounds too). Would this work? Other suggestions?

[@ThePsho]

Midi keyboards/controllers generally only send signals to a sound source (trigger a G3 note, turn the reverb knob, move slider #2 etc). The actual sounds are usually provided by a laptop or PC (virtual instruments, wav files etc). You could also use a midi controller hooked into a standalone module that stores the sounds. It's similar to electronic drums in which the drum pads are the midi triggers and the module with the screen provides the sounds. If you remove the module, the drum pads do nothing. Same principle with this keyboard. If you want a keyboard that will provide its own sounds, look for keywords like "synthesizer" or "digital piano/keyboard". A good telltale sign that the keyboard can provide its own sounds is if the instrument sounds are listed on the actual keyboard panel, usually near the buttons and screen. Synthesizers tend to have more control over the sounds (knobs and sliders to modulate the sounds). tl;dr - this does not provide its own sounds. Either pair this with a computer, or get a synthesizer or digital keyboard.

[@kommulasrujanroha2498]

hey, i think you have tested the launckey 88 , could you answer these questions, 1. how is the key feel compared to its competitors like nektar gxp88 and panorama t6, arturia keylab 88, mkii, 2.why doesn't novation do this, why don't they give give after touch and extra ports at that price range where other competitors are giving at 350$price range, 3. Is it worth it? @sanjay C

[@marchellodj21]

👌

[@SanjayC]

Thanks, Marchello!

[@dartist1176]

Hammer action doesn't always come in a higher price. Of course, the brands you name do, but there're others that are more or less in the same price range, although they've less controls. The only thing I would like to see in this one, since its price, is aftertouch.

[@mrz80]

You can always go for a less expensive "digital piano" class keyboard just to get the hammer action keybed, and add something like a LaunchControlXL or NanoKontrol Studio for faders-and-knobs, and still come out ahead vis-a-vis Native or the Keylab MkII.

[@patrickbourke1812]

Can I plug in both a sustain and expression pedal

[@triniticoclough6387]

What is the point of having faders if they don’t move accurately to your banking choices?

[@paulsarodh5460]

Super soundin piano ☺☺👌👌💗💗💞

[@HARRY_KEYBOARDIST_OFFICIAL]

Notification squad ❤️

[@SanjayC]

Squad for sure. How are you Harry?

[@Only1Dharti]

🎉🎉🎉

[@HARRY_KEYBOARDIST_OFFICIAL]

@@SanjayC Iam Fine

[@Dreamerproject]

Is the integration wirh LOGIC good?

[@williamshaneblyth]

splits and layers i cant see it in this unit... I see it in the Nektar LX88+

[@cameronpritchard626]

I find that, from tim to time, with arturias drum-pads they will trigger two or three times on pressing, this happened with one of my old novation keyboards too. Does this suffer a similar issue?

[@SanjayC]

I've had this experience on the Keylab too

[@cameronpritchard626]

@@SanjayC thanks Sanjay :)

[@donit.]

i need weighted keys, but i really think more midi controllers should have a simple build in arp.

[@aquaticborealis4877]

Arturia Keylab 88 MKII has weighted keys. No arpeggiator though.

[@donit.]

@@aquaticborealis4877 I know, I have the keylab MKII 88 ;)

[@gurkamalsinghbhogal9043]

Which keypad is better arturia or novation ??

[@chippyrebecaabraham9520]

Can We use it for Studio one ? I'm a Studio one User😃

[@rosswhifield]

Do you have to have a laptop to use it

[@P4TCH5S]

Novation rulesssss! Sploooooojjjjj

[@user-hc4kt5rr9o]

MAKE SURE THAT THE ARPEGGIATOR WORKS IN SYNC WITH YOUR DAW BEFORE BUYING THIS ! i bought the novation launchkey mk3 because of the promising arpeggiator, but to my surprise it does not sync with Ableton. When the play button is on while trying to play chords with the arpeggiator on the first 2 notes are played together in the begining and there are inconistencies in the quantisation of the notes. When the play button is off and the keyboard uses its own clock the arpeggiated chords are played as they should. This means that the arpeggiator is unusable in ableton. After lots of emails with novation they answered with this.. "The best way to perfectly sync an arp to Ableton would be to use Ableton itself. I.e. trigger clips with arp patterns in or use the arp device mapped to the Launchkey controls. The arp on the Launchkey is great for a live scenario that doesn't require perfect synchronisation with Ableton, but less so if you need it to be perfectly in time with other Ableton clips. This is because it does not account for human error. " AND "Yes, this is possible (to play 2 synced arpeggiated chords) but it requires you to be very accurate with the re-triggering of the chord. There's no way to 'queue' the next chord so you would need to play it as on beat as possible. If you need to to do this with consistently perfect precision, it may be easier to use Live to trigger prerecorded MIDI clips." I have been very patient with this matter but if there is no solution to this and if Novation does not plan on fixing this then its time i sell this keyboard and buy another one from another company that the arpeggiator actually works in sync with a DAW. Im actually surprised that people did not notice this problem ! Feel free to offer a solution if you have one :)

[@Amatteus]

Good point. Thanks.

[@user-hc4kt5rr9o]

@@Amatteus I documented the arpeggiator behaviour in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2O7mXuLYt6Sias

[@mixanyar2742]

does this perform well with fl studio too?

[@DrCrayRayV2]

does this work with fl studio

[@FreddyRosales]

You should review the Studio Logic SL73 Studio Hammer Action

[@mrz80]

StudioLogic definitely rates some more attention. From what I'm seeing around the online worship-band communities, most any church or touring group that isn't already drowning in Nords is going with a slick and simple combo of an SL88, a Macbook running Mainstage, and a control surface like the ittybitty Korg. Heck, if I didn't already own so many keyboards that I don't really know how to play (I'm a guitarist with a hankering to play with synths :) ) I'd be tempted to try that setup myself.

[@FreddyRosales]

@@mrz80 agreed, and overall a lot cheaper with a while mainstage set up and other midi items and samples presets costing about $1k

[@franciscojlobaton]

Now for 339 euros. Just bought it!

[@blessonjoshua2642]

Bro put a review on SL88