Review: LaunchKey MINI MK3 // Ableton Live // Generative arp // TRS MIDI explained (MKIII tutorial)

[@koliebrie_to_go]

man this is an amazing video. you showed off all features in such a good and easy to understand way that now i completely understand what it can do and what i get for my money. as someone thinking of making this my first ever midi controller this was a massive help. thanks man.

Time 15:20 - For swapping the device when in Device Mode, just use Shift < Track >. The first device on the track will be under control. If you have multiple devices on one track, just group them to an instrument rack and assign the most important controls to the device Macros.

[@jorcis67]

It's been 2 months since I got my Launchkey Mini and your video helped me to make my purchase decision - I'm really happy with my first MIDI controller. Your reviews are some of the most thorough with such great quality. Thank you sir!

[@TheMicksteph]

This tutorial is amazing. The quality of the sound and video is fantastic and take all the features and create a clean/smooth tutorial, thank you!

[@satyanpatel6403]

The most comprehensive review of LaunchKey Mini MK3. Thank you once again loopop, don't know how you stay up doing it, but I really appreciate you doing.

[@TheValueOfN]

Much like Mooch is the go-to-guy for batteries for vaping, Loopop is the go-to-guy for music creation technology.

[@AlphaMachina]

What Novation needs to add to this in a firmware update is a "Shift-Lock" function, so that you can stay in navigation mode.

[@robinn3813]

Does anyone know, if the shift-look feature was implemented by now?

[@itsBoo]

@@robinn3813 yeah, 1.1 update

[@Xxmeca421xX]

@@itsBoo really? Sweet I need to go check out their site to get it

[@valdir7426]

@@itsBoo as well as arp lock

[@_Dogstar9]

Great stuff mate. I was looking for a controller with generative aspects and this ticks the boxes. Well presented. Thanks, loopop

[@silverfaux8545]

You really opened up this controller for me. You do these reviews so well. I have made several purchases based in great part on the information you have presented. I finally got a grasp on the Mutate and Deviate functions.

[@havokcc]

Great explanation regarding the TRS A and B, never understood it until now! 😂Thanks! That mutate reminds me to the turing machine, looks awesome!

[@Roboprogs]

Likewise. Reminds me of the old computer serial cables from the 80s & 90s - having to use a “null modem” to connect 2 computers directly.

[@ellagreen9056]

Great review thanks. Loved the brief reference to what sounded like the soundtrack to Moon (Clint Mansell) at 3:08.

[@loopop]

Thanks - yes, love that movie and soundtrack

[@KeroDean]

Love the way you put the screen floating over the top

[@nlamste3]

Great insightful reviews! I also really like your time stamps on the left of your videos. But mostly I like your enthousiasme for the instruments. In this video I really found your midi standards explanation really helpfully! So thanks!

[@pixelflow]

That arp is very nicely designed. Loving the addition of random behaviors. This and the Volca Modular know whats up!

[@jamesblake1662]

Was really hoping to see a step sequencer on the mk3, that or maybe a mod/firmware update for the mk2, 16 pads is just right for something like that!

[@solarlanding]

best demo / review out there. novation should pay you for advising. thank you!

[@jaycrystall7985]

This was the tutorial I needed to break through and finally understand what to do. I was getting frustrated. Thank you so much!

[@erenkaraman9713]

@loopop I follow you just because you give us the exact times when you talk about what! Thanks

[@daniellyons2588]

Amazing review. Helped me a lot with deciding whether this was the right keyboard for me

[@JuxtaThePozer23]

I just got this controller and this is the most helpful video I've found, cheers!

[@JudeElBoukili]

I was looking to buy a Novation Launchkey MK3, but I needed to know how it works. Thx so much for this vid 😉

[@javierf55]

Great video, actually this one made my decision to buying this Keyboard. Thanks for a deep review

[@hankjohnson3902]

That was a very well put together and easy to follow demo/tutorial. Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

[@gru_day]

One setup, that i can recomend, is Volca Sample (Pajen firmware is a must) and LaunchKey MK3. After update u can use all samples on pads in LK MK3 (midi channel 11, can be set via components app) and still play all 10 samples chromatically on 10 first midi channels. That is sick combo!

[@tomelwich49]

Another 5 star tutorial...thank you Loopop!

[@cmbrouns]

Absolutely excellent review! Sub'd! answered all the questions I have at the moment!

[@itchardhen]

hey ziv, long time fan. straight ahead, no-bs, informative content as always. thanks so much for doing what you do. i've heard that a bunch of folks are having trouble getting launchkey mk3s of various sizes to work under logic pro on the new M1 silicon ARM-based macs. you touched on it briefly, but using the mackie HUI control surface driver is a great workaround to get these controllers tightly integrated with many DAWs, while we wait for novation to release native drivers. it really is a cool device at this price point. be well.

[@ilanonbass]

Because of your review I got the Arturia stepkey 37 Now because of your review I want to get the launchkey mini mk3 … Lol Great reviews ! Yours are the only reviews I don’t skip the talking too much !!

[@Wendel_Kos]

dude, this is the only good review of this controller...thanks man

[@davidjohn9006]

Excellent review/demo... I’ve just invested in this mini keyboard, and as a novice, appreciate having found/viewed this info/overview, well presented. 👍🏼👍🏽👍🏻👍🏾🇦🇺

[@RonCavagnaro]

Whoa yeah this is great! Keeping my SL mk3 but great work novation and loopop of course

[@ruffnutts]

Would love to see more on this using the BlackBox with it :)

[@havokcc]

Agree, I basically clcked on the video because I saw the blackbox

[@Thatsit36]

A very thorough video. Thank you!

[@topdazzle]

Brilliant - the best I have seen so far on this device. Thank you 🙏

[@seanhayes2998]

You sir are a putting quite a strain on my wallet. Would love to here more of this paired with the 0-coast.

[@unclejohnthezef]

wooooooWWW! thx hey, at 9:39 you are demonstrating mutate and deviate and you also hit the low C note ("up"?) in addition to F# (mutate) and high G# (Deviate). Why do you hit the low C also?

[@boxerreadventure8152]

Brilliant review.. clear and concise. Bought an AKAI MPK Mini Mk2 as a beginner machine, but a huge mistake. Clunky setup, unstable bundled apps and very difficult for a newbie to get early results. ( FYI.. the last firmware update for the MPK was ..... 2014) :( :( Researching and testing ABLETON Live 10 and REASON trials software produced better , quicker early results, but still the MPK Mini MK2 doesnt map/integrate well/ ( or even selectable ) with the major DAW softwares . ABLETONs' integration with many other entry level midi keyboards helped me zero in on the Novation Launchkey Mini MK2 , with the color coded pads. As luck would have it the Launchkey Mini MK3 is being launched in a few weeks, so with my growing familiarity with Ableton Live, looks to be the go for me.

[@dr.stirner5455]

¿Valdrá la pena actualizar de un Launchkey mini mk2 a un Launchkey mini MK3?

[@Numlits]

I had the same experience with a QuNeo that a guitar center salesman sold me. Made me drop off with this style of music production for a while. Probably picking this up and giving it a try again

[@DopamineOverload]

After years of trying/using Akai stuff... and how flaky it's all been... I'm anti-Akai these days. I think Novation, Arturia, NI are the kings, these days. The only Akai product I dig is the APC40 MKII.... hope you're enjoying your Launchkey Mini MK3!

[@markgiddings8382]

Hi Chris ....... ‘Beginner DJ’ now seeking to incorporate mixing/Fx & intro-producing Question pls ....if intending to use Ableton ....how do you decide between using a keyboard based controller ...or a keypad ( ie Push 2) ....... any advice from your experience would be appreciated. Thx.

[@DopamineOverload]

​@@markgiddings8382 Hi Mark! Honestly, if your budget is tight (like most of ours)... if you're a beginner and mostly are into launching clips/scenes.... I would highly recommend the very cheap but useful Launchpad Mini MK3. No velocity-sensitivity, but a superb little clip and scene launcher. Very handy. Plus the 3 custom midi maps are nice for finger-drumming (without velocity) and inputting notes with the scale mode (even if you have no keyboard skills). Combine that with this LK Mini MK3, and that's only $220, and you get a lot of nice options. I own Push 2, and it's VERY overpriced. It should be $499, or if it's $799 then it needs to at least include Ableton 10 Standard. Live Intro is basically the same damn thing as Live Lite, which you get free with like EVERY midi controller. I was hell-bent on returning it to the retailer even after the 30-day window (Sweetwater allowed it, barely)... but I decided to keep it. Because it also works great with Reaper, which I use often. Some guy Jurgen did a thing called "DrivenByMoss" and it gives a lot of Ableton-like functionality to Reaper... drum grid mode, step sequencing, scale modes, etc. So not only is it nice for Ableton, it's great for Reaper. His thing also works for the Launchpad Pro, which I also have. I basically have all the midi controllers... haha. I'm kind of insane. But yeah... if you're a total beginner, want portability... get the Launchkey Mini MK3 and the Launchpad Mini MK3. $220. You get a copy of Ableton Live Lite with either controller and Novation also throws in a lot of goodies, too. You get 16 velocity-sensitive pads with the Key (which you can easily finger-drum beats into an Ableton Drum Rack kit)... and the Pad gives you the 8x8 grid.... not a huge investment. With Device Mode on the Launchkey Mini MK3, you'll also be able to tweak FX as well as Reverb/Delay sends... really handy, those knobs. Do you prefer to write or just launch clips? No matter what, if you have Ableton, you need a huge collection of good sample loops. I don't have Splice but heard great things. Any sites with a monthly fee to download/own whatever loops you want (infinite amount, ideally), is worth it. Let me know if you have any other questions... hope this helps!

[@zoned7609]

im so glad i found this. best portable midi keyboard EVER

[@zoned7609]

i liked it so much i got the less portable LaunchKey 25 full size for home noodling

[@AmbarishDeenadhayalraj]

This is the most detailed review of this device I've come across. Amazing work!

[@unfairfair]

This vid should be linked in all the official documentation of the MK3 IMO. Perfect jumpstart even for those who don't know anything of music theory or production as me but still like to experiment something new

[@whormongrmuzik]

i actually am really impressed by this

[@gama1639]

Beautiful, amazing details. Thanks from Goa India

[@Kevinschart]

this is my first "hardware" piece. I've had midi keyboards, but no drum pads. and certainly nothing with this amount of DAW integration. This this is so much fun. Do yourself a favor and buy a controller that helps you get out of the computer a bit. This is where ableton shines. I might go for a launchpad sometime in the future.

[@DopamineOverload]

Vote up for Mutate and Deviate to be added to the SL MKIII firmware in a future update (and contact Novation)!

[@WincklePicker]

Great review my man. You sold me on it. Subscribed 👍🏼

[@madstation]

Fantastic review, even 4 years later.

[@Brudi]

Cool video as always man!

[@zoned7609]

also: if youre not an expert pianist, you can still load up a custom scale for the mini (or access the built in scale mode if you have the full size keys home version) the mutate and deviate options are amazing. it will stay in the right scale so the random notes is more harmonious

[@jtoobacc18239]

how do you load custom scale on the mini?

[@SoulSheIS]

Well, I thoroughly enjoyed the midi lesson. :-)

[@SoulSheIS]

I could totally see this as two key octave device, while keeping the same form factor. Ideal!

[@arthurvincentsimon5651]

Amazing video! I think the only thing that would make this perfect is that the knobs should be endless!

[@Claidheambmor]

Novation really ought to consider releasing a MIDI controller with inbuilt chord banks, like a hardware version of Xfer's excellent Cthulhu plugin.

[@anzatzi]

see 25 key Launchkey Mk 3

[@acidperex]

Another way to connect TRS A with TRS B is with RCA/TRS cables but with one adapter that allows you to connect RCA in opposite colors (red with white). Not sure if I made myself clear.

[@st0rmchild]

Nice upgrade overall. Would have been nice to have separate track select buttons, as that's something I'll use a lot more frequently than the Arp or Chord mode. Ideally they should have added four arrow buttons (in a north east south west arrangement) for both track and row selection in the space above the Arp and Chord buttons. I also wish the pads could be configured to send CCs instead of notes in custom mode. But even with the limitations, I can't find a better compact controller, so I bought one of these. It has better DAW integration than the Akai MPK Mini (not just with Ableton Live but also Logic and Reason) and it's way smaller and lighter than the Arturia MiniLab mk2. I would have preferred 32 keys, but the Arturia KeyStep and NI Komplete Kontrol M32 are both too big to fit in any normal size backpack. The KeyStep also has no knobs, which is really unfortunate, because it does have many unique features like aftertouch and CV. I don't care that much about pads, so I've come close to buying an M32 on many occasions, but it's just a bit too big, and NI still hasn't gotten around to letting you make custom MIDI templates. It also doesn't play nicely with other KK keyboards, so I wouldn't be able to use it together with my S49.

[@Gainn]

the Mutate arp looks like it would be fantastic for live jamming on a TD-3.

[@rickvestuto]

Would love to see a video of whats the best Midi controller for BlackBox The touch screen on the BB is awesome but I believe the BB needs a dedicated Controler/Keyboard don't you? Best regards, Rick

[@davidcp7957]

Thanks for your videos, brilliantly explained with the right amount of depth, you should get paid by these guys as I am buying 2 of their controllers due to your videos 👍

[@alterdings]

0:09 LCD Soundsystem - Dance yrself clean :)

[@ruffnutts]

You can use the LaunchKey MK3 with the blackbox over USB as the Blackbox has a USB midi host port for plugging in class complient devices :)

[@kuba017]

Great and helpful review and dive into this product. Thank you!

[@mgrollins]

Thanks very much for this and your other content!

[@DoNoise]

Looks like a great controller for ZOIA.

[@TheAlxender]

Thanks for making this video!! Appreciate very much!

[@SONWU]

Looking forward to your mk4 video soon :)

[@cl-zachwilliamsstudios3358]

Charlie Scott (Novation ) 1 Sep 2021, 09:34 BST Hi Mario, Unfortunately it's not possible to have the lights off while using your Launchkey. Could wearing sunglasses be a possible solution? This would significantly dim the brightness. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with. Best Regards, Charlie Scott // Novation Technical Support Enginee

[@micahj894]

Great review! Can someone tell me the name of what the green stereo cable gets plugged into? (The TRS-A device… what is that thing called? -right at 5:50)

[@loopop]

Thanks! It's called an 0-Coast by Make Noise

[@Maurya1008]

Please do a video on komplete kontrol m32 with ableton. 🙏

[@docdoak870]

This is everything I wanted as I'm finally ready to upgrade from my RemoteSl37 mk1... And then I hear there's no aftertouch. Now i'm looking back at the SL mk3... How does everyone else feel labout aftertouch? It is a feature I primarily look for when I'm Controllin'

[@therealjackfisher]

I want something like that to controll Cakewalk. Because thats THE BEST DAW PERIOD!

[@tcttvradio]

You can easily get someone to make a trs a to trs b cable, I buy cables made up to how I need them all the time just google a company that makes to order or ask a tech friend to make you one. Hundreds of different companies have trs cables wired differently for different PCs.

[@st0rmchild]

Should be possible to power this with the latest iPad Pro models, since the USB-C port provides power. I've used it to charge my iPhone and Nintendo Switch. I have a USB-C dongle with three USB-A ports, and those provide power too (I can power a portable hard drive with it).

[@user-rj8hn1cb1w]

thanks for explaining the TRS A/B confusion! Now I got the solution, before I thought anything wasnt working properly and got really angry, because Novation doesnt offer a solution on the first view

[@mercedesescobarmusic]

I feel like I LOVE this and would like to buy one, but the lack of an undo button bothers me. Do you think it could be mapped to any of the other keys? i would never use the "fixed chord" function, for example. Do you think i could map it there?

[@drissaitkassimusic]

appreciate the effort you put on this videos great content thank you

[@andicxzy]

I know that are multiple players/effect on the midi keyboard. More useful then akai like lpk25, so Is it worth it for iPhone/ ipad user for beatmaker? Or just buying like lpk25 model and as you know that LPK25 is more simple menu for sampling?

[@whaleheadcoda]

Big fan of your reviews and product demos! Great work.

[@agentmirv]

Oh man, I was thinking of pulling the trigger on an Arturia Minilab Mk2 when this popped up in my feed.

[@AlejandroCaicedoPUJ]

Same dilemma right here now

[@sweetgoose64]

Keep in mind the novation mini controllers for ableton are really light and the build quality is not metal like the cheapest Arturia Minilab. I have the version before this one and the body is as light as a cup of water, and the knobs feel like they're about to snap from the inside of the board.

[@UloPe]

I’m in the same boat, the MiniLab is already in the mail. But I think I prefer the endless encoders over the pots.

[@IceGuitarist23]

Any decision been made?I'm having the same dilemma

[@agentmirv]

@@IceGuitarist23 I haven't made the purchase yet, but for me it's going to be the Launchkey Mini Mk3. I'm already using Ableton Live (Lite). I like having more pads vs more knobs. The mutate/deviate on the built-in arp looks fun. The dedicated play and record buttons are nice. I have a couple of hardware synths, so the midi out would be useful for that. The software package is nice, but I'm not sure if its any better than the one offered by Arturia for the Minilab.

[@Flypidge]

3:15 love that piece of music, can't remember where it's from. Is it the film "moon"

[@loopop]

yes

[@Flypidge]

@@loopop you make it look so easy, thanks for the vid, it makes learning a lot easier.

[@boimesa8190]

So what about the transpose function, why didn't u quickly show it off? And what could be a good use for the program change and midi channel shift controls??

[@santiagococa2645]

What is the use of the Transpose Button 😔 no video talks about it...

[@sriharshaeati]

Excellent walk-through. As usual!. Quick question. Do you know if there is a way to store multiple custom modes in a memory bank within the unit?. i am trying to use it with the 1010 Blackbox and am looking to create a second bank of the knobs to control volume levels of the 9-16 channels. Thanks.

[@noahkadner7756]

Is that Welcome to Lunar Industries from the Moon soundtrack @3:10?

[@loopop]

yep...

[@Anistheworld]

Hello you are Amazing .just i want to know if i can use expression pedal Not sustain pedal .thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️

[@xselfcreative]

Thanks alot 🙏 another great review. A question, I have Waldorf Blofeld synth it has 5 pin midi in and also usb midi in and out. I was thinking about getting this midi keyboard to use with blofeld but I wonder can Blofeld power Launchkey via it’s usb output? Thanks in advance.

[@mehdisahaby6430]

Super dooper reviews 👍 thank you

[@सत्यईमानदारी]

4:20 Can i connect my electric guitar directly to launchkey mini mk3 using iRig?

[@stevemoore9419]

It is a midi controller, you can't plug anything Audio into it. Use your iRig into the audio input/output of your device.

[@TheRedAnvil40]

Thank you so much for this. So informative! You got a new sub.

[@qwe1212bb]

Great review, thank you. Everything to the point. thinking about purchasing it to use with my iRig pro duo I/o.

[@QuentinDamour]

Hi there ! thank's for this really well made video, I was wondering if i can plug my pedal to this and assign it to the Rec button of ableton (for now i'm plugged in the Input2 of the Push but i need a more lightweight option for travelling) also would you say it's sturdy enough to just throw in a suitcase without extra protection ? Thank's a lot !

[@boimesa8190]

I just got it and I'd say probably yes an YES! U can always chat with Novation themselves via Facebook or something ;)

[@QuentinDamour]

@@boimesa8190 thank's mate !

[@pradikarevianda3886]

the arp tempo only set with the knop? on dawless setup, any other trigger like cv clock in or manual set by digital parameter 😅. I think I need about to arp bpm sync or just mark on parameter knop 😀

[@AlphaMachina]

I could see using that arpeggio with deviate and mutate to control samples for some cool glitch tracks.

[@SamsonBrock42]

Curious if Novation fixed the problem with the shift key and Session Navigation? I read somewhere else this issue presented a problem with Live Looping.

[@myrenmusic1611]

the arp functions are soo coool

[@MCRoadk1ll]

@11:13 EPIC! (Davie504 style) "alien invasion starts" 👍

[@lisuardo5280]

Wena compare!! Esta buenísimo , me quedo todo muy claro !!! Gracias!!!!

[@Cherrysodastudios]

I just ordered one but then went down the launchpad pro/x rabbit hole. I already own a Roli seaboard block/block, but want faster Ableton integration and thought it wouldn’t hurt to have a pair of regular keys but I don’t wanna crowd my desk or over buy things I’m going to grow out of shortly. Thoughts on learning my way around the launchkey first and getting a larger controller down the line as my skill set improves or return the launchkey and just rock the Rolis with a launchpad now?

[@BackspinZX]

I wonder if you can pair the Fixed Chord Mode together with the Arpeggiator a la Arturia's Keylab for arpeggiated chords? I also wonder if there's the ability to switch what MIDI Channel it's playing on? Possibly something I should go manual-diving on...

[@filiprangus5826]

3:25 what vst piano is this? And 18:38? And thanks for another precise, no crap walkaroung guide

[@loopop]

Thanks! Arturia Piano V2

[@filiprangus5826]

@@loopop thank you !

[@AllaMortify]

How does this compare to Arturia's Keystep? I had thought this was basically just for PC/MAC/Laptop use, but I see that it can be connected to a variety of different types of gear.

[@mikebike_0474]

The fucking best video for undersand quickly your Launckey MIDI. THANKS A LOT

[@MediaMusik777]

also need a null on the color leds for the pads so lets say i want the color to be null when button is not pressed and red when pressed we need a null option since we have full rgb pads no excuse now and those future spots please add the mouse control thanks

[@ZukunftBilden]

Is Novation launchkey mini mk3 or the akai mpk mini mk2 better - if you work with ableton live10? (why?)