Novation Launchkey Mk4 // All The Cool Bits

[@RaquelFoster]

Differences from Mk3: - new endless encoders - new layout = faders on the left, pads on the right, screen in the middle, wheels moved to the top on 49/61 - kinda-semi-weighted keys on the 49/61 - keyboard split on the 49/61 lets you play 2 channels - minis now have a screen, and new mini 37 model If you use the pitch/mod wheels, the new layout sucks. But I get it. Most people are completely ITB so they don't do anything live and never use the wheels. If they want to do a pitch bend they're going to draw the automation with a mouse. The poly aftertouch pads are the same as Mk3. The standout feature if you're using outboard gear is how easy it is to remap the pads/faders/encoders in Components (standalone or web app). It's much better than Arturia's MIDI app for the KeyLabs. Launchkeys are the best commodity keyboards. I'll stick to the Mk3 because I use the pitch/mod wheels. It's a good time to get a Mk3 because Novation is selling B-stock ones super cheap on Reverb.

[@StarskyCarr]

Thanks, and pinned 👍😀

[@NovationTV]

We took a bit of a different approach with the Launchkey MK4. Instead of just designing another MIDI controller, we wanted to create something that felt more like an instrument-something truly playable and expressive. That led to a few key changes that set the MK4 apart. The keybed got a major upgrade. On the 49- and 61-key models, we gave it a semi-weighted feel, making it way more responsive and expressive. We also moved the faders to the left side of the keyboard. If you're working on something like film scoring, it’s great for having your left hand control the orchestral elements, while your right hand can focus on other parts of the composition. The drum pads also got a big improvement. They're now much more responsive and have a better overall feel compared to the MK3, giving you more control and expression. Then there are the new pad modes. One of the coolest ones is the Chord Map Pad Mode, which gives you access to 40 chord banks that are tailored to your chosen scale. It opens up a ton of possibilities for creating interesting progressions, and the Adventure, Explore, Spread, and Roll controls make it super easy to experiment with different ideas. We also bumped up the number of scales from the 8 on the MK3 to a total of 30, giving you way more options to work with. The MK4 also takes integration with Ableton Live up a notch. The Drum and Melody Sequencer Pad Modes and Arp Pattern Mode let you edit steps right onto the pads, making it way easier to tweak and experiment with your sequences in real-time.

[@walidmmantar]

@@NovationTVhello novation, does it support expression pedal and will it support half-damper in any firmware update in the future? also i want to ask about the key-off message if is supported 0-127 or just at a certain value my best regards, walid

[@aventurenumerique2010]

@@NovationTV Wheels on the top doesn’t make it « more like an instrument » than having them on left. Perhaps ok for the 49-key or less versions. But please, if one go for the 61-key model, then the weels have to be on the left of the keyboard.

[@PaulJohnsonUK]

One stand out for novation is their customer service is excellent. I had a faulty unit 11 months old, no quibbles they arranged delivery of replacement and at same time pick up of the faulty unit. In this day and age such fast and pain free service is rare. The MK3 is excellent, not seeing much in MK4 to justify upgrading but for those wanting tight integration with Ableton and plenty of pots / faders for tactile control of plugins this is a fine choice.

[@apoclypse]

Damn Novation keeps updating the Launchkey but nothing on the SL?

[@aventurenumerique2010]

Because SL sells way less than Launckeys ?

[@Sonmz]

I'm looking forward to the new SL as well.

[@TearyHistory]

What about the keybed ?

i have one, i think they keybed is pretty good for a cheap semi weighted. better than m-audio, similar to my roland go:keys but with stiffer black keys

[@qwe1231]

The 49- and 61-key models got an upgrade to semi-weighted.

[@StarskyCarr]

It feels nice. Better than I was expecting for the price tbh. If it felt shoddy I’d have noticed, but it sits well alongside my more expensive synths.

[@qwe1231]

@@StarskyCarr The LaunchKey 49/61 are the sweet spot in keybed if you have the room and the budget. The 25/37 haven't changed much. And the mini line keybed remain terrible but the Ableton functionality of the hardware helps make up for that. It's a shame though that the mini 25 mk4 weighs something like half of the Minilab3, and feels like junk side-by-side.

[@markslandingsandaviationvi3123]

Imagine this, but with motorised faders🤩

[@occipitalknot]

When can we expect an updated SL mk3? Hopefully an 88 key version this time 🤞

[@Vim-Wolf]

I know where you're coming from. I've been contemplating the Native Instruments S88 Mk3 which has a weighted bed (not everyone's thing I know) but has poly aftertouch - on 88 keys! Now the price has dropped a bit I think it's worth a look.

[@TimBoulette]

I noticed yesterday that the old one is no longer available from Sweetwater so hopefully that means soonishly.

[@herschoolcolors]

What VST are you using in the arp section (eg 13:20)?

[@Grant82gc]

I was gonna update to this model from the mk3 but they swapped the faders and pots around, that's a ergonomic nightmare for me, I like having the faders in the middle for mixing down tunes. If I get the mk4 I have to cross myself up as my dominant hand is on the right .

[@Vim-Wolf]

Very interesting. I'm wondering what the keybed is like, I'm currently using SL Mk2's as my main controllers as they have the lovely Fatar bed on them.

[@StarskyCarr]

I never mentioned the keybed as it’s a very subjective thing. This feels nice but I can’t compare with the mk2. I can say it feels marginally better than the Arturia Keylab mk3 but don’t have any other to compare it with. It feels good for the price.

[@EannaButler]

As others have said, the 49 and 61 keybeds are better than the 25 and 37. I had a 25 SL Mk2, now on a 37 LK Mk4, the SL Mk2 had a better keybed I think, but it’s not bad-bad on the smaller LK Mk4 range, and apparently the larger range is better again.. No aftertouch on the 25/37 either btw..

[@moguld4419]

@@EannaButler I have this Launchkey 49.I went to the music store and tried them all, I liked this one the best, as well as the Keylab Mk3, but it's twice the price. If you like lighter keyboards, you'll like it. The M audio oxygen pro isn't bad either, but it has a lil bit better keybed

[@mcdormands]

@@moguld4419 Oxygen Pro has a better keyed than Launchkey MK4?

[@Ancaja123]

I have only one question: can the pads be mapped to change the midi channel going out of it? Can I stack midi channels going out at the click of a button/pad(s)? I use Ensoniq keyboards as my master keyboard because of this ability, it’s really handy for multitimbral settings. Yet to see it on a new midi controller

[@drvl7n]

Why will no one explain the split function clearly? I can't get it to work and there is a severe lack of info on how to set it up.

[@StarskyCarr]

I never use splits, what’s the issue?

[@nebula0697]

Stranger things was pretty fun but it's so long between seasons you forget the plot. I mean, the eighties, a parallel reality, Winona Ryder, reminiscent of ET, a monster, a child with powers managed by the military, called 11. Russian prison camp. And the arpeggio. And the baby monster that fell into a sink.

[@ThisOldCelt]

is there normal aftertouch on the keys ?

[@mudi2000a]

No

[@ГоленковМаксим]

What do you think is better? Novanion Launchkey 61 or Arturia Keylab 61?

[@moguld4419]

@@ГоленковМаксим I bought this just 49 key version,its quality keyboard,but I liked Keylab Mk3 too,just its double the price.Both of them is Best choice.Try them out,and pick you one.

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

I’m excited to be seeing deals on the mk3 soon!

[@qwe1231]

Sure, if you want a worse keybed, fewer pad modes like Chord Map, fewer scales, worse Ableton integration, no melody sequence modes, and no excellent Klevgrand and GForce plugins.

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

Yep, for the right price that’s what I want.

[@nebula0697]

"Little Red Corvette... baby you're much too fast". That was the killer tune. When you could compare a woman to an automobile and it went over reasonably well. Although it always seemed weird really.

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

Prince was wild. Don’t ask what Raspberry Beret was about, or why she walked in through the out door…

[@annother3350]

I preferred the UK version - Little Red Chevette

[@hvhvgitaar]

The big problem with these is the keybed. Wasn’t great on the Mk3 and doesn’t look changed. No aftertouch is also disappointing ….

[@DopamineOverload]

Ridiculous oversight--- the Custom modes do not allow the encoders to operate in Relative Mode. They are simple "min to max" encoders. Might as well just be knobs. They need to fix this IMMEDIATELY with a firmware update. Two firmware updates since launch, and still not addressed. Additionally, the Play button the Mini 37 does not send a MIDI message. The Record button does (CC117, Ch16). Ridiculous.

[@mUtech2021]

It's a nice option but, it looks cheap / poorly made. A common problem with controller keyboards nowadays I guess.

[@kastheone]

so........ no real difference from the mk3

[@jacquesmertens3369]

Sorry, no midi 2.0 = no reason to buy. The year is nearly 2025, I would like to invest in new hardware, so it'd better be compatible with the latest standard and have functionalities that only midi 2.0 offers. If Novation want my hard earned cash they need to get their act together.

[@StarskyCarr]

I don’t think I’ve got anything or used anything with MIDI 2. Maybe I have but didn’t realise. What has it? Genuine question. 👍

[@nebula0697]

What does midi 2.0 offer? I have no idea.

[@rickfletcher]

What's your reasoning for MIDI 2.0? Is there something specific?

[@jacquesmertens3369]

@@StarskyCarr Recent midi keyboards from other brands, with midi 2.0, offer 2-way communication between your DAW and the keyboard. This means the keyboard is instantly recognized, all knobs and buttons are automatically assigned and you have parameters on the keyboard that change function depending on the instrument etc. In addition you also have a huge speed increase and an increased value range.

[@mudi2000a]

@@jacquesmertens3369this also works already today without MIDI 2.0. At least with Ableton and Bitwig for a lot of devices.

[@principedegales7092]

Boring