Novation LaunchKey Mini MK3 Midi Keyboard
Novation Launchkey Mini (MK3) 25-Key MIDI Keyboard
Novation has come up with a new and improved version of the LaunchKey Mini. The Launchkey Mini Mk3 is designed to be a portable controller for Ableton Live and the Mk3 reworking brings it line with the style of their SL Mk3 super-controller.
The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 has a sleek design that is similar to its predecessor, the Mini MK2. As well as its 25 mini keys – which Novation says are its best, most responsive yet – this sports new pitch and modulation touchstrips, a sustain pedal input, and new RGB backlighting for the 16 pads. The LaunchKey Mini Mk3 has an arpeggiator. It can run up to 4 octaves in multiple directions and rhythms with swing and adjustable gate time. It has a Mutate mode which brings in interesting variations and a Deviate rhythm to explore a bit of unexpected movement. There is more, though, with the Fixed Chord mode and arpeggiator enabling you to trigger chords with a single note and turn held chords into riffs, melodies and sequences. The Fixed Chord enables you to store any chord you play and then play that same chord on any key you press and the chord stays in memory until you hit the button again.
LaunchKey Mini is designed for controlling Ableton Live 10 and there is a free “Lite” copy in the box to get you started. You can trigger Live 10’s Capture MIDI feature with a dedicated button, operate the transport and mixer, and tweak Device Macros with the eight included rotary controllers. This feature would enable you to cut down on your mouse and keyboard time.
Novation LaunchKey Mini Mk3 comes with mapping templates for other DAWs, too, while a MIDI Out means that it can be used with hardware synths as well. The supplied software bundle includes virtual instruments and plugin effects from AAS, Softube, Spitfire Audio, XLN Audio and Klevgrand.
The Novation LaunchKey Mini Mk3 is available now.
