Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 (opened)

The Novation Launchkey MK4 is the fourth generation of one of the most popular MIDI keyboard controller series in the world. The main change and improvement over the previous version is the new keyboard, which is better balanced and mimics the action of an acoustic piano, while the new key profile offers improved playability. The larger models (49 and 61) also feature separate coil springs for each key, resulting in a smoother and more consistent feel when pressing the keys.

The Novation Launchkey 61 is a powerful DAW controller with a semi-weighted waterfall-type keyboard, eight continuous encoders, nine faders and 16 pressure-sensitive pads for finger drumming and clip triggering. The controller also includes creative Chord and Scale modes that work with the OLED display to make it easy to stay in tune.

Advanced DAW control is one of the key features where Launchkey excels. Seamless control of Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Reaper, Reason, and Ardour is available as soon as you plug it in, with no need to set anything up. You get hardware-supported controls that give you full control over transport functions, timeline navigation, mixing and EQ, clip triggering, and instrument and effect parameters. And when you use Session View in Ableton Live or Live Loops in Logic, the 16 drum pads turn into Launchpad-style clip triggers with RGB backlighting that perfectly matches what you see on screen. You can also create custom mappings for personalized control with the free Components software.

The 16 dynamically responsive pads feature polyphonic aftertouch for playing drums and instruments and launching clips. Unlike standard pads, each Launchkeys features a unique radial pickup that increases sensitivity and improves consistency for even better performance.

Creative features are built into the hardware itself, so they work equally well in your DAW, with hardware synths, or on your mobile devices. Scale mode now lets you lock the keyboard to one of 30 different scales to eliminate wrong notes, or even map all notes to white keys only. Fixed Chord mode triggers full chords from a single key, and the new Chord Maps go even further and allow you to create emotive progressions from Launchkey pads. The latest iteration of the brilliant arpeggiator makes it easier than ever to create sequences for endless inspiration.

Want to control multiple instruments at once? You can split the Kaviatura Launchkey 61 into two zones and play one with each hand, or layer two MIDI channels on all 61 keys and send the same notes to both.

Launchkey controllers feature a classic analog MIDI output, so you can use them to play with sound modules, samplers or synthesizers at ease. They're also fully compatible with iOS mobile devices thanks to the USB power option, where you can use the free Novation Launchpad app.

A very rich software suite is also an integral part of the Launkey :
- Ableton Live Lite DAW
- GForce bundle: Oberheim SEM, Oberheim OB-EZ, GForce AXXESS
- Orchestral Tools Parallel Orchestras bundle: Delicate Piano, Flautando Strings, Percussion FX, Shadowy, Paradox Texture, Woodwind Parallax
- Klevgrand bundle: LUXE, R0Verb, Slammer
- Melodics Lessons