Novation Launchkey 49, 49-key USB/iOS MIDI Keyboard Controller with Synth-weighted Keys

I was in the market for a MIDI Controller and being a college student I'm on a budget. I couldn't afford nor did I have the space for anything large. I am very frugal and like to know what I am paying for, I researched for a good 4 months about mini MIDI controllers as there are many in the pack. I was torn between the Akai mpk mini and this Novation Launchkey Mini. I nearly bought the Akai just because so many more people reviewed it but I took a chance and I am thoroughly pleased with my choice. What I could find on the Launchkey Mini amazed me though. I love the look of it, simplistic, compact and yet still so versatile. The sixteen velocity sensitive pads feel amazing. When I took it out of the box and felt the pads I wasn't sure what to expect, I have no complaints about them. The keys I've read other people say are spring which I suppose is true but I have no problem with them or complaints about it. The software it comes with is also great, I haven't played around with Abelton too much yet but I plan on getting to know it, I love the Incontrol that the Launchkey Mini has. Setting it up is super easy and the support video on Novation is very helpful. What I chose the Launchkey over the Akai -16 pads rather than 8 with 2 pad banks appealed more to me, just preference -the overall layout, I like the knobs being in line with the pads -it is a little foolish I realize but this video,[...] -the software package included -the look was sleek and clean and simple I have only had it for a few days and will post updates if I have any complaints. I don't think you could go wrong with the Akai mpk mini either, I'm sure it's a great little controller but don't write this one off because it's not as popular. *UPDATE* I agree with other reviews about the usb connection, it was fine at first and now I have to fiddle with it and be careful not to touch it after I get it to recognize the connection. Also I do like the pads a lot, however I think they are more for launching clips and scenes rather than tapping out intricate drum beats.

This is not too basic or complex. It can be used as a piano/keyboard/synth and a control surface for your DAW. With it, you can control basic functions, VST,s, and even automation lanes. The buttons, knobs, and keys operate with smooth action. The unit is not too heavy to keep in your lap if you need to. The pads and keys can be setup to different instruments. Separate mod and pitch wheels allow for precision voicing of the notes you are expressing. Novation provides tech support and a thriving forum to help you learn and resolve issues. Of course, since this is the small version, the range of the keyboard you wish to play on is selectable and on the fly too. This has really opened up my creativity and it fits very well into my home studio. On the down side, it does not have an off switch. Why? Why? Why? You can make your own with an active USB 2.0 hub. Active hubs use a separate power source. I have had no success using this with USB 3.0. Since the size is not too big, and the weight is not too heavy, I've mounted mine, with Velcro, to an articulating laptop table. *** BONUS*** Even though it is not listed in the product description, currently, Novation is bundling this with a free copy of Ableton Live 9 Lite, V Station, and Base Station. If your box does not contain a CD, check your registration card for a bundle code. If you have problems beyond that, email them or use their forum. They WILL help you. They helped me. Now, I've got more goodies in my toolbox. These are products I use, and have reviewed, with this item. To read my other reviews, click the link "See all my reviews" which is next to my name: M-Audio SP-2 Sustain Pedal with Piano Style Action for Keyboards Single Laptop / Notebook Desk Mount / Stand Fully Adjustable Extension with Clamp STAND-V001L (by VIVO) Gator 14 x 14 Inches up to 22 x 22 Inches Mixer Cover (GMC-2222) Acoustica Mixcraft Pro Studio 6 Academic CAD Audio MH310 Closed-Back Studio Headphones

The Launchkey 61 is superb value for money IMO. I've been using it for a few weeks now, and though i'm not in any way a Keyboard player - i'm a drummer (no jokes please) when used along with Ableton LIve 9 this controller its just sooooooo much fun to use !! Which is partly why i bought it. I needed some serious 'hands-on" with my software !! I use Logic Pro X too - and while Logic is better at certain things when compared to Live - its just not as inspirational to use (for composition at least) and isn't anywhere near as easy to set-up for use with the Launchkey. It works - kind of - if you fiddle around. In Live 9 though, everything just works straight away - once you choose it in Live's Preferences that is. :-) Build quality is decent for the money too - its all very 'plastic' in construction - but still quite solid. The trigger pads feel nice even when new - and the knobs and buttons (if a bit spongy) are pretty good too. There are a few over-sights/omissions though - like no dedicated midi ports (USB only) - no 'off' button (really?) and no Aftertouch. But at this price - for a 61 key controller with all these buttons, pads and faders on it - i'm not really complaining. Recommended - even for drummers. ;-)

Nos ha resultado perfecto para lo que queríamos, ha sido en un campus de formación para el área de musica donde los chicos desarrollan un proyecto personal.

Good product

Ich habe diesen Artikel bestellt um Musik zu machen und als Erweiterung für meinen Turnhalle zum Musik mixen. Ich muss sagen, meine Erwartungen wurden stark übertroffen, sehr empfehlenswert!

I was looking for a decent, relatively cheap midi controller that integrates seamlessly with Cubase 7 and that's exactly what I got with the Launchkey 49. Power is via USB cable, although there is a 9V socket if you're running it from a laptop not plugged into the mains (there's no 9V adapter though, you've gotta get your own if you need one). Build quality is pretty good considering the price. There's a bit of 'wiggle' to the sliders and rotaries but nothing much to worry about, certainly not the worst I've come across. The unit itself is solid. Key action is good, don't expect semi-weighted but, again, you've probably used much worse. There's no software CD included, everything needed is easily downloaded from the Novation website, where there's a useful set-up guide, user manual and video tutorials for DAW integration. The best part - DAW integration is child's play using the 'In Control' feature. A couple of mouseclicks in Cubase's device setup and it's all sorted, fully mapped to various key features in the DAW. You instantly have control of the transport panel (buttons for play, stop, record, loop, and fast forward/rewind), left to right track select buttons, 8 sliders mapped to the track volumes and 8 buttons for mute and solo, which are all transposable to the next 8 tracks (and so on) using 1 button press. There are 8 rotary dials mapped to the pan of each track and 16 velocity-sensitive pads for drum activation. Different sections of the 'In Control' feature can, with one button press, easily be deactivated so all sliders, rotaries and buttons are then midi configurable for use with soft synths etc. I'm struggling to find downsides, but if I'm pushed - no standard five-pin midi sockets (no big deal if you're using it for DAW control). Also, assignable drum-pads would have been nice instead of them being automatically configured. Again, not a deal-breaker. All in all, I'm really pleased with this purchase and wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to someone looking at this price range for a controller with easy Cubase integration (apparantly, integration is even better for Ableton users) and pretty decent build quality. Top marks.