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Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 49-key Keyboard Controller

49-note USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Synth-action Keys, 8 Knobs, 9 Faders, 16 Pads, Dedicated Transport Controls, and Bundled Software
$229.99

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Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 49-key Keyboard Controller
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We Have Liftoff with Novation’s Launchkey 49

Whether you’re launching clips in Ableton Live or composing in any other major DAW, you want streamlined, tightly integrated control over your music creation process, and that’s just what you get with the Novation Launchkey 49. Its predecessors have been runaway best-sellers at Sweetwater, and Novation has taken all the user feedback from the previous iterations and plowed it into a third-generation MIDI keyboard controller that’s improved in every way. Packing hot new features like Scale and Chord Modes, a powerful arpeggiator, and larger velocity-sensitive pads with optimized response, the Launchkey 49 MK3 is more intuitive to use than ever — and the quickest way to get your music from your head to your speakers.

New Scale Modes

Perhaps the most exciting new feature of the Launchkey 49 MK3 is its eight onboard Scale Modes. We all use modes, whether we realize it or not. Now with the 3rd-gen Launchkey, you can lay down a smokin’ Mixolydian bass line or rock out a sweet solo in Dorian mode without getting bogged down in music theory. (Of course, knowing a little theory never hurt any musician!) Scale Modes transpose the keys you play into notes of the scale you’ve chosen. You just select your root note and the scale you want, and then play. No matter how accomplished a keyboardist you are, Launchkey will streamline your creative process and expand your musical vocabulary.

New Chord Modes, Arpeggiator, and Mutate

Chord Modes change the Launchkey MK3’s keys and pads into an interactive control surface for music exploration, in which every note you play is tonally and harmonically associated. The arpeggiator lets you explore new ideas and nail the perfect melodies quickly, while the mutate function reassembles your patterns into exciting new musical statements.

New Custom Modes

Custom Modes simplify communications between controller and software, putting more power than ever right at your fingertips. Programmable using the browser-based Novation Components tool, Custom Modes let you customize the behavior of your Launchkey, giving you total mastery over control assignments, MIDI routing, pad color, and more.

New Connect your external gear

If you use external gear with a 5-pin MIDI DIN connection, the Novation Launchkey 49 has you covered. Connect your hardware synths and devices to your rig and control everything from your Launchkey, whether you use it standalone or with a computer. Previous-generation Launchkey models didn’t have this feature, and we’re very happy that Novation has included it on the Launchkey 49 MK3!

New Larger, more sensitive pads, and more

The Launchkey platform has always been about unfettered musical expression, and the MK3 revision carries this mantra forward. The Launchkey 49 MK3’s larger velocity-sensitive pads give you greater control over dynamics, while its eight fixed rotary knobs bring your software instruments to life with effortless, real-time performance control. Integration with Ableton Live is airtight, with a dedicated button for activating Capture MIDI functionality, plus track arm, quantize, and click and looping controls, so you can fly around your Session quicker and easier than ever.

Designed for Ableton, works with any major DAW

Many musicians at Sweetwater use Ableton and love the streamlined workflow they get from Novation’s Launchkey controllers. That’s because Novation designed the Launchkey’s controls to integrate immediately and seamlessly with Ableton Live. All the controls are completely assignable, however. And if you do use another major DAW, the Novation Launchkey 49 will instantly map to it. Launchkey has full integration with Logic and Reason, plus native functionality with other major DAWs, including Studio One, Cubase, and Pro Tools, via HUI.

Hit the ground running, right out of the box

Whether you’re just starting out or locked in the groove, Launchkey 49 is the keyboard controller that takes you further on your musical journey. Shipping with a powerful software bundle of virtual instruments, plug-ins, and sample packs that includes Ableton Live 10 Lite, Spitfire Audio LABS Expressive Strings, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, Klevgrand R0Verb and DAW Cassette, and AAS Session Bundle; Launchkey 49 gives you everything you need to hit the ground running, right out of the box! Start making music immediately with Novation’s Launchkey 49.

Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 Keyboard Controller Features:

  • Optimized for Ableton Live with immediate access to all the controls you need
  • Instantly maps to most major DAWS
  • 49 velocity-sensitive synth-style keys
  • Easy-to-read 16 x 2 character screen
  • 16 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive pads
  • Pitch bend and modulation wheels
  • 8 rotary knobs, 9 x 45mm sliders
  • 5-pin MIDI out socket
  • Arm/select buttons
  • Octave up/down buttons
  • Play/stop/record/loop button
  • Track navigation buttons
  • Capture MIDI/quantize/click/undo buttons
  • 1-touch access to Ableton’s Capture MIDI feature
  • Stop/solo/mute buttons
  • Scene launch button
  • Device select/device lock buttons
  • Arp/scale/fixed chord buttons
  • Powerful arpeggiator takes you melodies to the next level
  • Scale modes transpose keys and pads to notes in the selected scale
  • 3 chord modes (fixed, scale and user) let you trigger chords with one finger
  • 4 Custom Modes for creating unique control setups for any performance or studio rig
  • USB B socket, Kensington security slot
  • Sustain pedal 1/4-inch jack socket
  • USB bus powered; power supply not included
  • Includes USB A to B cable
  • 3-year warranty
  • Included software bundle

Included Software:

  • Ableton Live 10 Lite DAW software
  • Spitfire Audio LABS Expressive Strings (exclusive for Launchkey MK3 owners)
  • Your choice of XLN Addictive Keys instrument with product registration
  • Klevgrand R0Verb and DAW Cassette
  • AAS Session Bundle

Warranty Info

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Controller
  • Number of Keys: 49
  • Type of Keys: Synth action
  • Velocity Sensitive: Yes
  • Pads: 16 x RGB, Velocity-sensitive Pads
  • Other Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
  • Encoders/Pots: 8 x Rotary Knobs
  • Faders: 9 x 45mm Faders
  • Dedicated Transport Control: Play, Stop, Record, Loop
  • Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (sustain)
  • MIDI I/O: Out/USB
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • Computer Connectivity: USB
  • Features: Scale Modes, Chord Modes, Arpeggiator, HUI DAW Control
  • Software: Ableton Live Lite, Virtual Instrument and Sample Plug-in Bundle
  • OS Requirements - Mac: OS X 10.11 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 7 SP1 or later
  • Power Supply: USB Bus powered
  • Height: 3.03"
  • Width: 31.06"
  • Depth: 10.16"
  • Weight: 6.68 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: AMS-LAUNCHKEY-49-MK3

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Great keyboard at a fair price

I am not a keyboardist. I needed a midi interface for my Studio One DAW. My Windows 10 PC recognized it immediately, latest drivers were easy to find, download, and install, and integrating it with Studio One 6 was simple - once I stopped trying to use a 5-pin midi cable and learn about USB midi, which wasn't invented yet the last time I worked with midi LOL. All in all, thus far, this keyboard is what I expected it to be.
Music background: Lifelong musician and audio enthusiast
Rated 5/5

Definitely recommend! Amazing keyboard controller!

I have been having a lot of fun with the Novation Launchkey and I am really glad that I bought this keyboard controller - I use the Novation Launchkey for both Ableton and Studio One 5's Professionals/Studio One Artist 5.
All hands on keyboard while mixing and creating with one of my favorite Additive Keys, software which came with this Novation Launchkey along with other software - I'm extremely pleased with this purchase. Thank you Sweetwater! Great service and amazing equipment, software and more!
Rated 5/5

Great keyboard

As a church bassist learning keys, I needed a larger key bed to play bigger chords. This completely fits the bill. Novation boards interface nicely with my Sunday keys app, and Ableton Live. Easily transportable with the Novation case, I am on my way to being a more complete musician.
Music background: Jazz and church bassist learning keys
Rated 5/5

Key’s review

Everything I imagined it would be. Thanks to Ed Needler for support on my purchase!!
Rated 5/5

Yes!!! I like it!

I have a mk3 mini and wanted a larger keyboard. This is what I landed on. 49 keys, I counted them. You have to be careful, sometimes they leave out the high C thinking you won't notice.

It works seamlessly with Ableton. I only have Ableton Live 11 lite (which still has a gazillion things you can create with) because I am an el-cheapo. I hope that term isn't culturally offensive to anyone.

Anyway, plug in and go to town, basically, with Ableton. It gives you the option of controlling parameters from the keyboard itself, as opposed to pointing, clicking, dragging, etc. in Ableton. The pads are very responsive, they have a great "feel" to them when you use them.

The keys are not weighted, although they do come in the traditional white and black style. Even though they are not weighted, you can still play loudly or softly depending on how hard you bang on them.

This came with a free instrument you can download from Novation. You can pick from a few. I chose the grand piano set. I was really impressed with this. It has a standalone program that you can run if you just want to "mess around" or give a concert or whatnot. I like this because you don't have to fire up Ableton and pick a track, load the sound, etc. Within the program, it also has about 30 presets for the grand. In addition to this, you can also tweak the sound by changing microphone type and distance, and using a few effects. It has a really great sound, in my opinion. Like, you can play the intro to the Fallout games and it sounds spot-on!

It has an LED screen that you can use to navigate with. I have not even used it yet.

Overall, I really like this keyboard, it suits my needs very well.
Music background: home studio hobbyist
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