Novation Launchkey 88 - Secondhand

Full Description

What's new in Firmware 1.2?

The Firmware 1.2 update for the Novation Launchkey series introduces a trio of enhancements that significantly boost its functionality and ease of use. First, it brings a vital improvement for those using external gear like sequencers and grooveboxes; the Play and Stop buttons now transmit Start/Stop messages over USB and MIDI outside a DAW environment, with Launchkey Mini featuring a straightforward Play to Start/Stop functionality. Secondly, the update enhances visual feedback—controls light up in response to matching incoming MIDI messages, providing a clear visual indication of their state, available for both Pads and Fader buttons across various models. Lastly, users gain the ability to preset their preferred Fader, Pad, and Port modes for immediate access upon startup, although this feature excludes the Launchkey Mini model. This update, accessible through Components, marks a significant step towards a more intuitive and efficient workflow for Launchkey users.

Maximum expression with velocity-sensitive keys and pads

Translate emotion into sound with the highly expressive keybed. The velocity-sensitive keys react to the force of your touch. For example, striking the key hard will result in a more brash and in-your-face sound; subtly pressing the key will result in a softer tone ideal for adding nuances to your performance.

The onboard performance pads have been upgraded from the MK2, with a larger and more expressive design. The pads also react to the force of your touch, resulting in more dynamic performances. The backlit pads are perfect for finger-drumming, triggering samples, creating melodies and much more.

New ways to create melodies and chords

The Launchkey 88 MK3 employs multiple new ways to interact with sounds and new ways to create melodies. The new three chord modes allow you to trigger chords from hitting a single note. This is highly useful not only when creating music but also for live performances. The three chord modes are comprised of fixed, scale and user, with the latter allowing you to dictate your own chord patterns.

The new scale modes also allow you to transpose both the keybed and pads to trigger notes in a selected scale. This is ideal for creating melodies, allowing you to hit any key and create something coherent and in key. The versatile arpeggiator allows you to create rhythmic melodic pieces with ease.

Take full control with faders, encoders and more

In addition to expressive keybed and pads, the Launchkey 88 MK3 employs a range of transport controls, encoders and faders for maximum control of your music software and virtual instruments. The encoders and faders are perfect for controlling automation and tweaking parameters within instruments and effects. The deep integration with Ableton takes the transport controls to the next level, minimising the need to switch computer and controller.

Make music immediately with jam-packed software bundle

Getting started with music doesn't need to be difficult. The Launchkey 88 includes a huge range of virtual instruments, plug-ins and DAWs to get started with music creation instantly. First and foremost, Launchkey 88 comes with Ableton Live Lite, a powerful and flexible DAW that boasts deep integration with your new keyboard. Ideal for electronic music creators, DJ's and producers, Ableton offers unrivalled customisation, onboard sounds and creativity-enhancing tools to supercharge your workflow.

Outside of the sounds available to you inside of Ableton Live Lite, Launchkey 88 also comes with XLN Audio Addictive Keys, AAS Session Bundle and Spitfire Audio Expression Strings. Some of the biggest names in the industry, this collection of virtual instruments spans everything from immaculate pianos, modern and quirky synths, electric guitar models and classic strings. Eclectic musicians will take full advantage of the uniques presented, ensuring you can create the most high-quality, realistic and authentic music as possible.

Processing your new virtual instruments is made simple with the inclusion of Klevgrand DAW Cassette and Reverb. DAW Cassette is a quick and easy way to add analog character and vintage tape sounds to your recordings whilst Reverb places your music in a unique space, adding depth and ambience.

Features

• Premium semi-weighted 88-key keyboard with full-size keys
• Take your performance to the next level with 16 velocity-sensitive pads
• Seamless DAW integration across most major DAWs
• Take your music to new melodic, harmonic and rhythmic places using powerful onboard arpeggiator with Strum mode
• Trigger chords with one finger in three unique modes (fixed, scale and user)
• Control your favourite synths and hardware using MIDI output to perform however you want
• Adjustable velocity curve ensures dynamic playing can be registered effectively
• Make parameter adjustments using the nine onboard faders
• Eight assignable onboard rotary potentiometers offers macro setting adjustments
• Easy-to-read s16x2 character screen lets you easily see the state of what you’re controlling or selecting
• Deep script integration for Ableton, Logic, Cubase and Reason
• HUI integration for most other major DAWs including Pro Tools, Repeaer, Studio One and more
• Take control of volume, pan, send levels, recording and transport controls, MIDI program changes and more with assignable custom mappings
• Never hit a wrong note with Scale modes; transpose keys and pads to notes in the selected scale
• Select from eight included scale types in combination with Chord mode to explore new musical ideas
• Get creative with chords – Three chord modes (fixed, scale and user) let you trigger chords with one finger
• Get creative with chords using the three Chord Modes including Fixed, Scale and User
• Make Launchkey your own – Four Custom Modes enable you to create unique control setups for any performance or studio rig, using Novation Components
• Control anything MIDI – Five-pin MIDI output works with any MIDI-compatible device
• Includes premium-quality software to dive right into sublime production
• Ableton Live Lite, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, AAS Session bundle, Spitfire Audio Expressive Strings, Klevgrand DAW Cassette and Klevgrand Reverb included

Specifications

• Keybed: 88 note semi-weighted keybed with adjustable velocity curves
• Pads: 16 velocity sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch
• Faders: Nine faders with pickup
• Encoders: Eight pots with pickup
• Fader mode button: Nine
• Transport and Performance controls:
  • Octave Up/Down
  • Track Forward/Back
  • Play, Stop, Record, Loop
  • Stop, Solo, Mute
  • Arm, Select buttons
  • Arp, Scale, Fixed chord buttons
  • Capture MIDI, Quantise, Click, Undo buttons
  • Scene launch button
  • Device select, Device lock buttons
• Wheels: Pitch and Modulation
• Connections:
  • MIDI DIN output
  • USB socket
  • Kensington lock
• Power requirements USB bus powered
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 87 x 1270 x 286mm
• Weight: 8.2Kg
• What's included: Launchkey 88 MK3, USB cable, Safety Information Sheet
• Product code: NOVLKE88MK3