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Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 61-key Keyboard Controller

61-note USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Synth-action Keys, 8 Knobs, 9 Faders, 16 Pads, Dedicated Transport Controls, and Bundled Software
$279.99

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Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 61-key Keyboard Controller
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Get Liftoff with Novation’s Launchkey 61

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 61. 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 61 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 61 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 61 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 61 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 61 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 61 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 61 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 61 gives you everything you need to hit the ground running, right out of the box! Start making music immediately with Novation’s Launchkey 61.

Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 Keyboard Controller Features:

  • Optimized for Ableton Live with immediate access to all the controls you need
  • Instantly maps to most major DAWS
  • 61 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: 61
  • 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: 37.48"
  • Depth: 10.16"
  • Weight: 7.5 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: AMS-LAUNCHKEY-61-MK3

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Perfect For Beginners & More...

I was doing some shopping for a keyboard since I've been self learning to play the electric & acoustic bass, ukulele, electric guitar so, I actually bought this because I'm trying to learn music theory, piano, and wanted to learn DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). I know, I feel like I'm falling down the rabbit hole but I've taken up quite a hobby in learning new things musically, and instrumentally.

At this time of writing, I've only been learning the piano for about 2 weeks and I am happy how the keyboard responds... no latency or anything that could be annoying, and beautiful keyboard I should say.

In the coming weeks, I'm looking forward to learn how to use Ableton (DAW) and incorporate the use of this keyboard controller.

Bottom line, I think this keyboard controller is perfect for anybody that would like to learn (almost) full size keyboard and the controller features for DAW.
Rated 5/5

I LOVE IT

Before I bought this I had an iRig Keys I/O 49 which was a nice keyboard especially with the fact it had an interface built in, SORRY SIDETRACKED THIS REVIEW IS FOR A NOVATION NOT AN IRIG OKAY, This keyboard, mmm the novation launch key 61 is freakin amazing, it's so seamless with Logic Pro and has so many amazing features, I discover a new one every day.
Music background: Singer, Songwriter, Sound Designer, Foley Artist, Producer, Artist, Sound Engineer, Experimentalist, many more things
Rated 5/5

Sweet

I've really enjoyed the Novation launchkey mk3 61 since my purchase over six months ago. I'm using it with Studio one 5.2 and it pairs nicely with the daw. Love the feel of the pads and the keys. I'm new to the midi world and I feel this was a perfect midi to start with! I really have fun with this midi controller! And as always sweetwater and Dontae Harris are amazing support. And always there to help with your needs!
Music background: 20+ year drummer. Guitar dabbler for a few years now. Home studio Enthusiast/builder
Rated 5/5

Amazing!

I was given this for my birthday and it works really well for everything I want to do! I even sent it back after it stopped working and they fixed it for me. Amazing keyboard and amazing service on Sweetwater's part!
Rated 5/5

Novation LaunchKey 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller

Fantastic controller for control of my Cubase 12 Pro system. Very easy to set up and use for all my recording needs. I highly recommend this keyboard. Plenty of great tutorials from Novation, Cubase and Sweetwater on set up and use of the keyboard with Cubase.
Music background: Musician, Classic Rock band member, producer, sound engineer, studio construction.
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