Launchkey mk4 line released

[johnchop]

Still  more MIDI controller news.

https://us.novationmusic.com/launchkey

I have a 61 and 88 mk3, and this looks like a worthy upgrade. I’m assuming the 61 mk4 is the same action that’s in the 88 key mk3, which I prefer.

 

I’m seeing DAW support beyond Ableton and a better control layout for my needs.

 

Still only one pedal input, but I have ways around that.

 

No aftertouch but that’s expected for this price.

 

I’ll sell my mk3 boards and get this one for sure.
 

 

[EscapeRocks]

39 minutes ago, johnchop said:

Still  more MIDI controller news.

https://us.novationmusic.com/launchkey

 

Still only one pedal input, but I have ways around that.

This is one that really baffles me.

 

I think the Novation and some M-Audio controllers are great!

At this point in controller life, and how prevalent VST are in use, why not have an expression pedal input?

 

I actually have an M-Audio Oxygen Pro-61.

Faders and pads are where they "should be".   9 Faders!

Aftertouch (channel) etc.

 

Yet kind of difficult to use in my VST rig whether Mainstage or Gigperformer since I ususally use my PX-5S as my 88 note board, which also lacks expression pedal.

 

I know how to work around with various MIDI pedal dongles, but I prefer streamlined setup.  Hence my use of my venerable Arturia Keylabs. 

 

 

[johnchop]

Yeah, I hear that.

 

I’m sure they are just hitting a price point, use case, and user base where expression pedals are just not a big concern.

 

Look at all the attention to arps, chord/scale modes on controllers these days.

 

-John

[miden]

Couldn't see an 88 listed?

 

tbh, I have never seen Novation release an 88 for any of their controllers.

 

EDIT: thanks to johnchop there was a Mk3 88....perhaps discontinued now?

[johnchop]

There’s a mk3 88.  I have it.  I suspect the new action is derived from there. 

[JimboKeys]

I would read this as the 88 is being discontinued. I was getting ready to possibly order an 88 mk3 — maybe we’ll see a price drop ?

[jerrythek]

I don't see a MK4 88-key model on their site.

[miden]

48 minutes ago, jerrythek said:

I don't see a MK4 88-key model on their site.

 

thanks for the confirmation (see my post above )

[johnchop]

Maybe the mk3 88 just didn’t sell.  I sure appreciated the extra real estate and better action.

Going to dig into the manual later to see what else has changed.

 

I know these are budget controllers, but they do just enough that spending twice or more gives me pause, especially if the action isn’t that much better.

[Mighty Motif Max]

I rather like the action on my MK3 37 - which is my desk/mobile controller. If they would just add an expression pedal input, I'd buy a 61 in a heartbeat. Faders are in the right place, unlike Arturia.

[HammondDave]

9 hours ago, JimboKeys said:

I would read this as the 88 is being discontinued. I was getting ready to possibly order an 88 mk3 — maybe we’ll see a price drop ?

I may be selling mine. It’s in primo condition too. Message me if you are interested. 
 

saying that, I’m a little surprised that the largest keyboard they’re making in this line is a 61 and not a 73, 76 or 88.