This is an astonishingly creative tool for writing strong chord progressions, even or especially if you have no pre-existing knowledge of music theory. Press Shift and the Scale chord pad to set the 16 pads to Scale Chord mode, for which every pad becomes a different chord in the chosen key, organised into rows covering triads, sevenths, ninths and sixth ninths. We test the following in REAPER but it’ll works just the same in your DAW of choice. The mostexciting elements of Launchkey MK3, however, are to be found in the Harmonic modes. The Launchkey MK3 has lots of superb standalone features too, with the velocity-sensitive drum pads capable of outputting MIDI notes from C1 to D#2, and working wonderfully for finger-drumming tasks. You can also control individual devices using the encoder pots when in Device mode, or the sliders, using the up and down buttons to navigate through various devices in a track. On the larger 49 and 61-key models, the 45mm faders control volume by default, with the first eight controlling track volumes and the ninth controlling the master volume, though this can easily be assigned to control the send A and B levels instead. Simply press Shift and then the Volume, Pan or Sends buttons grants control over their specific criteria. Its intuitive controls provide access to core mixing parameters. The Launchkey MK3 is highly adept at mixing duties too. It’s small but it accurately conveys all the information you need to know, and all the buttons and pads are solid and responsive, with the pads sporting attractive RGB lights. With brand-new scale, chord and arpeggiator features, the addition of the MK3’s backlit LCD screen is terrifically useful. The black keys have the same matte finish as the body of the keyboard, which is a fantastic touch. They feel substantial, like they’re built to last. The sharp corners and matte finish are aesthetically pleasing and, although it’s lightweight, the feel of the full-size keys is satisfying too. It’s more refined than previous versions, with rotary encoders and faders that feel especially solid and have no discernible wobble.

Whichever version you’re using, you’ll find that the MK3 appears sturdy and well made straight out of the box. The new Launchkey is available in four versions, from the diminutive LK25, the new LK37 and the LK49 (which we’re evaluating here) to the fully-fledged studio-ready large-and-in-charge LK61. Now, after a four-year wait, the MK3 is finally here. Its original Launchkey was released in 2013 and followed by an updated version in 2016. Novation has always been one of the leading lights in this arena.

After all, you don’t want to spend thousands of pounds on synthesizers and virtual instruments only to have your playing experience compromised by something that doesn’t feel genuine or doesn’t provide the versatility you require. Having a well-designed and flexible controller, therefore, is vital. With the centricity of in-the-box instruments and plug-ins to modern production, the controller keyboard is often one of the most essential aspects of the studio, a conduit to a virtual sonic universe.

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