Novation Launchkey 25 MK4 25-key Keyboard Controller
Novation’s Launchkey MIDI controllers have cemented their standing as one of the music world’s most formidable tools, blending multiple modes of production and composition into a comprehensive, streamlined machine. With the Novation Launchkey 25 MK4 25-key Keyboard Controller, Novation has catapulted the controller into an echelon of unrivaled interoperative integration, threading the needle between the physical and virtual worlds and affording a bounty of artistic possibilities. Given the music-making landscape is more diverse than ever, a MIDI controller that balances power, precision, and compatibility is essential. Studio scholars agree that the Novation Launchkey MK4 is an inviting gateway to cutting-edge composition. A sea of customization abounds between deep DAW integration and whole-controller profiles — and since the Launchkey MK4 includes both MIDI over USB-C and a 5-pin MIDI output, you can ditch the DAW entirely! From external hardware to virtual mobile-format instruments, the Launchkey MK4 can transmit all your custom mappings, MIDI CC, and more, from its velocity-sensitive synth-weight keys and modulation tools to its detailed transport controls and polyphonic aftertouch-capable performance pads.
The range: six degrees of malleable sonic sculpting
This hexad of high-powered controllers comprises 25-, 37-, 49-, and 61-key variants, with additional Mini 25- and Mini 37-note options that pack the line’s next-level interfacing capabilities into a portability-minded powerhouse, perfect for sovereign producers and performers. The velocity-sensitive synth-style keys capture the nuanced flourishes of your playing. At the same time, an array of continuous encoders, soft switches, and faders can be custom-assigned to support studio and stage performance with virtually any DAW. Moreover, each controller is endowed with 16 of Novation’s proprietary FSR (Force Sensitive Resistor) performance pads. While fantastic for dynamic drums or percussion, as well as triggering samples, one-shots, clips, and grid-view audio, these RGB-backlit pads feature both velocity sensitivity and polyphonic aftertouch, opening a multidimensional array of ways to reimagine your relationship to sound.
Note: Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 and Launchkey 61 MK4 controllers exclusively feature assignable faders and fader buttons.
Scale up your sound with cutting-edge integration
There’s no shortage of ways to play and perform, whether that’s in the studio or on the stage. The Lauchkey MK4 range was methodically crafted to address these multitudes of performance possibilities, with seamless integration at the core of its design. Compared with MK3 controllers, the Launchkey MK4 line sees an immense upgrade to its DAW integration, with an enhanced “DAW Transport Mode” offering deeper, finer control of Ableton’s step sequencer, including synchronizing the Launchkey MK4’s in-built Scale Mode to Ableton’s scales. To that end, 22 scales have been added to the Launchkey’s Scale Mode, totaling a staggering 30 detectable scales to keep you in key, including all harmonic and pentatonic major and minor scales, Greek modes, and scales spanning the globe. To take their implementation to explosive compositional heights, the onboard generative arpeggiator now lets you edit and refine your patterns at the per-step level, further expanding production potential when combined with the Launchkey MK4’s trio of onboard scale modes:
- Scale Snap: notes played outside the designated scale are automatically corrected to the closest in-scale note upon input to accommodate live performances seamlessly
- Scale Filter: notes outside the designated key are automatically muted in real time
- Scale Easy: scales are re-mapped to replace the C-key with the root note of the selected scale, disabling the use of black keys for a streamlined performance interface
Chord Modes: inspire, expand, and enhance your playing
Launchkey MK4 controllers were devised to bolster the playing experience of every live, studio, DAW-based, hardware, and hybrid configuration, and its enhanced chord features provide a slew of information and tools to refine your performances. Three built-in Chord Modes are provided: Chord Map, User Chord Mode, and Fixed Chord Mode. Thanks to the Chord Detector, chords are identified and displayed on the vivid OLED screen in every mode. Each mode is designed to inspire and expand your performance palette. The Fixed Chord allows you to record fixed-interval chords and then play them with a single key. The User Chord and Chord Map options make full use of the controller’s 16 polyphonic aftertouch-enabled touchpads. With the User Chord mode, you can save up to 16 chords — one for each pad — that can be instantly transposed via semitone- or octave-size intervals.
Chord Map: a deeper look at evolved sonic exploration
Chord Map mode transforms the Launchkey MK4 into an instrument unto itself, dividing the FSR pads into two discrete, color-coded categories: chords in blue and performance tools in orange. The eight left-most pads house your stored chords. In comparison, the six right-most pads provide bidirectional arpeggiation and chord-inversion options alongside “two-handed” Bass + Chord and Chord Split capabilities. What’s more, four of the continuous encoders become your control point for the Adventure, Explore, Spread, and Roll parameters. Merging these elements with your preferred plug-ins and the Launchkey MK4’s near-endless expressivity gives you a symphony of synthesis potential. Chord Map is your gateway to harmonic exploration, carefully curated with dedicated scale and chord-set combinations to augment performance possibilities in any studio or stage setting.
- Adventure: increases the musical complexity of harmonic relationships, from time-tested pop progressions to daring accidental-filled jazz arrangements
- Explore: attenuates the range of chord sets and configurations tethered to each respective stage of the Adventure parameter’s levels of complexity
- Spread: expand or reduce the voicing of your chords from single registers to multi-octave madness
- Roll: introduces a variable rate of flourish through a strum-like effect, staggering the activation of each note
Comprehensive, customizable control
Every DAW is different, and building a controller that balances malleability with focused interfacing is no small task. With the Launchkey MK4, this won’t be a problem. Novation crafted this MIDI controller with multitudes of studio and stage configurations in mind, with comprehensive, in-built integration for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Reaper, Reason, and more. All you need to do is plug-and-play. But for those looking to take the controller capacity for personalized production even further, Novation’s Components software lets you build fully customizable mapping profiles from scratch, allowing you to interface with nearly any physical or virtual MIDI-compatible instrument precisely the way you want. Plus, with Launchkey 49 and Launchkey 61 MK4 controllers, Split and Layer capabilities expand the series’ armada of artistic potential to divide the keyboard into two independently controllable zones or simultaneously play two independent MIDI channels from the same keys, respectively.
Note: Split and Layer tools are exclusive to the Launchkey 49 MK4 and 61 MK4.
Link out, lock in, and express yourself
Every entry in the Launchkey MK4 range features a sustain input and a MIDI output, allowing you to integrate your controller into a broad variety of performance configurations. The Mini 25 and Mini 37 controllers feature 3.5-millimeter jacks, while the rest of the range utilizes 5-pin MIDI outputs. Still, no matter your connection, they’re all class compliant, letting you connect to countless external destinations. Custom mapping profiles and the Launchkey MK4’s swath of onboard sequencing, arpeggiation, chord modes, modulation tools, and performance pads are yours to wield well beyond the DAW.
A variety of software included
Considering the Launchkey MK4’s suite of powerful performance capabilities, Novation includes access to a number of software tools that will support and expand your sound right out of the box. With the aforementioned Ableton-specific integrations, it’s only fitting that the Launchkey MK4 includes a copy of Ableton Live Lite 12, a modular, versatile DAW that supports all manners of live performances and studio recording. To immediately dive into your electrifying ecosystem, a slew of virtual instruments and effects from Klevgrand, GForce, and Orchestral Tools are also included, covering synths, drums, multimode effects, and full-suite orchestration. For those interested in elevating their key-playing chops, Novation partnered with Melodics to provide a complementary beginner’s course on keyboard fundamentals alongside an advanced course optimized for experienced players.
Novation Launchkey MK4 Features:
- Comprehensive array of multimodal MIDI control designed to meet the needs of various production, composition, and performance styles
- Dedicated MIDI outputs and sustain pedal jacks on all controllers ensure comprehensive integrations with any virtual, physical, DAW-based, or hybrid setup
- 16 RGB-backlit FSR performance pads feature velocity sensitivity and polyphonic aftertouch for unrivaled expression and sonic interfacing
- Continuous encoders, faders, fader buttons, and pitch/modulation controls can be mapped and assigned to support any creative configuration
- Comprehensive Ableton-specific integrations include deep synchronization with Ableton’s step-sequencer and onboard scales for powerful DAW-driven production with Ableton
- Built-in generative arpeggiator includes 8-part per-step editing capabilities that allow you to build robust rhythms and runs with any MIDI-compatible instrument, virtual or physical
- Vivid OLED screen supplies detailed, real-time information for chords, scales, and more
- Fixed Chord, User Chord, and Chord Maps modes support multitudes of studio and stage performance capabilities designed to inspire and elevate your playing
- 3 Scale Modes allow you to lock into 1 of 30 included scales from around the globe, with variable filtering, muting, and remapping capabilities to fit your desired scale usage
- Enhanced transport controls make for seamless integration with virtually any DAW or plug-in ecosystem
- Up to 4 customizable mapping profiles can be built and recalled for tailored MIDI control of your system
- Refined aesthetics include an upgraded form factor and minimalist-inspired layout, blending intuitive interfacing with sleep presentation and robust construction
- Bundled software includes Ableton Live Lite and a slew of virtual instruments and effects for full-suite production possibilities right out of the gate
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