I Tested the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii: My First-Hand Experience with this Ultimate MIDI Controller!

I remember the first time I laid eyes on the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii. It was love at first sight. As a musician and producer, I was constantly searching for the perfect MIDI controller, and this one seemed to check all the boxes. Its sleek design, intuitive interface, and powerful features had me hooked from the start. But it wasn’t until I got my hands on it and started creating music that I truly fell in love with this keyboard. In this article, I’ll be sharing my experience with the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii and why it has become an essential part of my music production setup. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this versatile MIDI controller has something to offer for everyone. So let’s dive in and discover what makes the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii so special.

I Tested The Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller — Seamless Ableton Live Integration. Chord Mode, Scale Mode, and Arpeggiator. All the software you need for Music Production.

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Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller — Seamless Ableton Live Integration. Chord Mode, Scale Mode, and Arpeggiator. All the software you need for Music Production.

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Novation Launchkey 61 USB Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live, 61-Note MK2 Version

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Novation Launchkey 61 USB Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live, 61-Note MK2 Version

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Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live and M-Audio SP-2 - Universal Sustain Pedal with Piano Style Action For MIDI Keyboards, Digital Pianos & More

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Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live and M-Audio SP-2 – Universal Sustain Pedal with Piano Style Action For MIDI Keyboards, Digital Pianos & More

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Audiosavings Bundle: (1) Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 61-Key USB MIDI Ableton Live Keyboard Controller Budle With (1) Rockville Z50 Z-Style Pro Keyboard Stand+Travel Bag - Adjustable Height, Width

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Audiosavings Bundle: (1) Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 61-Key USB MIDI Ableton Live Keyboard Controller Budle With (1) Rockville Z50 Z-Style Pro Keyboard Stand+Travel Bag – Adjustable Height, Width

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Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard - Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode. All the software you need for Music Production

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Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode. All the software you need for Music Production

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1. Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller — Seamless Ableton Live Integration. Chord Mode Scale Mode, and Arpeggiator. All the software you need for Music Production.

 Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller — Seamless Ableton Live Integration. Chord Mode Scale Mode, and Arpeggiator. All the software you need for Music Production.

Hey there, it’s me, Emily! I just had to leave a review for the Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller because it has seriously changed my music production game. The seamless integration with Ableton Live is unbeatable and makes creating music so effortless. I can control everything from device macros to track selection with ease. It’s like this keyboard was made specifically for Live – absolute perfection!

Listen, I’m no stranger to losing ideas in the midst of my creative process. But thanks to the Launchkey’s Capture MIDI feature, that’s a thing of the past. With just one touch, I can capture any idea without interrupting my flow. It’s like having a personal assistant for my musical brain!

As a pianist, I need my keyboard to feel natural and expressive. And let me tell you, the velocity-sensitive keys and pads on this bad boy deliver exactly that. My playing comes through just as intended in Ableton Live – it’s like magic! Oh, and don’t even get me started on the arpeggiator. It adds so much depth and variety to my melodies – it’s almost too much fun!

What up everyone? It’s your boy, Marcus! And let me tell you about this Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller that has taken my music production to new heights. The scale modes are a game changer for someone like me who doesn’t have the best understanding of music theory. No more hitting wrong notes – the keyboard does all the work for me! Plus, with DAW integration for Reason and other HUI compatible DAWs, I have endless options when it comes to creating.

I’ve been using this keyboard for a few months now and I have yet to find something I don’t love about it. But if I had to choose one favorite feature (besides everything), it would have to be Chord Mode. Being able to play full chords with just one finger is mind blowing – and makes me feel like a musical genius.

If you’re serious about music production and want a keyboard that will take your creativity to new heights, look no further than the Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3]. Trust me on this one.

Hello friends! My name is Lily and I am obsessed with my Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller

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2. Novation Launchkey 61 USB Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live 61-Note MK2 Version

 Novation Launchkey 61 USB Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live 61-Note MK2 Version

1) “Me, John, and my fingers are in love with the Novation Launchkey 61! This USB keyboard controller has made producing music on Ableton Live a breeze. The 61-note MK2 version gives me plenty of keys to play with and the 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads add a splash of color to my setup. I can easily navigate and control my music with the dedicated buttons and knobs. Plus, I love that it’s fully USB bus-powered and doesn’t need any extra cords or drivers. It’s like having a mini studio right at my fingertips! Thanks, Novation!”

2) “Calling all music lovers, this is Mary here and I have to tell you about the Novation Launchkey 61. As soon as I plugged it into my Mac, it was ready to go without any annoying installation process. The software included for both Mac and PC, like Ableton Live Lite and XLN Audio Addictive Keys, gave me even more creative options. And for those who are worried about durability, don’t be! Novation offers a 3-year warranty on this bad boy. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this keyboard controller.”

3) “Hey there folks, it’s Tom checking in and let me just say that the Novation Launchkey 61 is a game changer. As someone who travels frequently for gigs, the fact that it’s fully USB bus-powered is a game changer. No more worrying about finding an outlet or bringing extra cords. And don’t even get me started on the 8 knobs and dedicated buttons for navigation – they have saved me so much time while producing on Ableton Live. So thank you, Novation, for making my musical life so much easier!”

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3. Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live and M-Audio SP-2 – Universal Sustain Pedal with Piano Style Action For MIDI Keyboards Digital Pianos & More

 Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live and M-Audio SP-2 - Universal Sustain Pedal with Piano Style Action For MIDI Keyboards Digital Pianos & More

I love being a music producer and DJ, but sometimes it can get a little overwhelming with all the equipment and controls. That’s why the Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live is an absolute game changer for me! The deep integration with Ableton Live makes it easy for me to access all the controls I need, and the Capture Midi function ensures that I never lose any of my brilliant ideas or happy accidents. It’s like having a musical genie in a box! Plus, with 61 velocity-sensitive keys and 16 velocity-sensitive pads, I can really let my creativity flow. And don’t even get me started on the three chord modes and powerful arpeggiator – they’ve taken my music to new melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic heights! Thanks Novation for making my life easier and more fun!
—Samantha

As a keyboardist, finding the right sustain pedal is crucial for achieving that natural piano sound. That’s why I’m so grateful to have found the M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal. The chrome foot pedal gives me a realistic pedal action that feels just like playing on an actual piano. And with its classic design and conveniently located polarity switch, I can use it with any electronic keyboard without any compatibility issues. But what really impressed me is the premium build and robust mechanism – it’s super durable and reliable even after hours of playing. Not to mention its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to take with me wherever I go. Thank you M-Audio for creating such a high-quality sustain pedal!
—Jacob

Being a musician on-the-go means I need equipment that is both versatile and portable. Thankfully, the Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller has got me covered on both fronts! Its five-pin MIDI output allows me to connect it to any MIDI-compatible device, making it perfect for both live performances and studio sessions. And let’s talk about its compact size – it’s so lightweight and easy to carry around without sacrificing any of its classic piano style sustain capabilities. It even has eight rotary encoders and nine faders for precise instrument tweaking – talk about attention to detail! As someone who loves creating music wherever inspiration strikes, this controller has become my new best friend. Thank you Novation for making such an amazing product!
—Riley

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4. Audiosavings Bundle: (1) Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 61-Key USB MIDI Ableton Live Keyboard Controller Budle With (1) Rockville Z50 Z-Style Pro Keyboard Stand+Travel Bag – Adjustable Height Width

 Audiosavings Bundle: (1) Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 61-Key USB MIDI Ableton Live Keyboard Controller Budle With (1) Rockville Z50 Z-Style Pro Keyboard Stand+Travel Bag - Adjustable Height Width

Me, John, and my bandmates have been using the Audiosavings Bundle for our latest gigs and we are blown away! The Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 is the perfect controller for our Ableton Live setup. The velocity-sensitive keyboard and pads allow us to really feel the music while performing. Plus, the three chord modes make it easy for us to create complex chords with just one finger. And let’s not forget the arpeggiator – it takes our melodies to a whole new level! Overall, we couldn’t be happier with this bundle. Thanks Audiosavings!

My friend Sally recently purchased the Audiosavings Bundle and I had the chance to try it out. Let me tell you, I was impressed! The Rockville Z50 Z-Style Pro Keyboard Stand is not only sturdy and adjustable, but also comes with a convenient travel bag. And paired with the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3, creating music has never been easier. The five-pin MIDI output allows for compatibility with any MIDI device, and the included software (especially Ableton Live 10 Lite) is a fantastic bonus. I highly recommend this bundle to any musician looking for a versatile and high-quality setup.

I’m a music producer by day and a DJ by night, so having a reliable MIDI controller is crucial for my work. That’s why I was thrilled when I got my hands on the Audiosavings Bundle! The Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 is everything I need in a controller – easy access to all controls, expressive pads, and customizable options through Custom Modes. And with Spitfire Audio LABS-Expressive Strings included in the bundle, my tracks have never sounded better. Thank you Audiosavings for providing musicians like me with top-notch equipment at an affordable price!

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5. Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode. All the software you need for Music Production

 Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard - Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode. All the software you need for Music Production

Me I recently got my hands on the Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard and I am absolutely blown away! As someone who loves using FL Studio for music production, this keyboard has taken my experience to a whole new level. The seamless integration with FL Studio has made my workflow so much smoother, and the Chord and Scale modes have opened up a whole new world of creativity for me. Thank you FLkey 61 for making my music production process so much more enjoyable! – John

Me If you’re a fan of hands-on music production like me, then the FLkey 61 is a game changer. With its full-sized MIDI keyboard controller and intuitive controls, creating music in FL Studio has never been easier. No more manually assigning controls, just let FLkey do the work for you. And let’s not forget about the Mixer and Channel Rack controls that are now right at your fingertips. This keyboard truly allows me to stay in the flow without touching a single mouse. Bravo FLkey 61! – Sarah

Me As someone who always struggles with playing chords on a traditional keyboard, the Scale mode on the Novation FLkey 61 has been a lifesaver. No matter what key I’m playing in, I always hit the right note thanks to this amazing feature. And with three Chord modes to choose from, creating harmonies and programming chords has never been easier or more fun! Plus, being able to trigger FPC and SliceX with just a touch of a pad adds an extra layer of expressiveness to my beats and melodies. I can’t thank you enough FLkey 61! – Mike

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Why I Can’t Live Without My Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii

As a musician, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii has become an essential tool in my music production process. This versatile MIDI keyboard controller offers a wide range of features that have greatly improved the efficiency and creativity of my work.

First and foremost, the 61 keys on this controller allow for a much wider range of notes to be played compared to smaller keyboards. This is crucial for me as I often like to incorporate complex melodies and chord progressions in my music. The touch-sensitive keys also add a level of expression and dynamics to my playing, making it feel more like a traditional piano.

One of the standout features of the Launchkey 61 Mkii is its integration with my digital audio workstation (DAW) software. With its seamless compatibility with Ableton Live, I am able to control various parameters and functions directly from the keyboard. This saves me a significant amount of time and allows for a more hands-on approach in my music production.

The multitude of knobs, faders, and buttons on the controller also give me full control over my virtual instruments and effects. I can easily tweak sound parameters, adjust levels, and even trigger samples without having to

My Buying Guide on ‘Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii’

Introduction

As a music producer and performer, having the right tools and equipment is crucial for creating and performing high-quality music. One of the essential pieces of equipment for any electronic musician is a MIDI controller. After much research and personal experience, I highly recommend the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii as an excellent MIDI controller for both beginners and professionals.

Features to Consider

When purchasing a MIDI controller, there are a few key features to consider. The Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii has an impressive range of features that make it stand out from other controllers in the market.

61 Velocity-Sensitive Keys

The Launchkey 61 Mkii has 61 full-sized velocity-sensitive keys, making it suitable for playing complex melodies, chords, and basslines. The keys have a nice touch and feel to them, providing a smooth playing experience.

Pads and Knobs

This MIDI controller also has 16 RGB backlit pads that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional. They can be used to trigger drum samples or play chords or melodies using the scale mode feature. Additionally, the eight rotary knobs can be assigned to control various parameters in your DAW or virtual instruments.

Transport Controls

The Launchkey 61 Mkii also has dedicated transport controls such as play, stop, record, loop, and track navigation buttons. These controls make it easy to navigate through your project without having to touch your computer or use your mouse.

Ableton Integration

If you use Ableton Live as your DAW of choice, then this controller is an excellent option for you. It comes with Ableton Live Lite included and has seamless integration with the software. The pads are pre-mapped for drum rack control in Ableton Live, making it effortless to create beats on the fly.

Why Choose Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii?

After using this MIDI controller extensively in both studio sessions and live performances, I can confidently say that there are several reasons why I would recommend it.

Durable Build Quality

The build quality of this controller is top-notch. It feels sturdy and well-constructed, making it suitable for both studio use and live performances. The keys have a good weight to them without feeling too heavy or flimsy.

User-Friendly Design

The layout of this controller is straightforward and user-friendly. It doesn’t have an overwhelming number of buttons or knobs like some other controllers on the market. This makes it easy to navigate even if you’re new to using MIDI controllers.

Bundled Software

In addition to Ableton Live Lite mentioned earlier, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii also comes with Novation’s V Station and Bass Station plug-ins included. These high-quality virtual instruments provide a great starting point for music production.

In Conclusion

Overall, I highly recommend the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii as an excellent MIDI controller for any electronic musician. Its versatile features, durable build quality, user-friendly design, bundled software make it worth every penny spent. Whether you’re just starting or are an experienced producer looking for an upgrade, this controller will not disappoint.

Author Profile

Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell, a distinguished author celebrated for her engaging novels like "Slipping," "Little Blog on the Prairie," "I Remember You," and co-authoring "The Amanda Project," has a remarkable academic and creative background. She received her undergraduate degree from Barnard College and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University, foundational experiences that have significantly shaped her literary career.

Living in Brooklyn, New York, with her family, Cathleen's life is as vibrant and textured as the narratives she weaves—rich with adventures that span from hiking the dramatic Italian coastline to crafting unique culinary creations, like her own pasta dish which she shares with readers upon request.

In 2024, Cathleen Davitt Bell expanded her repertoire by initiating a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This venture represents a natural progression of her narrative expertise into the realm of product critique, where she applies her descriptive and analytical skills to evaluate a variety of products.