![]() The 25-key model is perfect for mobile producers and performers, and for those in tight setups. Its pitch and mod wheels are relocated to the top panel so the three-octave keyboard can fit into a small form factor, so it’s ideal for users with space limitations. For the first time in the Launchkey range, there’s a 37-key model, which answers the requests of music makers who want a compact controller large enough for two-handed keys work. Launchkey controllers are available in 25-, 37-, 49- and 61-key variants, making it easier than ever for creators to pick the size that suits. ![]() Three chord modes let you trigger chords with one finger, while the powerful arpeggiator - with rhythm settings and Arp Mutate - gets creative melodies moving. Never hit a wrong note, thanks to Scale Mode, which transposes keys played to notes in the scale selected. Inspirational features include Scale and Chord modes and an arpeggiator, which together expand users’ musical capabilities. Drum Mode provides immediate access to Drum Racks. There’s a dedicated button for activating the Capture MIDI function, plus track arm, quantise, click and loop controls, for flying around your Session faster than ever. We have worked closely with Ableton to ensure that Launchkey provides immediate access to Ableton Live’s controls deeper than any other controller in its class. With Scale, Chord and Arpeggiator features, all of which can be used standalone, Launchkey removes barriers to creativity, and expands the musical vocabulary of even the most talented keyboardists. With Launchkey, regardless of experience, users can create and play their music like never before. The 37-key model is completely new to the Launchkey family, and stands alone as the most comprehensive controller of its size with full-size keys on the market. Launchkey controllers come in four model sizes, and pack in more inspirational music-making features, more expressive pads and keys, and deeper Ableton Live integration than ever before. However, I still think the controller is best suited to a primarily software-based setup.Launchkey is a totally revamped range of full-sized controller keyboards for making tracks in Ableton Live and with hardware. And the five-pin MIDI DIN connection allows you to bring that top-notch arpeggiator to hardware synths. This is the feature that has me coming back to the Launchkey line again and again in my personal studio. The random, Mutate and Deviate features make it easy to create unique patterns and introduce a little unpredictability to a composition. ![]() The arpeggiator is still incredible, though. There’s a couple of dead zones, from G4 through E5, for example, and some keys in the highest octave trigger various recording modes instead of notes. Specifically, Live gets confused by playing in the upper octaves. There are some odd quirks right now, though, that will presumably get ironed out in firmware and script updates pretty quickly. You can do quite a bit with looking at the computer, though it can be a bit tough to navigate larger projects. You have control over send effects, the panning, and there’s a dedicated button for looping a portion of your track to jam over, as well as a capture MIDI button in case you play something truly inspired but forgot to hit record. You can launch clips from the pads, control macros with the knobs and mix your tracks with the faders. It’s not quite good enough to go completely mouse and keyboard free, but you can get a lot accomplished directly on the controller. Of course, the big selling point of any Launchkey device is its tight integration with Ableton Live. Going back to the touch strips on other controllers feels like punishment. The resistance is perfect, and they’re rock solid. The pitch and mod wheels are lovely though, full stop. And the knobs are incredibly solid but a tad small. The faders have an excellent amount of resistance, but are a tad wobbly. The 16 velocity sensitive pads are passable but nothing to write home about. It’s all plastic, but feels solid enough. Otherwise, the hardware is basically the same as the rest of the Launchkey line. They lack the springy bounce of the cheaper members of the Launchkey line and I found it much easier to get nuanced velocity response. I’m not a piano player, and have no particular allegiance to weighted keys, but these were clearly a step above your average MIDI controller. That being said, the keybed is excellent. I honestly had trouble finding room for it in my small attic studio. It’s not the controller for you if space is at a premium. This is to be expected, and it’s not a con, but the Launchkey 88 is huge.
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