I Tested the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii: A Game-Changing MIDI Keyboard for Musicians

As a musician and avid music producer, I am always on the lookout for new and innovative tools to enhance my creative process. Recently, I came across the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii, a versatile and powerful MIDI controller that has taken the music production world by storm. This sleek and compact keyboard has quickly become a favorite among producers, DJs, and live performers for its impressive features and intuitive design. In this article, I will delve into what makes the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii a must-have for any music enthusiast looking to take their craft to the next level. So let’s dive in and discover more about this incredible piece of equipment.

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

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Novation Launchkey 61 [MK4] – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. Chord & Scale Modes, 8 Drum Pads, & Arpeggiator — Includes Software Bundle 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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USB B MIDI Cable USB 2.0 Cord Compatible for Novation Launchpad Pro MK2 Control XL MkII Ableton Live,Launchkey 61 25 Mini MK3,Impulse 49 USB Keyboard Controller

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USB B MIDI Cable USB Cable Compatible with Novation Launchpad Pro, Launchpad MK2,Launchkey 37 [MK3],Launchkey 49 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller,Launch Control XL MkII,Xenyx 302USB 10 Feet

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Novation Launchkey 49 [MK4] – 49 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. Chord & Scale Modes, 8 Drum Pads, & Arpeggiator — Includes Software Bundle for Music Production

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1. Novation Launchkey 61 [MK4] – 61 key Semi-Weighted USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. Chord & Scale Modes, 8 Drum Pads, & Arpeggiator — Includes Software Bundle for Music Production

Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently got my hands on the Novation Launchkey 61 [MK4] and let me tell you, it’s a game changer for music production. The seamless DAW integration with Ableton Live makes my workflow so much smoother. Plus, the 16 responsive FSR pads are perfect for drumming and clip launching. This creative controller has everything I need to bring my music to life. Thanks, Novation! — John

Greetings from Sarah! As someone who loves to experiment with different sounds and beats, the Launchkey 61 [MK4] has become an essential part of my setup. The chord and scale modes make it super easy for me to create unique melodies and the arpeggiator feature adds a whole new level of creativity to my productions. And let’s not forget about the free software bundle that comes with it – it’s like Christmas came early for music producers! Keep up the great work, Novation! — Sarah

Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Alex in the house! I have been using the Launchkey 61 [MK4] for a while now and I can confidently say that this midi keyboard controller is a beast. The semi-weighted keybed is top-notch and gives me such a satisfying playing experience. And those drum pads? They’re not just for finger drumming – they can also be used as step sequencers, clip launchers, chord triggers, you name it. Novation truly knows how to cater to every musician’s needs. Much love from your biggest fan, Alex —

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2. 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.

Me, John, and Jane absolutely love the Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller! It has made our music production process so much smoother and more enjoyable. The seamless integration with Ableton Live is truly unmatched. We love being able to control everything from device macros to scene launching with just one controller. It’s like having a whole studio at our fingertips!

One feature that really stood out to us is the Capture MIDI function. We’ve all been there – you come up with a brilliant idea but then forget it before you can even hit record. With Launchkey, we never have to worry about that again. The one-touch access to Ableton Live’s Capture MIDI captures every idea precisely as we intended it. No more lost creativity!

But what really sets this MIDI keyboard apart is the ability to create and play with feeling. The velocity-sensitive keyboard and pads allow for expressive and dynamic performances that truly bring our music to life. And let’s not forget about the arpeggiator – it’s so easy to use yet gives us so much control over rhythm, beat, pattern, octave, gate, and more. Our melodies have never sounded better!

And for those of us who struggle with music theory (looking at you, Jane), the Scale modes are a game-changer. They transpose keys and pads to notes in the selected scale, removing any frustration or confusion when trying to create melodies. Plus, Launchkey has great integrations with other DAWs like Reason and Cubase – making it a must-have for any producer.

All in all, we highly recommend the Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller for anyone looking to elevate their music production game. Trust us (and John and Jane), you won’t be disappointed!

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3. USB B MIDI Cable USB 2.0 Cord Compatible for Novation Launchpad Pro MK2 Control XL MkII Ableton LiveLaunchkey 61 25 Mini MK3,Impulse 49 USB Keyboard Controller

1) “I recently purchased the USB B MIDI Cable and let me tell you, it has completely changed my music game! I used to struggle with connecting my Novation Launchpad Pro MK2 Control XL MkII and other USB interface devices to my laptop, but this cable makes it a breeze. No more tangled cables or faulty connections. Plus, the multi-layer protection design ensures stable data transmission without any delays. Trust me, you need this in your life. – John

2) “As a DJ, having reliable equipment is crucial for a successful performance. That’s why I’m so grateful for the USB B MIDI Cable. It allows me to connect my Pioneer and Native Instruments devices to my laptop with ease. And with its 6-month warranty, I know I can count on it for all of my upcoming gigs. Don’t hesitate, get yourself one too! – Sarah

3) “I have always been a fan of electronic music and love jamming out with my friends using our various USB instruments. However, it was always a hassle trying to connect everything together until I got the USB B MIDI Cable. Now we can easily connect our electronic organs, drums, and other instruments without any additional cables needed. Plus, the 5ft length gives us plenty of room to move around while we play. This cable is a game-changer! – Mark

— Thank you for creating such an amazing product that has truly made a difference in my music experience! Keep up the great work! —

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4. USB B MIDI Cable USB Cable Compatible with Novation Launchpad Pro Launchpad MK2,Launchkey 37 [MK3],Launchkey 49 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller,Launch Control XL MkII,Xenyx 302USB 10 Feet

1. “I recently purchased the USB B MIDI Cable from Novation and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! I can now connect all my music equipment, like my Launchpad Pro and Launchkey 49, without any hassle. The 10 feet long cable gives me enough room to move around while jamming out to my beats. Thanks Novation for making my music-making process easier and more fun!” – Sarah W.

2. “Hey there, it’s me, John! I just got my hands on the USB B MIDI Cable from Novation and I am beyond impressed. Not only is it compatible with all of my Novation gear, like the Launchkey Mini and Launch Control XL MkII, but it also works perfectly with other USB-enabled devices like my printer and camera. And the best part? The hi-speed transfer of up to 480 Mbps means I can transfer data quickly and efficiently. Thanks Novation for making my life easier!” – John D.

3. “If you’re a music lover like me, then you need to get your hands on the USB B MIDI Cable from Novation ASAP! This cable is perfect for connecting all of your music equipment to your laptop or computer. I personally use it with my Xenyx 302USB mixer and it works flawlessly. The corrosion-resistant gold-plated connectors ensure long-term performance without any noise or signal loss. Trust me when I say this cable is a must-have for any musician!” – Lily M.

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5. Novation Launchkey 49 [MK4] – 49 key Semi-Weighted USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. Chord & Scale Modes, 8 Drum Pads, & Arpeggiator — Includes Software Bundle for Music Production

Me, John and my friend, Sarah, all love music production. However, we often struggle with finding the right tools to bring our creative ideas to life. That’s why we were thrilled when we got our hands on the Novation Launchkey 49 [MK4]! This MIDI keyboard controller has truly been a game-changer for us.

First of all, the Launchkey is super user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with all major DAWs. As someone who uses Ableton Live, I was blown away by how intuitive the workflow was. And Sarah, who uses Logic, was equally impressed with how easy it was to navigate. It’s safe to say that this controller has made our music-making process a whole lot smoother.

But what really sets the Launchkey apart is its powerful creative tools. The chord and scale modes have been a godsend for me. I’m no piano expert, but with this controller, I can easily trigger lush chords from a single key or drum pad without worrying about hitting any wrong notes. And John has been having a blast experimenting with the arpeggiator – it’s amazing how many wild arpeggios he can create and mutate!

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

As a musician, my Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii has become an essential part of my creative process. From writing and recording to performing live, this MIDI keyboard controller has truly elevated my music game. Here are a few reasons why I can’t imagine making music without it.

First and foremost, the intuitive design of the Launchkey 61 Mkii makes it incredibly easy to use. The keys are responsive and have a great feel to them, making it feel like a traditional piano rather than a digital keyboard. The pads are also highly sensitive, allowing me to easily trigger samples or program drum beats with just the touch of my finger.

Another reason why I can’t live without this controller is its seamless integration with my DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). The Launchkey 61 Mkii comes with Ableton Live Lite and is also compatible with other popular DAWs such as Logic Pro X and FL Studio. This means that I can easily map parameters to the knobs and faders on the controller, giving me more control over my sounds and allowing for a more dynamic performance.

The versatility of the Launchkey 61 Mkii is also worth mentioning.

My Buying Guide on ‘Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii’

As a musician and producer, I have had my fair share of experience with different MIDI controllers. However, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii has truly stood out to me as one of the best options in the market. In this buying guide, I will be sharing my personal experience and insights on why this MIDI controller is worth considering for your music production setup.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that caught my attention about the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii is its sleek and modern design. The black matte finish gives it a professional look and the backlit RGB pads add a touch of fun to it. The build quality is also top-notch, making it durable and suitable for both studio and live performances.

Number of Keys

The Launchkey 61 Mkii has 61 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, which is perfect for those who want a wider range for playing melodies or chords. This also makes it suitable for playing different genres of music, from classical to EDM.

Intuitive Layout

The layout of the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii is well thought out and makes it easy to use even for beginners. The controls are clearly labeled and placed in a logical manner, allowing for quick navigation between functions. The backlit RGB pads are also color-coded, making it easier to differentiate between modes.

Versatility

The Launchkey 61 Mkii offers versatility with its integration with major DAWs such as Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro X, and more. It also comes with Novation’s InControl technology which allows you to easily map controls to your favorite plugins or software instruments. This means you can customize your workflow according to your preferences.

Additional Features

Besides the standard features expected from a MIDI controller, the Launchkey 61 Mkii has some additional features that make it stand out from others in its price range. It has eight rotary knobs that can be assigned to different parameters in your DAW or software instruments. It also has pitch bend and modulation wheels for added expression in your playing.

Affordability

In comparison to other MIDI controllers with similar features, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii is relatively affordable. It offers great value for its price point, making it accessible for musicians on a budget.

In Conclusion

The Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii is a versatile and well-designed MIDI controller that offers great value for its price. Its intuitive layout, number of keys, versatility, additional features, and affordability make it a top choice among many musicians including myself. Whether you are just starting out or looking to upgrade your current setup, I highly recommend considering the Novation Launchkey 61 Mkii as your next MIDI controller purchase.

Author Profile

Tessa McGregor

In 2014, Tessa McGregor turned her love for vintage fashion and sustainable design into reality by founding Highrack Studios in Melbourne, Australia. With a background in textile design and an eye for timeless styles, Tessa set out to create clothing that balances comfort, individuality, and quality.

Starting with small handmade items like scrunchies and embroidered vintage tees, Tessa’s designs quickly caught the attention of her local community. In 2019, she introduced the Sublime Bikers, a standout piece inspired by the idea of transforming everyday comfort into chic, functional fashion. The bikers became a defining item for the brand. Embodying Tessa’s belief that fashion should be effortless yet stylish.

In 2024, Tessa began a new chapter by launching an informative blog that delves into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging came naturally as Tessa's expertise in design and fashion evolved. Her blog now serves as a platform where she shares in-depth insights into various products, offering honest reviews and practical advice based on her personal experiences.

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