Novation LaunchKey MK4 // Mini vs Compact vs Premium vs MK3 // Review & tutorial

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TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:10 Three tiers
1:30 Differences
2:20 Similarities
2:50 Endless encoders
3:10 Encoder modes
4:00 Param preview
4:20 Pad modes
4:50 It can type
5:30 Keybeds
7:10 Connectivity
7:40 Built-in smarts
8:00 Arp
9:55 Arp pattern
11:00 Fixed chord
11:25 User chords
12:15 Chord maps
14:30 Scales
15:05 DAWs
17:40 Ableton Live
18:40 Step seq
20:55 Step edit
21:40 Custom mode
23:30 Splits
24:00 Settings
24:20 Content
24:30 Pros vs MK3
25:50 Pros & cons
27:55 An idea...
28:20 Outro

Submit review and video ideas here (sorry I don’t offer 1x1 sessions/setup/purchasing advice):


NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links to stores like Amazon, Sweetwater, Thomann and others. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[gregbrookman]

Another shout here for Novation to make a keyless version, with just the controls!

[alxandros]

Great review. It’s crazy how Novation, NI & Arturia all still ignore MIDI 2.0 completely 🤷🏻‍♂️

[RandomNoiseMusic]

Finally endless encoders! 🙌 And step sequencing Ableton Live is 🔥

[natalieauroraphoto]

Midi controller fans eating well this week

[requiem.]

I would love to see your "module" idea exist without the need of a saw. all the functionality there in the little top bar of the mini is about all I need!

[genaugenaugenau]

Great review and amazing performance - I'd actually love to see a walkthrough just on that!

[TeleporterM]

I want a Novation SL Mk4……with lots of chords, scales settings and a really nice keybed.

[circaxx]

Just ordered the compact 25 key just for the Cubase and Ableton integration to put above my Studiologic SL. Great video btw

[FerIsella]

NO aftertouch?? I don't understand. How is this possible in 2024??

[db_]

Quality review as always ♥

The step sequencer with all the edit functions is exactly what I wanted as an update to the MK3 version.
Such a great update! I might even prefer this over my Push 3 controller tbh.

[gs]

19:14 This was the last thing the Launchkey needed to be perfect, now i have to get one, there’s no other choice. 🔥

[RJ_Eckie]

The 37 mk3 is my current daily driver and it’s wonderful. These look like excellent updates!

[karmicselling]

This video has convinced me to to return to my roots and purchase a Tascam Portastudio 488. I want to spend more time composing music and less time mastering technology. Seriously though, thank you for a fantastic video. These modern controllers and DAWs are very impressive. But I think I will stick with my Jupiters, Junos and M1s. Cheers.

[subaphonic]

Great. Now we need a new Launch Control

[papahuge]

The Oberheim soft synths are worth the price of admission. Then you get a free midi controller with them, that's pretty neat.

[BLOODCYCLENOISE]

Arp on pads is very high on the feature requeast of a firmware update.That's what novation support said

[DaveTherrien]

Always top notch quality and detail in your review of new gear! Love the "Subscribe" hint and the saw at the end!

[crolodon]

Do the Mini editions have one-piece plastic key assemblies? I'm referring to the kind where the keys are molded together in a set, and to replace a key you must replace a whole set of keys. The previous versions did, and it makes them disposable once the plastic joints start losing strength.

[Wood]

Still learning the mk 3....it's awesome...

[strmchild]

The LaunchKey Mini mk3 is my favorite compact controller of all time. Easily fits in any backpack. Fits between my computer keyboard and monitor. Packed with tons of cool, useful features. The mk4 looks like an awesome upgrade! Can't wait!