Novation launchkey 49 MK3 - USB Midi Controller Keyboard

The Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller is a 49-key MIDI controller designed for music production, live performance, and studio use. It integrates especially well with Ableton Live while also supporting Logic Pro, Cubase, Studio One, Pro Tools, Reason, FL Studio (via MIDI), and other DAWs.

Key Features

• 49 full-size velocity-sensitive synth-action keys
• 16 RGB velocity-sensitive drum pads
• 8 rotary encoders for plugin and mixer control
• 9 x 45 mm faders for mixer channels and automation
• Pitch Bend & Modulation wheels
• Dedicated transport controls (Play, Stop, Record, Loop, Capture MIDI, Quantize, Undo)
• 5-pin MIDI Out for controlling external synthesizers and sound modules
• USB bus-powered (no external power supply required)
• Sustain pedal input (¼-inch jack)

Creative Performance Tools

• Scale Mode (play in any key without wrong notes)
• Fixed Chord Mode
• User Chord Mode
• Powerful Arpeggiator
• Four Custom Modes for personalized MIDI mappings
• Deep Ableton Live integration with clip launching and mixer control

Included Software

• Ableton Live Lite
• Native Instruments Komplete Select
• XLN Audio Addictive Keys
• AAS Session Bundle
• Spitfire Audio LABS Expressive Strings
• Klevgrand R0Verb
• Klevgrand DAW Cassette

Connectivity

• USB-B
• 5-pin MIDI Out
• Sustain Pedal Input
• Kensington Security Slot

Specifications

• Keys: 49
• Pads: 16 RGB
• Knobs: 8
• Faders: 9
• Weight: Approximately 4.1 kg
• Power: USB Bus Powered

Pros

• Excellent Ableton Live integration
• Plenty of faders and controls for mixing
• High-quality RGB pads
• Creative Scale, Chord, and Arpeggiator functions
• MIDI Out for external hardware
• Great software bundle

Things to Know

• It is a MIDI controller, not a keyboard with built-in sounds.
• To produce sound, it must be connected to a computer, tablet, or an external MIDI sound module/synth. Users on Reddit also note that it cannot function as a standalone instrument without external sound-generating hardware.