Very helpful review! This is exactly the thing I've been looking for. I really appreciate your pros and cons comparison between the three at the end of the video.
Just so you guys know, I have the launch key mini, and I just want to say, the beat pads that come on it, are lovely in my opinion. No quarrels whatsoever
When it comes to taste of keys and quality feeling I guess it often comes to personal taste. I compared the Arturia Essential and NI with the Launchkey MK3 and by far the Novation felt better from keys to construction to weight and quality. The Arturia compared to the Novation let me unimpressed. It felt cheap and the keys were pretty loose compared to the Novation. I liked the NI too, but it misses the pads completely. You say the opposite. Funny how far taste differences. :)
I thought the Arturia keybed was awful too. Arturia is notorious for bad keybeds on the lower end models (sadly Korg does the same on much more expensive Kross and Krome). I did sample an NI A series and it was ok, though not as good as their KK models.
Since your video about the launchkey MK3 mini I asked Novation for MK3 the launchkeys. I wanted it so bad..... and they answered "We don´t know! Better buy a MK2!" and other time stretching disinformation to make money twice. I decided to wait and with videos like this one right here, subscriptions to awesome artist like Sanjay C, Hannie, Sarah the Illstrumentalist, Accurate Beats - and especially Sanjay C and Sanjay C again, are getting so pretty paid.... THANK YOU!!!! For playing keyboard I have my NI S49, but I use Studio One, Reason 11 as AU in Studio One and I also bought Ableton, because I think Studio One and Ableton are very good to complete your creating possibilities inside your studio! SANJAY C!!!! THANK YOU!!!!! I almost turned out as I recognized this video!!!! Love from Germany!!!
Hi sounds like Tunes! So glad you waited for my video and from the other awesome creators. So what do you think of the Launchkey MK3? As good as you expected?
@@SanjayC I just saw your video. I could not receive a launchkey yet. In Germany we have to wait 4-5 weeks till the MK3s are available. This is the tragedy of every new device: America gets new stuff much more earlier! But the informations and your way to show and explain are helping me a lot! Bad keybed? What should I expect, if there are the Launchkey SL? The keys are just to get on the producing way. The USP is the Ableton compatibility + navigation comfort. That is, what I waited for and the design is SOOOOO much nicer than MK2 launchkeys! I also liked you showing and explaining the small display. This display is as better as the mini NI displays are! For sure! I am not sure, if I buy a 37 or a 49. Yes, 49 gots faders! I will watch your video sometimes more. It just helps me deciding very well! Love it! Thank you again!
You’re my favorite RU-vidr for info about music creation, midi controllers, etc. because you explain things carefully, mostly in easy to understand layman’s terms and offer comparisons to hear in similar and lower price points when possible. As a total beginner to music (I sang in the choir in high school but I never even learned how to read music) who bought an Arturia Minilab Mk II I’ve been a little overwhelmed by the terminology within the instruments and DAW. Understanding what compression is, or chorus, or sends, or the difference between synth lead vs synth pad, or reverb or delay is a bit confusing without a starting framework. Do you have a video, or know of a resource that explains simply the glossary of terms commonly found within DAWs, the common effects you’ll tend to see, as well as the usual settings one uses to alter instrument sounds?
Hi Christopher. I don't have a video with a glossary of terms, but I suggest watching my other videos - anything that interests you, because I always explain things in laymans terms - very simply. I'll do a video about compression sometime soon. But in the meantime, watch this sidechain compression tutorial to understand a little more ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yDRsiEudSQU.html
It looks like it would be very good for Virtual Pipe Organ use as well if it is compatible with Linux. The pads I assume work like the Launch pad which many people use as stop controllers. They should be quite useful to activate preset pistons. The biggest concern would be whether the pads can be programed from a Linux computer. A really nice feature to add would be analog inputs to allow external expression pedals to control the channels controlled by the knobs or faders.
just ordered one of these but in the 61 key version a few days ago. its supposed to be on its way now, so hopefully will be here soon. cant wait to try it out, this video has me even more hyped than I was before!
@Classical Chateau yeah they are pretty cool. 25 key one is small but it should still have plenty of functionality, I only went with the 61 key version since I've taught myself piano and want to grab the range to play some songs on it as well.
@@NotAGamer685 it's going pretty good. I haven't messed around with too many of the settings since I haven't had much time to waste on it, but for just playing stuff intune and changing the instrument sound it's doing really good.
I personally like light touch fast action synth action keys more than per say axiom because the extra weight will give you hand fatigue. Also hope this works with abelton 11 oops forgot the new 11 abelton randomizer buttons
I got it and was soooo bummed it doesn't work as well in Cubase, I prefer semi-weighted keys but was real impressed by all the features that I think would help beginners especially. I hate Ableton but seems now I will have to grit my teeth and learn it. Hopefully I'll still be glad I got this keyboard.
Awesome recommendation. Just got the Launchkey Mini 25 key to replace my Akai. I might get the Arturia version of this much later just because I need that pushback. Plus, no rules say I can't use both, haha.
@@SanjayC Yeah. The free softwares from Novation and Arturia are super good. I had to ask a few people for their codes so I can use them. Sucks I missed Serato LE, but hey. At least I got ROLI Equator. And I produce on iOS. But they're that good that I had to test them.
Purchased a Novation Impulse 61 about 3 years ago Also purchased a Novation Launchkey MK3 just this past December. After about 3 years, the Impulse's screen went blue where it doesn't show anything on the display. Shortly after it stopped working altogether. The Launchkey, only 6 months hold, the 2nd B-Flat key from the left feels lose. Almost like it's not seated properly. Contacted Novation, June 3rd. Still heard nothing back. Having to use my Arturia Keylab Essential. I'm not even the biggest fan of Arturia's keyboards, but at least they don't break. Novation Keybaords are great.....when they're not broke. Very dissappointed.
Hey Maslin, I had to post this since Novation just released it. Gotta get the latest keyboards out there for you all! :-) I'm good. Lots of videos this week! Phew! How are you?
@joeleldho6585 yeah it’s really good! Takes a bit of reading to figure out how it works with Ableton, but you can use it as a decent midi keyboard straight away and straight forward to start.
@@SanjayC Unfortunately I don't, but I watch them closely and every time I watch your reviews I wonder which one to choose. The choice is not so simple and obvious :') I currently have akaim mpk mini and I use the Roland digital piano from a larger midi controller. From the habit of this digital piano I know that I will pay attention to the keybed. That's why I respect that you always mention it and I really appreciate it. In addition, I'm an ableton user and the dilemma builds up on one side. Novation seems to be the perfect choice but arturia and NI also look tempting. ahhh about these midi controllers you could write and write each of them looks like a small wonder and has its strengths that we will not find in other Maybe the best solution would be to buy all three ;D
Sanjay C you just made me pack up my Native Instrument A25, and MK3 Mikro. I just received the Novation MK3 61 controller today. For your viewers...... if you do not know how to use Ableton, check out Sanjay C’s tutorial. I still go back there and review because it’s the best on the market! I’ve now made the official switch to Ableton, because it’s Able to take my music places where it’s never been!!
@@SanjayC this is directly from Sweetwater A unique DAW designed from the ground up for the creative studio or performing musician. The funny thing about everything is when I bought my focusrite, Ableton was there, when I bought my Novation, Ableton was there, when I bought my Nektar, Ableton was there! How many times does the universe needs to tell you that you are able? Hahaha
Hey “Sanjay” I’m a DJ/Producer in D.C. as well, I follow your channel. I’m looking to update my older Launchkey49 . I’d like to see you compare the novation launchkey 49 MK3 and Novation 49SL MkIII Thanks a million 👍🏽
this video helped me so much! I'm currently setting up my studio and based on your reviews, i think I'm going with the Native Komplete because key feel is HUGE for me. thank you Sanjay! :)
i have read on many forms and threads that the velocity sensitivity is bad on the kk, can you tell how does it feel for playing pianos, ep strings etc? i am a keyboardist.
That keyboard looking good! I am really happy that the added an undo button. It stops me from reaching over to my computer. All the functions that I need in one device!
I speak Spanish, but I still love to watch your videos (with subtitles, of course xD) I love to watch them because, I am initiated in music production and thanks to your videos I can have professional help. postscript: I'm 12 years old :D
I've just bought the Mini Mk3 version. I was also seeing the 37 Mk3 but that's much more than what I need and I'm able to do. Thanks for a great video.
You make a fair review. On integration, Arturia delivers VST instrument integration with their own bundle and NI Komplete Kontrol has similar integration with their own software bundles, but I use Logic X VSTs! What your saying is that neither the Novation, the Arturia nor the NI offer Logic integration at the instrument level? Those bundles from Arturia and NI are ‘Lite’ versions and the upgrade costs for their complete collections range from $399 to $599. That’s a big extra cost.
I'd say wait for a while, I think Novation may be working on FL Studio support with this keyboard. I'll keep an eye on it for you and will let you know in my News Reports on saturdays.
Unusual, Thursday video. Missed it. But this makes me wanna turn back time and reconsider my choice. Edit: Which would you prefer Novation Keybeds or Arturia Keybeds??
Still cant decide between this and the arturia essential 49 for ableton. The arturia has keylab which seems great. But the launchkey has the great apreg and better ableton control.
The same happened to me. I just returned the mk2. Now I don't know if buy the mk3 or spend more money for the arturia keylab. Because I didn't like the feel of the keys on the novation launchkey mk2. The keys of the arturia keylab I listen they are better, but the pads for finger drumming I listen are worst on the arturia. Also I want used for ableton and novation have better integration. Another good point on the arturia is the Analog Lab for free.
I got the Launchkey MK3 mini, it is a bomb, a real blast to play on. However sometimes one of the pads randomly taps itself. I think it is the vibration in the floor or in the table when im typing on my keyboard that accidentally activates it...Not a big issue though, happens like once every 20-30 min if it is plugged in. It's a really awesome tool. My only real complaint is that the knobs cant turn around all the way. In Ableton it synchs instantly at least but you always gotta ctrl+z to see where the knob setting was before if you forgot to check it.
Wish Novation would add Deviate and Mutate to the SL MK3. They added a variation thing in the 1.4 firmware but it would be so dope to have both like these Launchkeys. :)
once i bought launchkey mini mk2 on the advise of Taetro now buying Launchkey mk3 61 on the reccommendation of Sanjay c. hope i am not going to regret. bcuz i love novation's integration with ableton live.
@@SanjayC Thanks. I don`t understand why they are still using standard encoder for this kind of keyboards. It defies the purpose of having all these controls...
agreed, that shit actually makes me irrationally angry. it makes absolutely zero sense to have limited pots on a controller that will, for most people, be plugged into a computer. encoders are only pennies more than pots. pots are for knob-per-function synthesizers only, in my opinion. and unfortunately neither Arturia nor NI have a 37-key with their encoders, so I'm yet again stuck with the 25 key Minilab. a real case of first world problems lol
if i have pots, and i turn a parameter on a softsynth to 64, and then switch to a different softsynth where a parameter mapped to the same knob is currently at 0, the moment i move that knob, it immediately jumps to 64 and then goes wherever i turn the knob. this is called "absolute midi" and is totally undesired behavior. with an infinite encoder, instead of sending out a specific value based on the angle of the knob, it simply sends a signal to increment or decrement a parameter. this means no matter what the value of any parameter is, it will move up or down directly from its current location. this is called "relative midi" or sometimes "midi inc/dec" and i really think it should be the standard at this point, but that's just me
Great review! Also love how you make side steps to previous videos. That helps comparing products a lot! I was doubting about LK mini MK3, because it has midi, but now these new LK 25 and 37 also have midi out. I own a Novation Impuls 49 with midi, but wanted something smaller on my desk. Which also has more integration with Ableton Live. What would be your choice or recommendation, invest in Push 2, or perhaps LK MK 3 together with a Novation Circuit of Roland MC-101? Keep on making great reviews! I am enjoy viewing them a lot! 👍🏻
Sanjay C No hardware synth yet, I am still building my studio. I have: - Focusrite 4i2 - Novation Impulse 49 - Røde NT1 with SMR mount - NI Maschine Mikro MK3 - Roli Blocks GarageBand Kit - Yamaha U3 piano with silent system (and Midi) - Electric and Acoustic guitar - VST: NI Select and Addictive Keys Piano’s That’s why I am doubting what would be the best next. So many lovely toys to play with hahaha
2 Questions... 1 - Controller Redundancy: Are the pads/controls ultimately redundant for those with a PUSH2 as centerpiece (plus APC40 or LaunchControlXL)? I’m a beginner with Ableton (and may use Logic also), buying a full setup, and trying to avoid overlap in functionality. I love the idea of deep integration with Ableton, but perhaps a simple set of keys is adequate with a robust setup centered on Push? 2 - Multiple Midi Keys: Most advice/videos focus on the pros/cons of individual keyboards, and comparisons with peers; but what advice do you have for those buying multiple keys, i.e. a mini (for simple) and larger (for traditional playing). Perhaps a no-frills mini + a larger with all the bells & whistles (knobs/sliders). Perhaps from different manufacturers to get more total plugins/instruments?
As for the pads: I’ve also got a Push 2 and am considering the Launchkey. I could see a real value in having one set of pads for launching clips, and one for programming drums, rather than toggling back and forth. I do all my drum programming on push and love the scale functionality, but ultimately I want to learn stronger keyboard skills. Also, very into having a set of faders, which Push lacks.
2 года назад
@@robertgarvansnyder4665 I know that feeling, sometimes I just use the keys on the Komplete Kontrol M32 instead change the mode for the Launchpad X to drums, since the synth action mini keys are not bad for fast drum You can do it all just on the Launchpad X? Yes, I can even use the vitual faders to chage the values and control everyting, so that give you the max control, but I need to change a lot each mode to do it, that loss of time make all more hard to me. I thinked on get another launchpad but I preffer keys and having the faders for fast access to volume control is nice to have because the virtual on the Launchpad X are not too precise
Yo dude just out of curiosity, does Novation Launchkey's functionalities (like record and control buttons) works in the arrangement view as well? I'm not a big fan of session view and I have seen people complaining about functionalities only work for session view on this keyboard, so that unsettles a lot before my purchase. Thanks a lot bruh!
@@ryanjia3744 Hi. In my case it does. Even though I'm not a heavy ableton user, but a few sessions I've done in it using the arrangement view, the keyboard did the job nicely :)
@@SanjayC The thing about your reviews in general are that you always get straight to point and don't babble about not so important features like others and always tell that is important. Also in this particular, I loved the fact that ableton has raised the bars in terms of quality and workflow and the way you told us was incredible.
I would really like to understand more about the difference between the smallest version of the Novation Lanchkey MKIII, the 25, and a Novation Launchkey MINI. What do you think is the best one between the two?
They made a huge design mistake moving the sliders to the right and the pads/twist buttons to the left. Most people are right handed and they have no fine control with their left hand. It takes much more precision to twist knobs and hit pads than to move a slider up/down. Now most people will have to cross their hands, or only use the right hand, like you did when hitting the pads. I wonder what the hell were they thinking changing the perfect MK2 layout.
The options are always overwhelming. I'm looking for a 49/61 keys with the best keybed quality. I use Push 2 so i'm not worrying Ableton integration too much. Can you please let us know your favorite 49/61 controller? Thanks
Picked up the arturia essential a couple weeks ago and pretty unhappy with the daw controls - no track selection in logic, the faders are imprecise and feel cheap and the pads are super stiff, plus you get very limited controls within their included software instruments. The novation sounds great for daw control but lacking any included software instruments and a lesser keybed are holding me back. The Komplete kontrol A series looks to be the best of both worlds. Better daw controls than the arturia, not as good as novation but still gives you what you need. Better keybed and much more control over their included software instruments. No drum pads but honestly keys work fine for drums, I’m no finger drummer so doubt I’ll miss having those. Looks like I’ll be swapping out the essential for the Komplete kontrol a. Thanks for helping me along in my decision!
Hey Sanjay, At 2:34 you said full integration with Logic, I guess you meant Ableton. I am starting to learn logic, do you recommend this one, or you would recommend something else?
Honestly I kinda would like it but i too am a pianist plus i already have a big keyboard though i wish i could trade my akai Mpk mini for the launchkey mini for the intigration and great pads
I’m an idiot, coz 2 months ago I bought mk2 25. wanted full sized keys was struggling to choose between mini mk3 and mk2, but mk3 looks like so much better than mk2 now.
@Sanyay C It seems awesome, but I have a question: Is it the same size as it's MK2 counterpart? I have a 61 MK1, so I already have a hard and soft case for it, would like to know if it will fit so I can get the MK3
Amazing review. I love all your vids. I'm a drummer wanting to play solo with roland e drums, sing and also play a simple melody on a keyboard. Id lovw to have a bit of looping on keys as well. I'm aiming foe a sonicly beautiful sound. Is it possible to use this keyboard live and loop witjin ableton live? Or is there a better device out there for this typenof gig i speak of. My goal is coffe shops and small venues.😊
one thing not mentioned--how easy is it to control third party plugins with launchkey? the Ableton workflow looks excellent but I'm very happy with how I can map arturia knobs to virtual instruments.
Great review. love watching your channel. I’m learning Logic and Cubase since most of my work is in Sibelius but would like to branch out, and design my own electronic music. Would love to know your thoughts on what midi keyboard I should use. I found an old Behringer 25 key midi which is a start but it’s very limited. I don’t particularly want to use my Fantom 8 or my Montage 8 since I use them mainly for gigs.
Awesome review as always, addressing little details, I own a Komplete a61 and the keys feel great! By the way, have you ever though about a Video on choosing the best DAW for your workflow? I have being a reason user for years, since Reason 3, but mixing in Studio One 4, coming from Pro tools. But I got a Maschine MK3 that I cannot easily integrate to my reason workflow and I was thinking on switching to Ableton to work on my arrangements, because the workflow from Reason to Studio One still a little different, so not sure if you can show us the DAWs that suit certain workflow 😅😅😅 PS: You do an awesome job!!!!!! Keep it up!!!
Hey Sanjay C, I'm a guitarist and I do music productions from my home studio. I use Cubase as my production DAW. For basic programming I need a good keyboard in affordable range, is this Launchkey 49 mk3 good for me. I prioritize my Guitar playing more than keyboard playing, so will this keybed of this keyboard is going to trouble me?
i just bought it. As a fully weighted key player, i think Launchkey gets to maximum velocity input too quickly. In logic, when im playing at my 80-90 values (by muscle memory), Launchkey goes to 110-120... i hope i will get used to it.
Q:Controls we use for faders like a channel's volume,will change to the position of the fader? Or, The fader will get auto rearrange for the controls? Because,I don't have midi controller but konws most of the things about those. And my conclusion about this:REALLY worths for that price!!!!
Hey Sanjay! really love your contents! I was wondering, let's say i got all my essential studio gears such as midi controllers, microphone, interface, studio monitors. What are some "upgrade" gears that you would reccomend? gears that could step up the studio game like pre amps and such. Would love to see you make a video on this topic! Thank You!!
Nice idea for a video. Honestly, I'd say you'd get a big bump in quality from microphones at the $500+ level. Same with Studio monitors. What do you feel is the weakest part of your studio at the moment?
HI Sanjay, Great video, however when I clicked on the link about the comparisons, it brought me down to chapters and three other videos, and I have no clue on what to select... I thought the link might just start the video!????
Thanks a lot for the detailed review! Could you please give more info about the tight integration of Arturia Essential with Lab? I plan to buy Launchkey and use it with Lab as well, so I’m wondering if lose something in terms of UX and possibilities compared to Essential.
this product is impressive, HOWEVER arp is on and i input new notes they overlap !! I contacted novation and the told me "It's also worth noting that trying to play individual notes with the arp turned on with have unpredictable results." so they are telling me that i cant make an arpeggio progression with more than one chord ??
I don't think you need to switch. Logic is an excellent DAW. I've even considered switching to Logic after the latest update. What feature do you wish you had from Ableton?
Sanjay C well...to be honest I’m just getting in to the whole MIDI world.But I just kept constantly hearing about ableton everywhere so i don’t really know much about DAWs yet😔
@@lukaschen8173 I personally hate how much Ableton is used, its wayyyy overrated imo. I think Logic and Cubase 10 are many times better but I got a free version of Ableton with my Interface.
Here`s my take . Ableton good for create some ideas/basic framework for your song . Actually that was ableton made for . LIVE Jamming and cool - bizarre/unique FX to explore another approaches for song writing process . Jam - having fun and let see what comes from it . But if you`ve already had clear visions about your next song ( structures - notes - unique sound etc) , Something like Logic or another standard linear DAW will help you finish faster
