#Novation launchkey 49 mk2 vs mk1 manual#
#Novation launchkey 49 mk2 vs mk1 software#
#Novation launchkey 49 mk2 vs mk1 mac#

From the InControl protocol to the sensible choice of physical controls, it's clear the Launchkey has been well thought-through and even if neither the knobs nor the sliders occupy the luxurious end of the scale, they're no disappointment at the price. So far, so intuitive and I'm glad to report this state of affairs continues throughout. IВ found the keyboard's action to be light and suited to speedy synth performance, but although velocity-sensitivity is present and correct, aftertouch has sadly fallen by the wayside. AВ similar process involving the transpose keys allows specification of semitone transpositions rather than the usual octaves.

The keyboard defaults to MIDI channel 1 on each power up, although you can temporarily change it by entering the MIDI channel menu (by holding down the two track keys simultaneously). The notes transmitted by the pads are fixed, as is the transmission channel (10) but these restrictions shouldn't be too problematic with most DAWs, although IВ would have preferred to choose my own notes for drum performance. The pads' velocity response is fixed, but they respond well enough provided you strike positively. Probably the most impressive addition at this price point is the 2 x 8 row of velocity-sensitive, multi-coloured pads designed for either percussion tapping or the launching of loops.

It's devilishly simple but no less effective for that. The former is best suited to adjusting the parameters of soft synths, while the latter is Novation's built-in functionality to provide seamless DAW operation. standard MIDI CC transmission) and 'InControl' mode. Three buttons are provided to toggle sections of Launchkey controls between 'basic mapping' (ie. This makes Launchkey very simple to configure and use.вЂќ Even had aВ MIDI port been present, you'd still be unable to fully control most hardware synths due to their wildly varying CC requirements.

#Novation launchkey 49 mk2 vs mk1 manual#

The exclusion of hardware synths is no accident because the manual states: 'Launchkey's controls are non-assignable.

#Novation launchkey 49 mk2 vs mk1 mac#

Connectivity is exclusively via USB, channelling Novation's ambitions firmly towards PC, Mac and iPad. Perhaps strangely for aВ controller keyboard, there are no standard five-pin MIDI sockets. If portability is your highest priority, the flyweight champion of the stable is the Launchkey 25 at around 2kg. When handling, you can't quite escape the rattly feel of plastic, but at less than 4kg, at least it won't be aВ burden to haul around.

The middle-of-the-range model, the four-octave Launchkey 49 was the one supplied for review and, upon unboxing, IВ was immediately taken by its newt-like orange underbelly beneath the more conservative panel of dark grey.

#Novation launchkey 49 mk2 vs mk1 software#

The package is further sweetened by aВ bundle of free software and samples, including Ableton Live Lite. This means multi-coloured, multi-purpose pads and aВ thoughtful selection of knobs and buttons for use with soft synths and popular DAWs.

We're offered aВ choice of two, four and five octaves, and although the smallest of these hasn't enough space for all the sliders and buttons of the others, the functionality is otherwise the same. The new Launchkey range of keyboard-based controllers is founded on three sizes of keyboard, the models named according to the number of keys. Splendid.ДЇor over 20 years Novation have been making controllers, synths and control surfaces, and their appetite for perfecting the species continues unabated. Novation's new controller keyboard has bright lights, friendly buttons and aВ newt-like orange underbelly.