Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 USB Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live
Brand | Novation |
Number of Keys | 25 |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Special Feature | Velocity Sensitive Keys, Keyboard Controller |
Size | 25 Key |
About this item
- MK2 version of Novation's 25-note USB keyboard controller for Ableton Live
- 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, 8 knobs, and dedicated navigation and control buttons
- Software for Mac and PC
- Fully USB bus-powered and class compliant; works without drivers or power cable
- Software for Mac and PC, Including: Ableton Live Lite, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, Novation Bass Station and V Station virtual instruments. Novation now offers a 3-Year Warranty on this and all other Novation products.
Similar items that may ship from close to you
- Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] — Portable 25-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration, Chord Mode, and Arpeggiator — for Music ProductionFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
- AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included, WhiteAmazon's Choicein Computer Recording MIDI ControllersFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
- AKAI Professional LPK25 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 25 Responsive Synth Keys for Mac and PC, Arpeggiator and Music Production Software,blackFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio InterfaceFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
Product information
Item Weight | 5.07 pounds |
---|---|
Product Dimensions | 19.88 x 4.72 x 12.6 inches |
ASIN | B00VVK275Y |
Item model number | AMS-LAUNCHKEY-25-MK2 |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #69,033 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #275 in Computer Recording MIDI Controllers |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | July 1, 2015 |
Color Name | Black |
Compatible Devices | Laptop, PC |
Connector Type | USB |
Hardware Interface | USB 2.0 |
Supported Software | Ableton |
Musical Style | Electronic |
Number of Keyboard Keys | 25 |
Size | 25 Key |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
WARNING:
WARNING:
Product Description
Novation Launchkey (MK2) is the quickest and easiest way to produce and perform electronic music using Ableton Live. Just plug in via USB and the keys, knobs, and velocity-sensitive RGB pads give you immediate hands-on control of your session view, instruments, effects and mixer. Launch clips, control FX, play beats, and much more using 16 pads laid out in two rows of eight, to match your Ableton Live session view; one row to launch clips, and one row to stop them. Full color RGB LEDs mean they'll match the color of your clips too, while velocity-sensitivity lets you really put some feeling into your beats. Launchkey is designed to let you shape your sound however you like, using eight rock solid rotary knobs for tweaking your instruments and effects. If you need even more control of your mixer the Novation Launchkey 49 and 61 also include nine dedicated faders. The 25-note synth-style keyboard is lightweight, fast and very easy to play, but also velocity-sensitive so you can create truly expressive performances. All the controls integrate seamlessly and immediately with Ableton Live, and can be reassigned to anything. Of course, if you do not use Ableton, it will map to other major music software using In Control. Launchkey 25 is compact and tough enough to throw in your bag, so you can take it anywhere. It will work the moment you plug it into your laptop and you won’t need any drivers or power cables, because it’s class compliant and bus-powered via USB. Launchkey comes with absolutely everything you need to start making music: Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station and V-Station virtual instruments, plus a comprehensive 4GB collection of production-ready samples from world-leading sample store Loopmasters.
From the manufacturer
Everything You Need
Launchkey is our easy-to-use MIDI keyboard controller. It’s pretty much the quickest and easiest way to produce and perform electronic music, especially in Ableton Live – because we designed it specifically for the purpose. You can choose between 25, 49 and 61-note versions.
Start Immediately
Launchkey is fully USB bus-powered and class compliant, so it works straight away without power supplies or drivers on Mac or PC. It comes with everything you need to start making electronic music.
Take Control of Ableton Live
The less time you spend messing with your mouse, the more time you have for making music, you should use a MIDI keyboard controller that integrates immediately and automatically with Ableton Live
Tweak and Mix Your Tracks
Launchkey is designed to let you shape your sound however you like. The eight rotary knobs are rock solid, designed to give you confidence when tweaking your instruments and effects.
Addictive Keys
The Addictive Keys virtual instrument from XLN Audio is on the house when you register your controller keyboard or the Launchpad Pro.
Everything You Need
Launchkey is our easy-to-use MIDI keyboard controller. It’s pretty much the quickest and easiest way to produce and perform electronic music, especially in Ableton Live.
Take Control of Ableton
Tweak and Mix Your Tracks
Addictive Keys
Everything You Need
|
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|
Learn with MelodicsFree keys and pad drumming lessons with Melodics makes you get the most out of your controller straight out of the box. |
Control All Major SoftwareGet automatic hands-on control of other music software using InControl. |
Make Beats in RGB Colour16 RGB velocity-sensitive pads for both colour-matched feedback when launching clips and creating expressive drum beats. |
Control All Major SoftwareYour choice of music software is crucial. Designed for Ableton Live, its pads and buttons take control of all other major software too using InControl. |
Launchkey 25 | Launchkey 49 | Launchkey 61 | Launchkey Mini | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Add to Cart
|
||||
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars
322
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
1,960
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
1,960
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
1,960
|
Bus Powered | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Compatibility | Mac/PC | Mac/PC | Mac/PC | Mac/PC |
Host Connectivity | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
Keyboard Size | 25 Key | 49 Key | 61 Key | 25 Key |
Knobs | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Pads | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
Velocity & Pressure Sensitive | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Compare with similar items
This Item Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 USB Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | ||
Price | Currently unavailable. | $109.99$109.99 | -13% $129.00$129.00 List: $149.00 | $99.00$99.00 | -9% $89.99$89.99 List: $98.99 | $169.00$169.00 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Value for money | 4.8 | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 4.2 |
For beginners | 4.5 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 3.2 | 3.8 | 3.9 |
Quality of material | 4.3 | 4.6 | 3.6 | 3.1 | 4.6 | 4.2 |
Portability | — | 4.5 | 4.5 | — | 4.5 | 4.5 |
Tech Support | — | — | 3.5 | — | 3.1 | 3.7 |
Sold By | — | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | DonnerDirect | Amazon.com |
number of keys | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 37 |
hardware interface | usb2.0 | usb | usb | usb | usb | usb |
connectivity tech | USB | Auxiliary | USB | USB | USB | USB |
model year | — | 2022 | — | 2023 | — | 2022 |
weight | 5.07 pounds | 454 grams | 1.98 pounds | 900 grams | — | 2.78 pounds |
Looking for specific info?
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, keys and value of the audio midi controller. They mention that it's a fantastic keyboard, the keys have a good feel and are swift. They appreciate the smooth knobs, wheels and faders. That said, opinions are mixed on ease of use and sensitivity.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the audio midi controller. For example, they say it's an awesome piece of equipment, works perfectly, and has a solid design. Some appreciate the high-quality materials and smooth knobs and wheels. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...I would say the quality of the novation tops the m-audio oxygen25...." Read more
"This is a nice little MIDI keyboard. I use this alongside an Ableton Push, as I really like the piano feel sometimes...." Read more
"...The keyboard itself is nice. High quality materials, very smooth knobs, wheels and fader...." Read more
"...Build is sturdy, rotaries are kinda stupid because they won’t stay in sync with device values like a Midi Fighter Twister or Ableton Push..." Read more
Customers like the keys of the audio midi controller. They mention that the keys have a good feel, the key press is nice, and the keys are swift. They also appreciate the smooth knobs, wheels, and fader. The keyboard section is great, and customers say the synth action on the keys is fantastic. Overall, customers are satisfied with the quality and functionality of the product.
"...Otherwise the keys are springy and feel nice...." Read more
"...The keyboard itself is nice. High quality materials, very smooth knobs, wheels and fader...." Read more
"Keyboard section is great. Synth action on the keys, not weighted, but still good for players whose fingers are used to piano or weighted keys...." Read more
"...The keys are swift. The drum pads are a little stiff, which I wasnt expecting but they drop the beats on time so thats all that matters to me...." Read more
Customers find the audio midi controller to be a great product that is worth the money. They say it does the job at a reasonable cost, and the build is fine for the cost. Some customers also mention that the product is worth it for beginners.
"...Not much else to say other than that this is worth the extra money over the m-audio oxygen25. Feel free to send me any questions!" Read more
"...Key's feel great and drum pads feel good too. Does the job at a great cost. I didn't want the mini versions (In any manufacture)...." Read more
"...at this as a small general controller for Live this is a great piece for the price; just don't expect it to be very useful for percussion." Read more
"Works for what I need it for. No problems so far. The build is fine for the cost. I feel if you are looking to travel...GO MINI...." Read more
Customers like the size of the audio midi controller. They mention it's compact, perfect for traveling, and fits nicely on their desk. Some say that it'll fit on the table with their laptop.
"...I like that this fits nicely on my desk...." Read more
"...I have to say that this keyboard was a hit! It is a great size for him to have on the table with his laptop. It is also a perfect size for traveling...." Read more
"...Lightweight but still feels sturdy; good for travel.Intuitively made, and it's easy to figure out what every knob and button is capable of...." Read more
"Compact, Quality, G8 Keyboard - Not for Pads..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the audio midi controller. Some mention that the key press is nice and not difficult, setup was very easy, and there are a few videos online to show you what to do. They say it works great with FL studios and has no problems hooking it up. However, some customers say that the learning curve is rather quick for the iPad version of the app. However other customers say the workflow is uniquely complicated and the downloads take a long time on DSL.
"...Setup was very easy and there are a few videos online to show you what to select in Logic so that it auto maps everything...." Read more
"...have a DAW, or if you want to try something new, it's not too difficult to get into. Definitely adds some value to this package...." Read more
"...The ableton seems a bit more complicated than my usual garageband experience. In the desription it says plug in & play...." Read more
"...He uses Reason as his software and this hardware was recognized right away. No downloading or installing drivers required...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the sensitivity of the audio midi controller. Some mention that the pads are velocity sensitive, but instead of a full range of, they have decent velocity. While others say that the senitivity is hit-or-miss and inaccurate that it's not even. The responsiveness of the pads is also questioned, with some saying that the keys lost all velocity sensitivity. The pad velocity issues remained, and the keys became non-velocity sensitive.
"...Having velocity in the keys is nice, though I rarely record my playing, so it's not much use to me...." Read more
"...The velocity is pretty wonky, though: you have to really slam the notes to get the full 127, and getting anything more than slightly above a whisper..." Read more
"...Technically speaking, the pads are velocity sensitive, but instead of a full range of "very soft" to "very loud"..." Read more
"...That it is not customizable will be a limitation, ultimately, but I'm using it along with an Akai MPD218 drum pad, which makes up for the non-..." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Setup was very easy and there are a few videos online to show you what to select in Logic so that it auto maps everything. The only thing I had to assign/learn was the volume fader but the rest worked fine as is. The velocity on this keyboard is a bit different than the oxygen25. This keyboard you really have to slam the keys to hit the top velocity (there are settings but haven't messed with them yet). Otherwise the keys are springy and feel nice. The track-next/track-previous buttons work as needed when I'm switching between virtual instruments live. I would say the quality of the novation tops the m-audio oxygen25. Not much else to say other than that this is worth the extra money over the m-audio oxygen25. Feel free to send me any questions!
I already had Ableton Live before buying this keyboard, and it's an excellent software. If you don't already have a DAW, or if you want to try something new, it's not too difficult to get into. Definitely adds some value to this package. I used the Intro version for about two years, and still have a lot to learn. I did eventually upgrade to the Suite version for the additional sound packs,, but you can still get a LOT of mileage out of the Intro version that this ships with.
That said, I would also recommend checking to see if/when Novation will begin packaging their keyboards with Live 10 Intro; this one shipped with Live 9 and it may be worth waiting for a month or two if something is on the horizon.
The keyboard itself is nice. High quality materials, very smooth knobs, wheels and fader. Having velocity in the keys is nice, though I rarely record my playing, so it's not much use to me. The velocity is pretty wonky, though: you have to really slam the notes to get the full 127, and getting anything more than slightly above a whisper takes considerably more effort than I'm naturally comfortable with. Same goes for the pads. Scratch that, I meant especially for the pads. I've tested them out once and decided it's not gonna fly. I've been a percussionist since middle school, so I was stoked on having velocity-sensitive pads for serious jam drumming, but the sensitivity is so hit-or-miss and inaccurate that it's not even worth setting up for each new project.
Oh, worth mentioning, I use FL Studio, so I can't speak towards its performance with InControl, which apparently has all the knobs and stuff premapped in Ableton. That'd be awesome in Fl Studio, I have to remap everything except the actual keys every time I reopen the project. Plus, that knob stays linked to that specific parameter no matter which VST you're currently using. Useful if you only want eight macro'd parameters in your entire project, not so useful if you want any more than that at any one time. Not a terribly huge pain, but still. Also, parameter automation isn't recorded in FL Studio, so just recording twisting a knob won't make the automation appear; you have to play the notes and twist the knobs at the same time (I think?) for it to show up, which isn't exactly super ergonomic or sensible workflow-wise.
But, don't let my negativity get you down. If you need a super solid playing surface that's a joy to noodle around on, go for the 25 Mini, unless you really want the wheels like I did. If you need a super complex and powerful manipulation tool, let me know when you find it, 'cause Novation ain't got it.
Top reviews from other countries
A principio senti falta de manual (pois sou iniciante com esse tipo de equipamento), mas ao conectar no computador abre-se um "Get started" no navegador, mostrando o que você deve fazer desde a instalação/configuração até o uso final.
Também achei que estivesse com problema, pois alguns recursos não estavam funcionando no meu Ableton Live 10 (Windows), porém, ao atualizar o firmware tudo funcionou corretamente.
Se você é iniciante como eu, tire um tempo para configurar e certificar-se que tudo está funcionando antes de começar a diversão.
Reviewed in Brazil on July 22, 2021
A principio senti falta de manual (pois sou iniciante com esse tipo de equipamento), mas ao conectar no computador abre-se um "Get started" no navegador, mostrando o que você deve fazer desde a instalação/configuração até o uso final.
Também achei que estivesse com problema, pois alguns recursos não estavam funcionando no meu Ableton Live 10 (Windows), porém, ao atualizar o firmware tudo funcionou corretamente.
Se você é iniciante como eu, tire um tempo para configurar e certificar-se que tudo está funcionando antes de começar a diversão.
L'utilizzo principale che ne faccio, è di usarla per controllare dei vst in live con Ableton. Avevo necessità anche di una tastiera contenuta e leggera ma al tempo stesso solida, ebbene si, Novation ha soddisfatto tutte le mie richieste e aspettative.
In ambiente windows, si configura automaticamente in pochi secondi, Ableton la riconosce automaticamente, già pronta all'uso, ovviamente è possibile personalizzare la mappatura.
La tastiera si autoalimenta dalla porta usb, non ha alcuna latenza e la connessione è sempre stabile. Ottima la qualità di pad ed encoder, li ha ereditati dai controller della casa. La qualità dei tasti è impressionante, ho posseduto e possiedo diverse tastiere, sia mute che synth, si posiziona in una fascia abbastanza alta nella qualità della meccanica.
Inutile aggiungere il servizio Amazon, sempre veloce e impeccabile.