The Launchkey 88 MK4 from Novation is a fully-featured USB/DAW & MIDI controller, whose clearly laid-out interface accommodates an arpeggiator, 16 pads, eight smooth-turning knobs, nine faders and Chord Mode. The keyboard features a highly playable, semi-weighted waterfall-style keyboard with 88 keys; it is robustly built and is equally suited for use on stage, on the move and wherever space is at a premium. The 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch are ideal for playing accented drums and percussion. There are five settings for the faders, four of which can be customised to suit your needs. The first mode is volume control. The keyboard can be configured for Parts A and B (duotimbral) as well as for split and layer applications. The built-in arpeggiator can be used directly via the keyboard with a range of playback patterns. A chord function is also integrated, allowing you to play entire chords with just one finger. Thanks to the transport function, you can control global functions of a DAW, such as Start/Stop, Record and Metronome, directly from the Launchkey MK4. Novation has placed great emphasis on comprehensive DAW integration in the MK4, including user-defined mapping functions. As a result, the controller comes factory-configured for use with Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Cubase, FL Studio, Reaper and other DAWs, amongst others. Settings can be adjusted directly on the device.

On the rear panel, alongside the sustain pedal input, you’ll also find the MIDI output. This allows you to play other instruments, such as rack expanders or desktop synthesisers, that do not have their own keyboard. The arpeggiator can also be activated via this output. The data connection to the computer and the power supply are provided via USB-C.
The manufacturer is providing a comprehensive downloadable software package free of charge with the Launchkey 61 MK4. Please refer to the Novation website for details of updates and compatibility with Windows and Mac systems, as well as DAWs.
Novation Launchkey 88 MK4