Producer TECH
VERDICT BUILD QUALITY
EASE OF USE FEATURES
8.0 9.0 9.0
VALUE FOR MONEY 8.0 SOUND QUALITY
8.0
HYPE A range of keyboards with
clever new technology such as InControl automatic MIDI mapping, that can be used across a wide range of software and hardware platforms.
GRIPE Given the amount of features
and software included and the very reasonable price, it is hard to find fault with the Launchkey.
WE HAVE LIFT OFF Novation show their soft side whilst giving producers a harder edge with their
new Launchkey MIDI controllers...
THE latest product to be released by Novation is a rather clever hybrid hardware/software instrument called Launchkey. Available in three hardware versions, featuring either 25, 49 or 61- note keyboards, it will integrate directly with a DAW running on a Mac or PC, or an iPad used to running the two free Novation apps. These free iPad apps come in the form of Launchkey, which is a performance synth, and Launchpad, a loop playback machine. Computer users need not feel left out, as Launchkey also comes with a suite of software for Mac and PC, including the V-Station and Bass Station soft-synths, Ableton Lite and a Loopmasters sample pack. The design of the keyboards is very nice, with a good build quality and stylish color scheme, and while the keyboards are compact, they don’t feel cramped, with decent-sized knobs and faders that are nicely spaced, even on the 25-note edition. The keys are velocity-sensitive, as are the 16 gorgeous multi-colored backlit pads, which are found on each of the various hardware editions of the
WATCH THOSE EARS Listening to loud music for a long time can damage your ears. Turn down the volume and only have it loud on the odd occasion. It will also tighten up your mixing.
Launchkey, and are perfect for triggering drums as well as loops in either the iOS Launchpad app or Ableton. The 61 and 49-note versions of Launchkey have nine multifunction sliders with solo/mute buttons, while the 25-note version is limited to a single master fader, and all versions have eight multifunction knobs and a nicely-sized three digit display.
Novation have included a rather tasty new bit of technology called InControl in their Launchkey hardware, which means that when connected to a computer, once a DAW is loaded, the keyboard will automatically map DAW controls to the keyboard’s various knobs, sliders and buttons without any other software running in the background. InControl really does make life in the studio super simple and adds a huge amount of usefulness to the Launchkey without needing to fiddle around with any software settings, or install potentially temperamental mapping software. The Launchkey iOS apps are designed to run on an iPad 2 or later version and combine Novation’s synthesiser
SHADOWING Wherever possible, sit in on someone else’s session, the workflow tips that you will pick up will help you develop your skills.
technology with a nicely designed touch- screen interface to provide a unique and intuitive hardware/software control interface. Multiple synth parameters can be controlled at the same time to create unique effects during recording and performances. The hardware buttons found on the Launchkey keyboards can be used to trigger loops and a range of other effects, including stutter and beat-synched filter effects, by connecting the keyboard to an iPad via a standard camera connection kit. The Launchpad app can be used at the same time as the Launchkey app to trigger the huge number of built-in samples and loops that cater for a wide range of genres including house, breaks, hip-hop, drum & bass, dubstep, tech house and trance. The initial release of the Launchpad app does not allow custom loops and samples to be loaded; however, Novation have promised that this feature will be available shortly via an update.
Mac and PC users can also get a similar amount of features and control on their computers by using the included Ableton
TAKE A BREAK Always make sure you take a breather. Take time to get some fresh air, go for a walk and when you come back to your session, you will feel remarkably refreshed.
PRICE Varies
CONTACT
novationmusic.com
A brand-new range of hybrid software/hardware instruments from Novation that are packed to the gills with cool features, and are just as useful when connected to an iPad as they are when connected to a PC or Mac.
8.4 /10
Lite and Loopmasters sample pack, with the added bonus of being able to take advantage of the Bass Station and V-Station VST plug-ins. The inclusion of the InControl hardware mapping system means swapping between a DAW and other software is quick and seamless, and the Launchkey quickly becomes an integral part of the studio workflow. With the release of the Launchkey range, Novation have managed to pull off one of the hardest tricks in the book, namely creating a product that caters to a huge range of users across a varied selection of platforms. The Launchpad is just as useful when it is plugged into an iPad as it is when connected to a desktop PC, and can be used for a variety of tasks.
BE TIDY Get into the practice of maintaining a tidy and clean working environment. Not only does it make for a better way to work, it will also give you peace of mind.
djmag.com 091
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