Novation Launchkey 61

A five-octave MIDI keyboard gives you room to play with both hands and control your DAW directly from the same surface. The Novation Launchkey 61 combines 61 velocity-sensitive keys with pads and controls for operating instruments, effects and mixer functions in music software.

The 16 multicolour backlit, velocity-sensitive pads trigger drums, samples and, in compatible DAWs, clips and scenes. Eight rotary controls and nine faders access software parameters in real time. In InControl mode, controls are pre-mapped for supported DAWs; in standard MIDI mode, you can use and configure their MIDI commands in your music software.

Six transport buttons are provided for start, stop, record, loop, fast-forward and rewind. Track buttons let you switch between tracks; eight mute/solo buttons support mixer control. The LED display shows transmitted parameter values. The octave buttons shift the keyboard range up or down by up to three octaves; when pressed together, they transpose in semitone steps.

The pitch and modulation wheels control pitch bend and modulation data for software or MIDI instruments. The two InControl buttons switch the corresponding controls between DAW and MIDI control. A sustain pedal can be connected via the corresponding socket. A USB connection is all you need to use it with a computer; to use it with an iPad, you need an Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit, available separately. An external power supply can reduce the load on the iPad during use.

The software bundle includes Ableton Live Lite, the Novation plug-ins V-Station and Bass Station, a Loopmasters sample pack, and the Launchkey and Launchpad apps for iPad. The apps offer synthesiser and loop functions; their use depends on the iPad operating system version. The USB-MIDI connection also connects the keyboard to compatible music software on Mac or PC. A Kensington slot provides security at your workstation.

With its 61 velocity-sensitive keys, direct mixer and transport controls, and pads, the controller is suitable for recording, arranging and live setups with a DAW or iPad. Five octaves and comprehensive DAW control are the key selection criteria for anyone who wants to combine keyboard playing and software control in one device.