![]() ![]() (The MPK mini now has standalone sounds, but no MIDI out apart from USB.) And now Novation has added one of the features I like best on the MPK – the arpeggiator. Akai’s APC and MPK mini keyboards have some nice features and low prices, but they only work with a computer. That makes their Komplete Kontrol line desirable if you’re mainly interested in plug-in integration, but fairly useless if you want it to do double-duty with gear and not have to boot your laptop.Īnd that’s true of many other keyboards, too. This also to me gives it a major edge over, say, Native Instruments’ keyboards, which work only when connected to a computer. This does make the Novation offering competitive, no doubt – not least because of Novation’s uniquely close relationship to Ableton Live, but likely just as useful with other DAWs (via Mackie HUI, which works with just about anything). ![]() No, that isn’t some elaborate “cloud/subscription” feature – they just send you stuff from partners “every couple of months,” which may be more what you want, anyway. NOVATION LAUNCHEY SENSITIVITY FREEThere’s additionally now a bunch of bundled stuff from AAS, Softube, Spitfire Audio, XLN Audio and Klevgrand, and Novation now does a free membership. Velocity is actually missing on the Launchpad mini, meaning if you want triggering and velocity, this is a better bet. NOVATION LAUNCHEY SENSITIVITY SOFTWAREScene/clip launch (for Ableton and Novation software – this is a Launchpad).That’s now in Ableton Live, too, but it’s great that with the keyboard, this works everywhere.Īnd existing standard features from the Launchkey mini are here too: There’s also a Capture MIDI button, which lets you grab ideas even if you haven’t hit record. Yes, yes, more disco lights – but this also shows more information, matching colors to clips you’re launching and indicating status. ![]() MK3 adds these as touch strips the Launchkey 25/49/61 have pitch and mod, but it’s new on the Mini line. New on the MK3, and puts the Novation in contention with offerings labeled Akai and Arturia. Even for those of us with keyboard chops, this is useful on a small keyboard or in dance music contexts. There’s just a 3.5mm MIDI out jack, but combined with functionality that works without a host, you can now use this little keyboard with gear and not just a computer. But the MK3 adds some features its predecessors lacked – starting with the ability to work with gear minus the computer. Novation is the company that brought you the workhorse Launchpad grid, so anyone wanting a keyboard with colored grids on it would do well to take notice. But Novation’s latest includes standalone mode, so it isn’t just a computer accessory – so let’s see how this category looks now. Mobile keyboards continue to be fruitful and multiply. ![]()
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