Novation LaunchKey 88 Mk4 – 88-Note USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

OVERVIEW

Introducing the Launchkey 88 Mk4

Novation proudly announces the Launchkey 88 Mk4. This new MIDI controller keyboard rounds out our Mk4 range with a dedicated offering for players who value an expressive, premium-feeling keybed paired with deep DAW integration and powerful creative tools.

The Launchkey Mk4 range will now offer a controller for every setup; from the ultra-portable Launchkey Mini to a full-size 88-key model designed for players who value a premium key feel and extended range – enabling a wider reach and a broader range of customers.

Ongoing updates, including new soundpack content for Novation Play, continue to enhance the value of the entire Launchkey Mk4 range and support sustained engagement post-purchase.

Find Inspiration with the Novation Launchkey 88 Mk4

The Novation Launchkey 88 Mk4 is a powerful, all-in-one DAW controller with 88 semi-weighted keys and 16 patented Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) pads for finger drumming, clip launching, and more. You also get a bank of nine faders and eight endless rotary encoders for mixing, controlling plugins, and performing with built-in creative tools.

Beyond overhauled hardware and a refreshed, minimalist design, the next generation of Launchkey gives you new ways to get creative in your DAW, with hardware synths, or on iPhone and iPad. Chord, Scale, and Arpeggiator Modes have each been expanded to help you stay in key and perform in even more expressive ways – all with detailed feedback from the crisp, new OLED display.

Enhanced DAW Integration

Launchkey supports all major DAWs right out of the box, with seamless, custom integration for: Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig, and Ardour, With these, you get a hardware-powered workflow that gives you full control of transport functions, timeline navigation, mixing and EQ, clip launching, and instrument and effect parameters. And when using Ableton Live’s Session View or Logic’s Live Loops, the 16 drum pads double as Launchpad-style clip launchers with RGB backlights that perfectly match what you see on screen.

Novation’s Best-Feeling Keys Ever

Launchkey 88’s upgraded keybed is sensitive enough for the most delicate passages and dynamic enough for the loudest. Featuring 88 custom-designed, semi-weighted, waterfall-style keys, Launchkey gives you all the power of a software-based workflow with the feel of a premium hardware instrument that’s built to last.

Versatile, Velocity-Sensitive Pads

For finger-drummers, Launchkey now sports our patented, velocity-sensitive Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) drum pads with polyphonic aftertouch. Unlike standard pads, each one features a unique, radial sensor that increases sensitivity and improves consistency for even tighter performances.

More Powerful Creative Tools

Launchkey 88’s creative tools are built into the hardware itself, so they work the same way in your DAW, with your hardware synths, or on your mobile devices. Scale Modes now allow you to lock your keyboard to one of 30 different scales and filter out wrong notes while practising. Fixed Chord mode triggers full chords from a single key, and new Chord Maps take things further, allowing you to craft emotive progressions from Launchkey’s pads. And the latest iteration of our much-loved arpeggiator makes it easier than ever to twist and mutate your sequences for endless inspiration.

Want to control more than one instrument at a time? You can split Launchkey 88’s keyboard into two zones and play one with each hand – or layer two MIDI channels across all 88 keys and send the same notes to both.

Play Your Way with Custom Modes

Launchkey’s controls aren’t limited to their default assignments; just load up the free Components software in your browser and configure them to behave exactly the way you want with your software or hardware. You can store up to four custom mappings each for Launchkey’s faders, pads, and encoders, and recall them instantly from the hardware to send your chosen notes, MIDI CCs, or program changes. Looking to speed up your DAW workflow? Try placing custom keystrokes directly on the pads.

Go Beyond the Computer

Launchkey 88’s five-pin MIDI output makes it easy to hook up your hardware synthesiser – no DAW required. Together with Components and custom mappings, you can take control of all its most important functions directly from your keyboard. And thanks to the bright, clear OLED display, you can see what you’re adjusting in real time instead of relying on memory – or masking tape.

Launchkey is also USB-powered and class compliant, so it’s fully compatible with countless music-making apps for iPhone and iPad.

All You Need to Create

Launchkey 88 Mk4 comes with everything you need to plug in and start making music right away. The included Ableton Live 12 Lite gives you the ability to record and perform with up to eight tracks of MIDI or audio, as well as a suite of instruments, effects, and creative tools – and it all works perfectly with Launchkey. You also get a selection of additional studio-grade effects and sounds from Novation and Focusrite.

Spark Inspiration with Novation Play

Novation Play turns your controller into an inspiring instrument. This exclusive collaboration with Klevgrand features 80+ expertly designed basses, leads, pads, pianos, drum kits and more – all sampled from vintage Novation, Sequential, and Oberheim synthesisers. Step away from the screen and stay in the flow with pre-mapped encoders for sculpting each sound, four included Pad FX toggled via dedicated pads, and rapid preset switching from the encoder bank buttons. Play works standalone or as a VST/AU plugin in your DAW of choice.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

In-Depth DAW Control

Powerful control of Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig, and Ardour, with no set-up required.

Tweak Your Software

Eight encoders and nine faders deliver instant control over DAW mixers, virtual instruments, and effects; user mappings can also be created for customised control.

Perform with a Custom-Designed Keybed

Launchkey 88’s keyboard features custom-designed, semi-weighted waterfall keys, carefully tuned for our best-ever playability and a piano-like feel.

Play Drums and Instruments

16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch for playing drums and instruments, as well as launching clips and working with grids.

Powerful Tools for Creating Chords and Patterns

Powerful built-in Arpeggiator and three Chord Modes to easily create musical progressions: Fixed Chord, User Chord, and Chord Maps.

Always Stay in Key

Scale Mode locks notes on the keyboard into the right key, and Chord Detector shows what chord is currently being played, with visual representation on the OLED display.

Split and Layer the Keyboard

Split enables you to divide the keyboard into two independent zones, and Layer means two MIDI channels can be played simultaneously from the same keys.

Connect to Other Instruments

Launchkey 88 can be connected directly to synths and other MIDI hardware with its full-size MIDI out port; it also works with your iPhone or iPad.

Create Your Own Control Surfaces

Launchkey is fully customisable; map MIDI parameters to pads and controls of your choice with Novation’s easy-to-use Components software.

NKS-Ready Hardware

Native Kontrol Standard provides you with a seamless connection between Native Instruments software and the controls on your Novation hardware.

Additional Software

Comes with Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and a collection of pro-grade virtual instruments: The full list can be found below

FEATURES

• Great-feeling keys: Launchkey 88 features seven-plus octaves of semi-weighted, waterfall-style keys and a custom-designed keybed that offers even greater expressive potential.
• In-depth DAW control: Powerful control of Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig, and Ardour right out of the box – plus Mackie HUI support for other DAWs.
• Tweak your software: Eight (8) encoders and nine faders for instant control over DAW mixers, virtual instruments, effects, and more.
• Play drums and instruments: 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch for playing beats, chords, and melodies; launching clips; and working with grids.
• Powerful built-in creative tools: Arpeggiator and Chord Modes make it easy to create musical progressions.
• Always stay in key: Scale Mode locks notes on the keyboard into the right key, and Chord Detector shows what chord is currently being played on the OLED display.
• Split and layer the keyboard: Split divides the keyboard into two independent zones, and Layer allows two MIDI channels to be played from the same keys.
• Connect to other instruments: Control synths and other hardware with a full-sized MIDI out port.
• Map parameters to pads and controls of your choice with easy-to-use Components software
• Connect to all your Native Instruments and NKS-ready software: Launchkey 88 is compatible with all Native Kontrol Standard plugins.
• Software included: Get Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Novation Play, and a collection of instruments and effects from Klevgrand, GForce, Orchestral Tools, and Native Instruments – plus lessons from Melodics.

INCLUDED SOFTWARE

Ableton Live 12 Lite

The iconic DAW that gives you everything you need to get started, including instruments, effects and Live’s trademark clip and scene launching for taking ideas further or performance.

Cubase LE

Cubase LE is ready to meet the demands of high-quality songwriting and production projects with up to 16 audio tracks, 24 MIDI tracks for external instruments, and eight instrument tracks.

Melodics

Melodics is a unique desktop and mobile app that helps you learn to play the music that you love on keys or pads. Explore a bundle of bespoke lessons for Novation users, included free with Launchkey.

Novation Play

This exclusive collaboration with Klevgrand includes 80+ expertly designed basses, leads, pads, pianos, drum kits and more – all integrated seamlessly with Launchkey’s controls for an immediate, hardware-like workflow.

GForce Bass Station

Back in 1993, we introduced the world to a compact analogue synth with a colossal low end – the original Bass Station. Now, more than thirty years later, we’ve partnered with analogue-modelling pioneers GForce Software to create the definitive virtual version of this cult classic.

GForce Oberheim SEM

The Oberheim SEM emulates the classic Oberheim Synthesiser Expander Module, a powerful yet simple monophonic synth that delivers a massive punch, allowing you to craft incredible sounds instantly.

GForce Oberheim OB-EZ

A polyphonic synth with an iconic 80s sound, the Oberheim OB-EZ offers eight voices of rich, captivating leads, basses, pads, and more. Use the Stereo Delay control to thicken your sound, add a spatial dimension, or apply lush reverb to achieve that signature Oberheim tone.

GForce AXXESS

The Axxess synthesiser is ideal for crafting sounds across genres, from cinematic scores to hip-hop, offering extensive modulation options for diving deeper into sound design, along with an onboard sequencer for rhythmic patches.

Klevgrand LUXE

Compress and saturate your sound in subtle-yet-musical ways with two selectable algorithms and a slider to set the desired strength. LUXE is an easy-to-use tool that simply makes your audio sound better.

Klevgrand Slammer

Slammer is a multi-sample drum plugin with 30 hard-hitting kits. Choose from a variety of natural and distorted drums, as well as percussive sounds, perfect for creating highly distinctive and instantly gratifying beats.

Orchestral Tools Parallel Orchestra

This original spin on orchestral sampling pairs modern sound design with traditional acoustic instruments to add an unfamiliar twist to any track. Select from six individual expressive instruments spanning piano, strings, percussion, ambient textures and a full orchestral ensemble.

Native Instruments Komplete Select

Choose from three different bundles of essential production tools, each tailored to a specific style of production – Beats, Band, or Electronic. In each, you’ll find a hand-picked selection of instruments and effects, including big names like Massive X, Battery, and iZotope Ozone Elements.

*All other product names and brands cited herein are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used on this page are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.

TECHNICAL SPECS

Hardware

Keys: 88

Key Size: Full size

Key Bed: Semi-weighted

Encoders: 8

Faders: 9

Fader Buttons: 9

Pads with Polyphonic Aftertouch: 16

Pitch Bend: Wheel

Modulation: Wheel

Display: OLED

Transport Buttons:

• Play
• Stop
• Record
• Loop

Encoder Page Buttons: 2

Pad Page Buttons: 2

Scene Launch Button: 1

Function Button: 1

Workflow Buttons:

• Capture MIDI
• Undo
• Quantise
• Metronome

Arpeggiator Button: 1

Scale Button: 1

Chord Map Button: 1

Fixed Chord Button: 1

Shift Button: 1

Settings Button: 1

Octave Buttons: Up and Down

Track Navigation Buttons: Up and Down

5-pin MIDI Output: 1

Sustain Pedal Input: 1

Connectivity: USB Type-C

Bus Powered: Yes

Kensington Security Slot: Yes

Software Compatibility

Launchkey 88 is class-compliant and will work with any recent Mac, Windows PC, or iOS device.

Power Requirements

USB bus-powered: power supply not included

System Requirements

Please visit https://downloads.novationmusic.com/novation for information on supported operating systems:

• Windows
• Mac
• iOS

Warranty

Enjoy Three Years of Warranty: Wherever you happen to be in the world, you can rely on a three-year warranty if any Novation hardware needs repairing or replacing due to a manufacturing fault.

Physical Aspects

Dimensions:

• Height — 93mm (3.66″)
• Width — 1,274mm (50.16″)
• Depth — 264mm (10.39″)

Weight: 8.04 kg (17.73 lbs)