Next-generation Novation Launchkey MINI is here!
Novation’s most portable and least expensive controller, Novation Launchkey MINI, just got a revamp – adding a ton of new features.
The Novation Launchkey MINI was already hugely popular amongst Ableton users, it’s one of the most extensive compact Ableton Live keyboard controllers on the market – and the new features in the latest iteration of the controller should knock it out of the park.
One of the biggest additions is the new built-in arpeggiator.
This is a huge addition considering another big feature in the new MIDI controller is the ability to function standalone with a hardware synth or other MIDI device.
There are various standard arpeggiator functions, however something is the “mutate” and “deviate” parameters, which are like a random note generator and a random trigger generator.
As per the original design, the Launchkey MINI features 16 velocity sensitive RGB pads, which can be used to trigger loops or samples, control track mutes and solos or input notes in a particular scale using one of the built-in scales.
The new Fixed Chord mode…
Another massive new addition to the already very versatile MIDI controller is the new fixed chord mode – it allows you to quickly punch in a chord of your choice and trigger transposed versions of that chord depending on the key you trigger.
You also have the ability to set the pads to only display notes within a chosen scale, this is great for beginners who may not know all that much about theory but also a great way of extending the range of octaves at your fingertips – as you can use the pads alongside the keyboard to extend your range to almost 5 octaves.
In terms of hardware, the controller has a 3.5mm TRS MIDI output which allows you to use the controller as a standalone device, it’s also got the larger variation of USB-port which is far sturdier than the original design. As usual it comes with a host of software included Ableton Live Lite and more.
The Novation Launchkey MINI is set to retail at USD $115 (Around R1700 excl. duties), for more information check out the Novation website here.
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