Focusrite

Focusrite AMS-LAUNCHKEY-49-MK2 Novation Launchkey 49 USB MIDI Keyboard

4.6 (1254 reviews)
4 inch

Unlock Your Musical Creativity with Seamless Ableton Live Integration The Novation Launchkey 49 USB Keyboard Controller is the ultimate tool for producing and performing electronic music with Ableton Live. Its intuitive layout and seamless integration give you hands-on control over your session,...

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Overview

Unlock Your Musical Creativity with Seamless Ableton Live Integration

The Novation Launchkey 49 USB Keyboard Controller is the ultimate tool for producing and performing electronic music with Ableton Live. Its intuitive layout and seamless integration give you hands-on control over your session, instruments, effects, and mixer.

Specifications:

  • Keys: 49 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
  • Pads: 16 Velocity-Sensitive RGB Pads
  • Knobs: 8 Rotary Knobs
  • Faders: 9 Dedicated Faders
  • Software: Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station and V-Station, Loopmasters Samples
  • Connectivity: USB

Key Features

MK2 version of Novation's 49-note USB keyboard controller for Ableton Live

16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, 8 knobs, and dedicated navigation and control buttons

Software for Mac and PC and sustain pedal 1/4 inch jack socket,7 segment 3 character LED display,pitch bend and modulation wheels,16 full-colour RGB backlit velocity sensitive drum pads

Fully USB bus-powered and class compliant; works without drivers or power cable

Software for Mac and PC, Including: Ableton Live Lite, XLN Audio Addictive Keys. Novation now offers a 3-Year Warranty on this and all other Novation products.

Specifications

Product Type
USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Model
Launchkey 49 MK2
Number of Keys
49
Pads
16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads
Controls
8 knobs, dedicated navigation and control buttons
Software Compatibility
Ableton Live (MK2 version)
Connectivity
USB (bus-powered, class compliant)
Sustain Pedal Jack
1/4 inch
Display
7 segment 3 character LED
Wheels
Pitch bend and modulation
Included Software
Ableton Live Lite, XLN Audio Addictive Keys
Warranty
3-Year Novation Warranty

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Specifically the MK2 version, designed for enhanced functionality and integration with Ableton Live
  • Features 49 notes, offering a versatile range for playing melodies, chords, and bass lines
  • Equipped with 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, providing dynamic control for drums and samples
  • Includes 8 knobs for hands-on control over various parameters within your music software
  • Dedicated navigation and control buttons simplify workflow within Ableton Live and other DAWs
  • Fully USB bus-powered and class compliant, eliminating the need for external power supplies or drivers
  • Comes with a robust software bundle for Mac and PC, including Ableton Live Lite and XLN Audio Addictive Keys
  • Features a 7-segment 3 character LED display for clear visual feedback on settings and parameters
  • Offers a 3-Year Warranty from Novation, providing extended peace of mind and support

👎 Cons

  • Designed primarily for Ableton Live, its integration with other Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) may be less seamless
  • The 49-note keybed might be limiting for pianists accustomed to full 88-key layouts for complex compositions
  • While velocity-sensitive, the pads are not specified as pressure-sensitive, potentially limiting expressive control
  • The 7-segment 3 character LED display provides basic feedback but lacks the detailed information of a full LCD screen
  • Specific details on the quality or action of the 49 keys are not provided, which can be important for playability
  • The included software bundle, while useful, may still require additional purchases for professional-level production

Frequently Asked Questions

The Novation Launchkey 49 MK2 is the MK2 version specifically designed for seamless integration with Ableton Live.
It features 49 keys, along with 16 full-color RGB backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads.
No, it is fully USB bus-powered and class compliant, meaning it works without drivers or a separate power cable.
It includes software for Mac and PC, such as Ableton Live Lite and XLN Audio Addictive Keys.
Novation now offers a 3-Year Warranty on this Launchkey 49 MK2 and all other Novation products.