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Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Novation Launch Control XL". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unlock a new dimension of creativity with the Novation Launch Control XL, a versatile controller that seamlessly integrates with Ableton Live and a wide range of other DAWs. This sleek device places a world of sound at your fingertips, featuring 24 knobs, 8 faders, and 16 multicolor buttons, all intuitively laid out to mirror Ableton Live’s mixer. Whether you're adjusting sends, tweaking EQs, or controlling levels, the Launch Control XL provides precise, tactile control, making it an essential tool for live performances and studio sessions alike.
Beyond its impeccable integration with Ableton Live, the Launch Control XL boasts universal compatibility. Thanks to its class-compliant MIDI and HUI support, this controller interfaces effortlessly with major DAWs like Logic, Cubase, and Pro Tools, offering seamless mapping of its controls to your software's mixer functions. Fully USB bus-powered, this portable powerhouse is perfect for both desktop and mobile setups, connecting easily to Mac, PC, and iOS devices.
For the budding producer, Novation has packed this controller with an impressive suite of production tools. Dive into music creation with the included Ableton Live Lite software and explore a rich collection of samples from Loopmasters. With the Launch Control XL, you're not just buying a controller; you're investing in an ecosystem that inspires creativity and elevates your music production to new heights.
Key Features:
- Seamless integration with Ableton Live and universal software compatibility
- 24 knobs with multicolor LEDs for intuitive control of sends, EQs, and more
- 8 x 60mm faders for precise level adjustments
- 16 multicolor buttons for essential functions like mute, solo, and clip launching
- USB bus-powered for easy connection to Mac, PC, and iOS devices
- Includes Ableton Live Lite and 1GB of Loopmasters samples
- Supports MIDI and HUI protocols for use with major DAWs like Logic and Pro Tools
Product specs
| Type | Ableton Live Controller (version 9 or later) |
| Faders | 8 x 60mm faders |
| Encoders/Pots | 24 x Rotary with 300° motion |
| Computer Connectivity | USB |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| Compatibility | HUI protocol for mixer control with Cubase, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools |
| Power | Bus power |
| Height | 1.5" |
| Width | 9.4" |
| Depth | 9.4" |
FAQs
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Is the Novation Launch Control XL compatible with DAWs other than Ableton Live?
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Yes, the Novation Launch Control XL is compatible with other DAWs like Logic Pro, Cubase, and Pro Tools using the HUI protocol for mixer control.
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How is the Novation Launch Control XL powered?
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The Novation Launch Control XL is bus-powered, meaning it draws power directly from the USB connection to your computer, eliminating the need for an external power supply.
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Can the Novation Launch Control XL be customized for different MIDI mappings?
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Yes, the Novation Launch Control XL allows for custom MIDI mappings, enabling you to tailor the controls to suit your specific workflow and preferences.
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What are the main physical controls on the Novation Launch Control XL?
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The Novation Launch Control XL features 24 rotary encoders with 300° motion, 8 x 60mm faders, and 16 buttons, providing comprehensive control over your DAW.
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Does the Novation Launch Control XL integrate seamlessly with Ableton Live?
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Yes, the Novation Launch Control XL is designed for seamless integration with Ableton Live, offering hands-on control over your music production with minimal setup required.
Videos
Gear4music Guitars
Novation Launch Control XL Exclusive Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Best value among MIDI controllers
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Longer faders compared to competitors like Korg NanoKontrol2
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Good build quality with rubber bottom to prevent slipping
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Easy to comprehend and use from the first time
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High-quality, responsive knobs, faders, and buttons
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Seamless integration and easy mapping with Ableton
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Extensive mapping features and space for user templates
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Affordable compared to alternatives like Akai MPD or AC line
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Versatile for both studio and live performances
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Simplifies mixing and creativity by reducing mouse reliance
CONS
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HUI documentation and stability could be improved for Logic Pro users
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Panning doesn't work in the first factory template with REAPER due to HUI integration
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Initial driver installation may cause software crashes
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Lacks USB C type connection, requiring separate purchase of compatible cable
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Some users desire more pads
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation Launch Control XL.
Features and functionality
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The lack of LED rings around encoders is a common criticism, making it difficult for users to receive visual feedback on parameter positions.
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The encoders' RGB dimming is considered insufficient for visual feedback, leading to difficulties in live performance settings.
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A new Max For Live device offers dynamic device control mappings for the Launch Control XL, enhancing integration with Ableton by utilizing "User Mode."
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The Max For Live device supports full bidirectional LED feedback, enhancing usability for step sequencers and making parameter mapping more intuitive.
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Users utilize ghost clips with automated 'init state' to return fader positions to original settings, enhancing live performance flexibility.
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Comparisons
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Users compare the Launch Control XL unfavorably to the Akai APC40 MK2 and Behringer BCF2000, citing non-motorized faders as a significant drawback.
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Push 2 is noted for its screen and customizable controls, despite lacking physical faders, making it a preferred upgrade for some users from LaunchControl XL.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some users suggest motorized faders or LED rings as desirable upgrades to improve usability, even if it increases the price.
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User experience
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It's noted that the Launch Control XL is excellent for live performance but falls short as a reliable Ableton DAW controller due to non-motorized faders.
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Some users express frustration with the Launch Control XL reverting to default mode upon reconnection or changes in MIDI setup, seeking solutions for a more stable configuration.
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Use cases and applications
Software and compatibility
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Users can create global templates for the Launch Control XL, ensuring consistent control across multiple Ableton projects and providing a hardware synth-like experience.
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The device allows for "lock" functionality, enabling users to navigate Ableton without affecting current controls, improving workflow fluidity.
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The use of ModernMIDI is recommended for value recall after knob adjustments, addressing performance barriers with the LaunchControl XL.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 16 Reviews and 78 Ratings
239
Great controller, but I don't use it for my live set anymore.
My former controller. Responsible for the volume of each stem in the track. Was sold in March of this year. The main reason was the transition to the Xone K2, which is more like a DJ mixer.
126
Solid good stuff
A nice knobs/slider controller. The interface with ableton is really useful for many many things that I haven't even thought about ! Mapping everything with 8 users presets is really useful. Therefore it's not cheap... but it worth it definitely
103
Very easy midi controller
I have a lot of software synthesizers, so Control XL is for me the best solution to programm easy and different kind of synthesizers
133
Great little controller!
Perfect controller for Ableton Live with easy mapping and switch over to VST's - fantastic controller for Serum!!!!
277
Very versatile useful MIDI controller....
Best MIDI CC assignable controller i ever used...it works with live,FL,Traktor pro 2 and for many more software..really so simple to use ...knobs and fadders are really smooth...
1833
Favorite controller
Has everything I need, and is way more affordable than the Akai MPD or AC line. If I had one wish it would be for more pads, but that's what my LPD8 is for.
370
Great controller!
I primarily use this as a controller for my Circuit. It makes it easier to do tweaking on the fly.
Artist usage
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Armin posted this photo of his mini studio at the airport, and in it his Novation Launch Control XL.
Cox is creating tracks in the studio and on stage with 13 different pieces of gear including his MacBook Pro running Ableton Live, an Ableton Push, Novation Launch Control XL, Abstrakt Instruments’ Avalon (to emulate the sound of the Roland TB-303), and a MOTU Ultralite mk5. All this runs into the six channels on the V10, and he puts a DOCTron IMC on the master chain.
Source: https://musictech.com/features/interviews/carl-cox-evolution-ultra-music-festival/
In this YouTube video of the album trailer for Jean-Michel Jarre's new album, the Novation Launch Control XL can be seen at 0:48
at 3:20 in the video, Paul talks about how they use the Novation Launch Control XL
Album Usage
The Novation Launch Control XL has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Novation Launch Control XL, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation3 alternative and related items for Novation Launch Control XL, curated by the Equipboard community.
$76.40 - $109.00
Akai MIDIMIX is just like the Novation Launch Control XL, a RAW Controller that mostly have encoders and sliders. This alternative is way cheaper than the Novation Launch Control XL, but miss some features, such as buttons for focusing on tracks, and the controls for the tracks are quite limited. Also little assets such as LED for the encoders are missing. Though, unlike the Novation Launch Control XL, the Akai MIDIMIX have a slider for the master.
$299.00 - $350.00
Unlike the Launch Control XL, the Akai APC40 MKII have buttons for launching scenes. It also have a slider for the master, arrows for selecting the bank and devices.
$83.73