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Description
Discover the power of portability with the Novation Launchkey Mini MK1, a compact 25-mini-key MIDI controller that fits snugly into your creative workflow. This versatile tool is more than just a keyboard; it's a gateway to expressive music-making. With its 16 tri-color performance pads, you can easily tap out beats, launch loops, or even trigger samples, making it a perfect companion for live performances or studio sessions.
Designed with the modern musician in mind, the Launchkey Mini MK1 offers seamless integration with Ableton Live, allowing you to navigate effortlessly through your projects. It's not just limited to Ableton, though; this MIDI controller plays well with any DAW on your Mac or PC. Whether you're in a studio or on a train, the Launchkey Mini connects to your iPad via the Camera Connection Kit, letting you harness the power of Novation's iOS apps to compose on the go.
The Launchkey Mini MK1 is equipped with 8 programmable knobs, giving you hands-on control over parameters like levels and panning. Plus, the included software bundle—featuring Ableton Live Lite, Novation V-Station, and Bass Station soft synths—ensures you have everything you need to start creating right out of the box.
Key Features:
- Compact 25-mini-key MIDI controller for Mac, PC, or iPad
- 16 tri-color, backlit performance pads for drums, loops, and more
- 8 programmable knobs for controlling levels, panning, and parameters
- Advanced integration with Ableton Live and iOS apps
- Comes with Ableton Live Lite, Novation V-Station, Bass Station synths, and Loopmasters sample pack
- Compatible with iPad via Camera Connection Kit
Videos
Novation
Novation // Launchkey Mini [MK1] Performance, ft. KillTheRobot
![Video thumbnail for Novation // Launchkey Mini [MK1] Performance, ft. KillTheRobot by Novation](https://img.youtube.com/vi/0YCxhxWasl8/mqdefault.jpg)
Novation // Launchkey Mini [MK1] Performance, ft. KillTheRobot
Novation
![Video thumbnail for Novation // Launchkey Mini [MK1] performance explained ft. KillTheRobot by Novation](https://img.youtube.com/vi/eQIEvx7rvwM/mqdefault.jpg)
Novation // Launchkey Mini [MK1] performance explained ft. KillTheRobot
Novation
![Video thumbnail for Novation // Launchkey Mini [MK1]: play your music - anywhere by Novation](https://img.youtube.com/vi/FpmQwZlhbJ8/mqdefault.jpg)
Novation // Launchkey Mini [MK1]: play your music - anywhere
Novation
![Video thumbnail for Novation Launchkey Mini [MK1] - Overview by Novation](https://img.youtube.com/vi/mP0uj-_WRww/mqdefault.jpg)
Novation Launchkey Mini [MK1] - Overview
Novation
Reviews
PROS
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Great for beginners, easy to use
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Highly portable, fits in a laptop bag
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Responsive pads, ideal for music production
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Works well with Ableton Live, mapping is intuitive
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Compact and lightweight, perfect for on-the-go use
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Versatile, suitable for music creation and live sets
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Additional knobs and touch buttons enhance production
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Velocity-sensitive keys add expressiveness
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Plug and play compatibility, especially with Ableton
CONS
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Feels cheaply made, predominantly plastic build
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Limited to 25 keys, not ideal for complex chord progressions
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Interface not perfectly mapped to all DAWs without manual adjustment
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Lacks mod/pitch wheel, limiting expression
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InControl function can be cumbersome, especially during live performance
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Some users report durability issues, like breaking keys
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Small pads and keys may not suit all users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation Launchkey Mini MK1.
Features and functionality
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The Launchkey Mini MK1's knobs can retain mapping on a device if manually assigned, but new projects require remapping unless a default MIDI map is created.
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There's an emphasis on utilizing MIDI mapping guides for Serum to optimize control and efficiency on the Launchkey Mini MK1.
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The Launchkey Mini MK1 requires switching to the 'Drum' mode by pressing Shift + the second top-left pad for drum pad functionality in Ableton.
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Exclusive Arm setting in Ableton disarms previous tracks automatically, enhancing track management without manual inputs.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Using non-InControl mode helps maintain consistent CC messages, allowing for a default MIDI map setup for plugins like Serum, ensuring seamless control over parameters.
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Enabling Ableton-specific mappings on the Launchkey Mini MK1 involves pressing the InControl button, which looks like a ">" symbol.
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Enabling Exclusive Arm affects Launchpad functionality, requiring users to hold down multiple track buttons to arm them simultaneously.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Integrating the Launchkey Mini with Native Instruments products is suggested for users familiar with NI's seamless workflow, leveraging the controller's 8-knob layout.
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For drumming in Ableton Live, users should ensure the drum rack is loaded on a MIDI track that's armed and selected before using the Launchkey Mini MK1 pads.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 27 Reviews and 107 Ratings
One of the best and cheap midi keyboards that I've seen
Well, I got launchkey as a birthday gift and using it more than a 2 years. That's pretty nice instrument for creating little melodies and mixing them with 16 pads. Pads also could be used to create an awesome animation/lightshow
Portable Ableton controller
Fits in a laptop bag and is plug and play with Ableton.
55
Good budget keyboard with iPad integration option
"0 pros use this" lol Pretty good budget keyboard, definitely better than the computer keyboard! Haven't tried iPad integration but it's good to know it's an option, and I did try the app, which is pretty good
24
Great little guy
It's a nice keyboard, all the keys + touchpads are very responsive. Also very light and compact, makes storage a breeze.
A few days in
This is my first midi device and I really like it. Very easy to get used to and hopefully have more positive experiences
77
Small & Compact
Cheap but it works well. The keys are velocity sensitive and the launchpads are fun in Ableton.
74
Makes Things easy
You got Knobs You can turn which can change settings. its nice to make music on.
Artist usage
Add artist
Sampha seen preparing for a gig at the BBC with a Novation Launchkey Mini on this photo (and slideshow)
underscores uses this controller throughout this mashup.
In the "Funky Looping" video, Biale played this keyboard. This is one of his most noted instruments, apart from his Jazz Bass.
K.Flay is pictured using the Novation Launchkey Mini MK1 in a photo shared on her official Facebook page.
Black Tiger Sex Machine seen using a Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Key USB Controller Keyboard live in a picture posted on their official Facebook. Producer on the right.
In an Instagram post, SINAVALIKHANI is shown using the Novation Launchkey Mini MK1.
"This MIDI Keyboard was the first piece of music tech I'd ever gotten. It was a gift from my grandmother, and I've used the same one for 4 years."
Jacob uses a Novation Launchkey Mini for his music production.
In a post on Instagram, Valenthmusic's studio setup includes the Novation Launchkey Mini MK1, visible on the desk amidst their creative workspace.
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 Launchkey Mini MK1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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