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Novation Launchkey Mini MK1

4.5 (107)

1 Critic Review

27 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Novation Launchkey Mini MK3

$69.70 - $129.99

4.5 (14)

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

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Description

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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

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Novation // Launchkey Mini [MK1] Performance, ft. KillTheRobot

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Novation // Launchkey Mini [MK1] performance explained ft. KillTheRobot

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Novation // Launchkey Mini [MK1]: play your music - anywhere

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Novation Launchkey Mini [MK1] - Overview

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Reviews

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PROS

Great for beginners, easy to use
Highly portable, fits in a laptop bag
Responsive pads, ideal for music production
Works well with Ableton Live, mapping is intuitive
Compact and lightweight, perfect for on-the-go use
Versatile, suitable for music creation and live sets
Additional knobs and touch buttons enhance production
Velocity-sensitive keys add expressiveness
Plug and play compatibility, especially with Ableton

CONS

Feels cheaply made, predominantly plastic build
Limited to 25 keys, not ideal for complex chord progressions
Interface not perfectly mapped to all DAWs without manual adjustment
Lacks mod/pitch wheel, limiting expression
InControl function can be cumbersome, especially during live performance
Some users report durability issues, like breaking keys
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.
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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.
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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.
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Critic Reviews

Novation Launchkey Mini review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Novation Launchkey Mini MK1 is a compact and versatile MIDI controller that scores high on portability and user-friendliness. It offers rich control options with 25 keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads, and multiple knobs and buttons, making it an excellent tool for musicians on the go. The device is compatible with iOS and Linux, adding to its flexibility. However, it requires a Camera Connection Kit for iOS use, which might be a downside for some users. Despite this minor inconvenience, its bright orange design and substantial input options make it a standout choice for those seeking a portable yet powerful MIDI controller.

positive

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