Novation announces the release of Launchkey 88, the largest keyboard controller in the MK4 range. This latest addition inherits the deep DAW integration, built-in creative tools and intuitive workflow features of Launchkey 49 and 61 and pairs them with a custom-designed, 88-key semi-weighted keybed for expressive playing.
Launchkey 88 boasts seven-plus octaves of full-size, piano-style keys and a semi-weighted mechanism refined to provide expressive response. Its 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch and Novation’s patented Force Sensitive Resistor technology allow for additional options when playing drums or melodic instruments.
The controller includes a bank of nine precision faders and eight endless encoders that map automatically to key parameters of supported DAWs, from transport to mixing. Included instrument and effect plugins feature Novation Play, an exclusive software instrument based on sampled acoustic pianos and vintage synthesizers mapped directly to Launchkey controls.
Launchkey 88 includes the MK4 keyboards’ full suite of built-in creative tools and workflow-enhancing features. It helps composers and producers stay in the flow while working in Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig or Ardour, with Mackie HUI support for Pro Tools and other supported DAWs.
Built-in creative tools include an arpeggiator and chord modes. Scale mode locks notes on the keyboard into the right key, and chord detector shows what chord is currently being played on the OLED display. The keyboard can be split into two independent zones or layered to allow two MIDI channels to be played from the same keys. A full-sized MIDI out port allows control of synths and other hardware. Users can map parameters to pads and controls of their choice with easy-to-use Components software. The controller is NKS-ready to seamlessly connect to software from Native Instruments and other third-party developers.
Launchkey 88 rounds out the MK4 range, which now encompasses a total of 10 controllers across six different sizes and two unique colour options.
Included software comprises Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Novation Play, and a collection of instruments and effects from Klevgrand, GForce, Orchestral Tools and Native Instruments, plus lessons from Melodics.
The U.S. price is $449.99, excluding tax. Launchkey MK4 88 is available to order from novationmusic.com and authorized retailers.
An overview video is available at https://youtu.be/aCL_PWC9kxI. A media pack is available at https://brand.focusritegroup.com/share/nwM1pMz7twVJa6eGowSi. Product links include https://novationmusic.com/launchkey and https://novationmusic.com/products/launchkey-88.
For further information on Novation products, visit www.novationmusic.com.
For more information, visit focusrite.com.