Novation Announces Launchkey Mini Controller

Novation has added another product to their ‘Launch’ series of controllers combining the best of both worlds (keys and illuminated launch pads) with the Launchkey Mini. The 25-key controller has 26 assignable controls including 16 velocity sensitive launch pads and is bus powered via USB through a computer or iPad.

The Launchkey Mini works with any computer DAW as well as included iPad Apps.

The Launchkey Mini will be available later this month for $124.99 MSRP and will launch with two iPad apps.

Here are more details from Novation:

Produce and perform, at home or on stage

Launchkey Mini is an exciting new compact mini-key instrument/controller featuring 16 velocity sensitive, three colour illuminated launch pads – use them to launch loops, sounds, effects, transport controls, and more.

Launchkey Mini also features a 25-note keyboard, eight assignable rotary controls, seven function buttons, and a further two performance buttons. Compact and portable, Launchkey Mini is great for producing and performing at home or on stage.

Launchkey Mini works immediately with the new free-to-download Novation Launchpad and Launchkey iPad apps, and gives you hands-on control of major Mac and Windows based music software including Ableton Live, FL Studio, Pro Tools, Cubase, Reason, and Logic.

Powerful iPad Apps – free

Launchkey Mini comes with a duo of powerful apps for iPad, which transform it into a true production and performance instrument. Use the Launchpad app with Launchkey Mini on your iPad to trigger the included professional sample library and control effects, letting you produce and perform music straight away. Load in new sound packs and import your own samples for an even more unique performance – then share your creation with a growing fan base. Launchkey Mini connects directly to your iPad with the Apple Camera Connection Kit (not included) and it’s powered by the iPad – so there’s no need for batteries or an additional power supply.

The Launchkey app for iPad is a synth filled with Novation technology, allowing you to control notes with the Launchkey Mini’s keyboard while warping the sound with the knobs or via intuitive multi touch control on the iPad’s screen. The Launchkey and Launchpad apps sync together perfectly for simultaneous use – set an arpeggiator on the Launchkey app and switch to the Launchpad app to build the beats behind it, for example – and both apps are fully Audiobus compatible. Launchkey Mini also integrates with the included V-Station and Bass Station soft synths for Mac and Windows.

Synth plugins and loops

As well as the Launchkey and Launchpad iPad apps and Ableton Live Lite, Launchkey Mini comes with software versions of Novation’s classic analogue synths, the Bass Station and the V-Station. You can use these as plug-ins within Ableton, FL Studio or other DAWs. There’s also a sample pack supplied by world leading sample producers – Loopmasters. Get started straight away with over one gigabyte of loops including drums, FX and artist content.

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