Novation Launchkey 88 Review

Last time we reviewed a Novation we took a peek at the Launchkey Mini. We rated the Launchkey 88 model a 9.5/10 because of its easy-to-play full-sized keyboard, intuitive slider controls, and full-featured chassis. Overall the keys feel satisfyingly smooth and responsive to play, and the instrument hooks up to DAWS seamlessly. And while we really wish the keyboard included aftertouch (hence the subtracted half-point), the price is right and the quality is good.

Novation Launchkey 88: Overview

In this Novation Launchkey 88 review, we will be diving deep into a one-of-a-kind MIDI controller keyboard: The Launchkey 88. 

Novation has been tweaking their MK3 (mark 3) line since 2020. One of the gems to come out of this so-called tweaking is this full-sized MIDI controller, which boasts 88 semi-weight keys, a large clear screen, velocity-sensitive drum pads, and loads of intuitive controls. 

A bit about Novation: 

Novation is a British music company that was first founded in the early 1990’s by two men: named Ian Jannaway and Mark Thompson. Later, Novation was acquired by Focusrite. The company is currently well known for its synths, such as the economical MK3 line we’ve been focusing on. Their instruments are optimized for Ableton, and extremely easy to use with Ableton Live. 

According to Amazon.com…

(The) “Launchkey 88 is our full-size and fully integrated MIDI keyboard controller for making tracks in Ableton Live, Logic Pro Cubase, and more, designed to give you everything you need to create and play your music. Made for expressive performance, our premium semi-weighted keybed is set apart from the rest of the Launchkey range, optimized for a responsive feel and tactile feedback. Designed for the player, Launchkey 88 is set up to capture every detail. Make more of your favorite DAW with dedicated and seamless integration. You’ll have intuitive control of all the key production and performance functionality in Ableton Live, Logic, and Cubase, as well as essential mixer, transport, and navigation controls for all other major DAWs including Studio One, Pro Tools, and Reaper, via HUI. Bringing 88 premium semi-weighted keys to the creative tools Launchkey is known for, you can create without limits. 

Transform your sound with creative features including Scale and Chord Modes, and a powerful arpeggiator. Custom Modes and a five-pin MIDI output transform Launchkey 88 into a powerful centerpiece for any player’s setup, whether on stage or in the studio. Combine modes to take your music in new directions, discover ideas effortlessly, and stay inspired. 

Made for expressive performance, our premium semi-weighted keybed is set apart from the rest of the Launchkey range, optimized for a responsive feel and tactile feedback. Designed for the player, Launchkey 88 is set up to capture every detail. Make more of your favorite DAW with dedicated and seamless integration. You’ll have intuitive control of all the key production and performance functionality in Ableton Live, Logic, and Cubase, as well as essential mixer, transport, and navigation controls for all other major DAWs including Studio One, Pro Tools, and Reaper, via HUI. 

Bringing 88 premium semi-weighted keys to the creative tools Launchkey is known for, you can create without limits. Transform your sound with creative features including Scale and Chord Modes, and a powerful arpeggiator. Custom Modes and a five-pin MIDI output transform Launchkey 88 into a powerful centerpiece for any player’s setup, whether on stage or in the studio. Combine modes to take your music in new directions, discover ideas effortlessly, and stay inspired.” -Amazon.com/ Novation

There’s a lot to unpack here. So without further ado, let’s get into the Launchkey 88’s features!

Features

Semi-weighted Keys

The first thing that I noticed about the Launchkey 88 was its impressive full-sized keyboard. The keys are responsive, and the partial weight helps to provide feedback to the player as they go. I personally always input my electronic music through my Yamaha DGX- because it is weighted. There’s something about being a pianist and putting in music on a weighted keyboard that makes it come out more natural sounding and even than using a smaller controller or (worse yet) a computer keyboard. 

16 Velocity Sensitive Pads

The instrument has 16 drum pads which have something called polyphonic aftertouch. Polyphonic aftertouch helps players create sounds that have more feeling as it allows you to play with more emphasis. 

Adjustable Velocity Curves

The Novation Launchkey 88 has adjustable velocity curves, meaning that you can choose a light or heavy curve depending on your personal preference. 

Updated Arpeggiator 

According to Amazon… “Launchkey Mini’s creative arpeggiator allows you to change the rhythm, beat, pattern, octave, gate, and more to add a whole range of diversity to your ideas and melodies.” To use the arpeggiator on the Novation Launchkey Mini, all you need to do is press the arp button. 

Plus, Novation has gotten a firmware update so the arpeggiator now has a feature called strum mode. This can be used to play through an arpeggio using the mod wheel or strip. For instruments like the mini (which I reviewed last week), you can brush your finger across the touch strip. 

Seamless Connection with Most DAWS

Novation instruments are marketed as having a seamless integration with Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, and more.

Legible Screen

The Novation Launchkey 88 has a 16×2 screen that makes it easy to navigate the instrument- whether you’re trying to select an effect, or otherwise control your sound (Amazon.com/Novation)

Free Plugin Bundle and Other Software Included 

When you purchase a Novation Launchkey, you can get free plugins and effects- Some of which are Launchkey exclusive. 

• XLN Audio Addictive Keys
• AAS Session Bundle. Spitfire Audio LABS 
• Expressive Strings 
• Klevgrand ReVerb 

Ableton Lite, DAW Integration 

The instrument includes a Lite version of Ableton 10, so you don’t have to purchase a DAW right away. The online magazine Sound on Sound has stated that the Novation Launchkeys have ‘Near perfect Ableton integration) (See their article on the larger Launchkey MKIII here). 

Scale Mode, Chord Mode

Scale mode is a feature on the controller that you can turn off and on- It ‘clicks’ or rather locks in a specific scale to the keyboard so that you always stay in that particular mode. It’s handy because once you set the scale, you can’t play any wrong notes! The root and all other intervals can also be set. Check out more about this feature on the Novation site at this link. Similarly, chord mode helps you play chords from the scale you’re in. You can play chords with multiple fingers, or with one finger. 

Custom Modes

Another really handy feature of this controller is its capability for custom modes. The parts of the keyboard can be customized via custom mapping, and you can change what goes where…for everything.

Specifications

• Weight: 
• Knobs: 8
• Faders: 8
• Drum Pads: 16

Who is it suitable for?

The Novation Launhkey 88 is best suited for producers and musicians who like a large keyboard with some weight to it. Those who come from a classical piano background will find themselves right at home with the Launchkey 88– But non-pianists will enjoy the instrument, too, because of how easy it is to use with most DAWS.

For those who aren’t on Cubase/Logic/Ableton, this line of controllers probably isn’t your best bet as some features may not work with your system. The Launchkey line isn’t ideal for those looking for a piano to get started with learning to play keys on either, as it doesn’t come with speakers, a bench, etc. 

The Launchkey 88 In Action

Let’s check out the Novation Launchkey 88 in action in this overview by the maker.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• It has all of the capabilities you’d expect of a basic MIDI controller
• Great for those looking to record 2 hands at the same time- Such as for pianists who want to do studio recordings (but it can be used for recording other 2-hand arrangements, too!)
• Works great with reason and other DAWS
• It comes with software 
• Easy to use

$400 for a MIDI controller like this is a steal- Especially considering the fact that it has some weight, integrates well with most workstations, and comes with free Ableton Lite. 

Cons

• Semi-weighted keys without aftertouch don’t please everyone
• The instrument does not support an expression pedal
• Doesn’t work as well with some programs
• No speakers since it’s a controller

The semi-weighted keys on this model are really nice…but they do lack aftertouch, which many producers value over weighted keys. Another big con is that you can’t hook it up to an expression pedal, meaning you can’t attach the accessory pedal to get anything aking to a wah, varying delay, and so on. According to some musicians who have tried the instrument with programs that aren’t Logic, Cubase, or Ableton, there have been some smaller features that don’t work with other programs. 

Beginner musicians who are just looking to learn piano won’t be able to get their needs met with this one, though, because it doesn’t make a sound on its own.

Comparable Instruments

• Other, smaller MK3 Novations
• Arturia Keylabs 88 
• Arturia Keylabs Essential 61

The Novation Launchkey is one-of-a-kind in the sense that there aren’t any comparable instruments of the same price range- There is the Novation Launchkey 61 for about $250-$320, but you do lose that full-sized keyboard.  You do get a similar number of controls, the same 16 velocity-sensitive drum pads, scale, and chord mode features, and so on…

The Arturia Keylabs is another great option for those looking for something a bit more high-end with 88 keys. This controller typically costs $1,000 but has a lot more tactile/keybed features such as hammer action and aftertouch. 

If you are looking for a package and don’t mind the controller not having 88 keys, Arturia also has a package available on Amazon called the Keylabs Essential 61. It runs about $275 and comes with convenient items like cables and polishing cloths. 

Lastly, if you are looking for something really cute, cheap, and portable from the Launchkey line, consider the MK3 mini…It’s only about $100 (but keep in mind that it is unweighted). While it isn’t my personal preference because the keys are so small, your tastes may be different than mine! 

Quick View 

Launchkey 88: Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed this Novation Launchkey 88 review- Thanks for sticking around until the end! In conclusion, this model is a great stand-alone MIDI controller for those who are looking for an economical, full-sized keyboard that is of a high quality. Having such a large keyboard when you are entering music with both hands simultaneously can be a godsend- speaking from experience!

It works best with the standard Ableton, but will also work with other big-name digital audio workstations as well. As a whole, the model is intuitive and friendly, and will serve producers (both new and seasoned) well! 

 Music quote of the week:

“It’s easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself.” –Johann Sebastian Bach

9.5Expert Score

Last time we reviewed a Novation we took a peek at the Launchkey Mini. We rated the Launchkey 88 model a 9.5/10 because of its easy-to-play full-sized keyboard, intuitive slider controls, and full-featured chassis. Overall the keys feel satisfyingly smooth and responsive to play, and the instrument hooks up to DAWS seamlessly. And while we really wish the keyboard included aftertouch (hence the subtracted half-point), the price is right and the quality is good.

PROS

• It has all of the capabilities you’d expect of a basic MIDI controller
• Great for those looking to record 2 hands at the same time- Such as for pianists who want to do studio recordings (but it can be used for recording other 2-hand arrangements, too!)
• Works great with reason and other DAWS
• It comes with software
• Easy to use

CONS

• Semi-weighted keys without aftertouch don’t please everyone
• The instrument does not support an expression pedal
• Doesn’t work as well with some programs
• No speakers since it’s a controller