:

https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launch-control-xl

https://us.novationmusic.com/articles/discover-a-new-wave-of-novation-hardware/

 

Launch Control XL looks very stylish I dreamed of such controller layout but don't get it, is it some designer blunder? Where are circular LED scales around the knobs? How will the user know the settings the knobs have as they are endless encoders?

 

Last edited: May 9, 2025 at 8:38 PM

Man, that looks good! I'm actually tempted at this price.

The highlight for me would be the MIDI ports and decent visual feedback for the encoders. Would make an excellent on-the-go/live controller.

 

It doesn't look like there's any Studio One integration. That's unfortunate.

 

I've read that for pan it can indicate the values using the color of the LED (blue= hard left, white = center, yellow = hard right). I'm not certain if this method works for all parameters.

 

Oh very nice, I will definitely consider this controller for sitting around on my desk and looking sleek when doing YouTube and Instagram videos. Would pair really nice with the white Yamaha HS monitors for influencers.




Honestly, I don't understand how no company managed to release an affordable and actually useful controller like APC 40mk2 and launchcontrol XL MK2. Come on, some of the best controllers available today were released more then 10 years ago, still no competition to this day, just shitty small displays everywhere. Did all of the companies team up to increase BCR32 sales? Is Ulli the only one allowed to release knobs with LED rings on an affordable controller? Is nobody interested to create the next classic controller and rule the market for the next 10 years? Is this a competition who can launch the most stupid controllers for Instagram influencers?

 

If Behringer releases the BCR32 it will instantly become a classic controller for anybody even just thinking about performing live. It will be recommended everywhere. And also for studio work, the LED feedback would make this thing more useful then any other controller released the past 10 years in its price bracket and for intended use.

I can't imagine that really no company wants to fill that gap on the market. (I also don't understand akai doesn't release a APC 40 mk3, but at least the MK2 is still totally fine and useable )

 

FYI: In order to see the current value of an encoder (which can be seen thanks to LED rings on e.g. BCR2000), you need to press shift and turn that encoder - then the display will show the value. Gosh! I'll stick with a mouse - at least I can operate it with one hand!

 

I still see no reason to change my Akai MPD32 (love it to bits, BIG screen! Sturdy pots and faders!), Novation Remote SL, Faderport classic and Behringer BCR2000 on the side. Plenty of controls.

It's fun watching new stuff, though. Tiny screen, all plastic and flimsy... hmmm :/

 

What I really like about the Novation Launch Control XL 3 is that it is a control surface that is fully customizable
It has :

• Eight 60mm faders which are great if you control sample libraries
• 24 endless encoders with RGB LEDs great for various software synths
• 16 assignable buttons which are great for keyswitching sample libraries & various key commands of your favorite daw
• Play/Stop and Record buttons
• Track navigation buttons
• Two page buttons
• Two function buttons

^
I feel the price is also right,for what you're getting.

I'm also looking forward to a Novation Launchkey 88 mk4 version ,cheers!

edit :
imho Novation Launch Control XL 3 & The Novation Launchkey keyboard range come with great software these days! :
https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launchkey-mini-37
https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launchkey-49-white#software
https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launch-control-xl#software

* this control surface (Novation Launch Control XL 3)
maybe is also great for some color editing applications too :
https://www.midigrade.com/#introduction

 

Last edited: May 9, 2025 at 9:21 PM

Where is a new synth ? I need new synth !

 

Imagine how much better it would be with a simple one or two line screen under each knob, letting us see the data at a glance. A feature like that, or any visual feedback for the controls, would be incredibly valuable, but it's absent. While I appreciate Novation products like the excellent Peak, the controller range could be significantly improved by adding displays that show the data for each knob, fader, or other control.

 

Damn, looks good actually. I've been in the market for a cheapish portable controller. I kinda wish it had one less row of main knobs and bigger faders but i do like it. Might get it.

Have also been considering going the Yaeltex route though, not sure.