Novation Launchkey 49 MK4: The Creative Controller That Feels Like an Instrument

The Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 puts a full four-octave keybed, deep DAW control, and built-in songwriting tools under one set of hands. With 49 semi-weighted, waterfall-style keys, 16 velocity-sensitive FSR pads, 8 endless encoders, and 9 faders, it is built for producers who want to write, arrange, mix, and perform without constantly reaching for the mouse. Whether you live in Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic, or Cubase, the Launchkey speaks your DAW's language out of the box and turns ideas into finished tracks faster.

49 Semi-Weighted Waterfall Keys Built for Real Playing

Four octaves of semi-weighted, piano-style keys give the Launchkey 49 the expressive feel of a hardware instrument with the flexibility of a software workflow. The waterfall key tips are comfortable for synth lines and chord work alike, and the velocity-sensitive action rewards dynamics. Split the keyboard into two zones to play bass and lead at once, or layer two MIDI channels across the full keybed to stack sounds. For the player upgrading from a 25-key mini controller, the extra range and full-size keys are the difference between sketching and actually performing.

16 FSR Pads With Polyphonic Aftertouch — Novation's Best Pads Yet

For finger drummers, the 16 RGB-backlit FSR pads are the headline. Each pad uses a unique radial sensor for greater sensitivity and consistency, and every pad responds to polyphonic aftertouch — press harder after the hit to add expression to individual notes. Trigger drum racks, launch clips, play chords, or fire one-shots, all with tight, repeatable response. This is the layer that makes beat programming feel hands-on instead of clicked-in.

Faders, Encoders, and an OLED Display for Mouse-Free Mixing

Eight endless rotary encoders and nine faders give you direct control over your DAW mixer, virtual instruments, and effects. Ride a vocal level, automate a filter sweep, or balance a full mix using physical controls instead of dragging on screen. The 128 x 64 monochrome OLED display shows exactly what each control is doing, displays the Chord Detector, and keeps you oriented as you switch between plugin, mixer, sends, and transport modes. Store up to four Custom Modes and recall them instantly for any session.

Built-In Creative Tools: Scale, Chord, and a Generative Arpeggiator

Launchkey 49 is designed to break creative blocks. Scale Mode locks the keybed to one of 30 scales so you only ever play in key. Three chord modes — Chord Map, Fixed Chord, and User Chord — let you play full progressions with single fingers and save your own voicings. The generative arpeggiator, with its 8-step editor and tie, accent, and ratchet controls, turns a held chord into an evolving pattern. These tools live in the hardware, so inspiration is always one button away.

Deep DAW Integration and a Pro-Grade Software Bundle

The Launchkey offers custom integration with Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig, and Ardour, and works with every other DAW through HUI. In Ableton Live you get built-in Sequencer, Drum Rack, and Clip modes so you can build and launch ideas without touching the trackpad. Capture MIDI saves performances you forgot to record, and transport buttons mirror your DAW for play, stop, record, and loop. It is also NKS compatible for seamless Native Instruments mapping. The included software bundle gets you producing immediately: Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Novation Play, GForce heritage synths, Klevgrand instruments and effects, Komplete 15 Select, Orchestral Tools, and Melodics lessons.

Connections, Power, and Who It's For

Connectivity covers a USB-C socket, a 5-pin MIDI Out for driving external hardware, a 1/4 in sustain pedal input, and a Kensington security slot. The Launchkey 49 is USB bus-powered and class compliant on Mac and Windows, so it works the moment you plug it in — no drivers, no external supply. At 28.74 in wide and 9.0 lb, it is a serious 49-key studio centerpiece. First-time producers get a complete creative environment with software included; upgraders get faders, aftertouch pads, and full-size keys their old controller lacked; and comparison shoppers get class-leading Ableton integration plus universal DAW support in one unit.