The Novation Launchkey 61 is a hands-on MIDI keyboard controller designed for music producers, giving you all the tools you need to push your creativity to the max. The Launchkey 61 features five octaves of semi-weighted keys, giving you a more expressive playing experience while keeping everything tightly integrated with your software.

With built-in Scale and Chord modes, you can stay in key and trigger harmonies easily, helping ideas come together faster during sessions. The controller also includes a generative arpeggiator for developing evolving patterns, alongside 16 velocity-sensitive pads designed for finger drumming and clip launching.

Eight rotary encoders and nine faders give you direct control over your mix, instruments and effects. With seamless DAW integration and an included software bundle, you can move from idea to finished track using one connected setup.

Take control of your entire workflow

Launchkey 61 is designed to keep you focused on creating rather than clicking through menus. With dedicated integration for major DAWs, you can switch between mixer, plugin, send and transport controls directly from the hardware. This means you spend less time reaching for your mouse and more time shaping your track.

Transport buttons mirror your software, so recording, looping and playback feel immediate and familiar. Workflow controls such as capture MIDI, quantise and undo help you correct or refine performances instantly. These tools are especially useful when ideas come quickly and you need to stay in the moment without breaking your flow.

Play expressively with responsive keys and pads

The 61-note keybed uses a semi-weighted design that gives you a more controlled and natural playing feel. It responds well to dynamics, making it easier to add expression to your performances. You can also split the keyboard into zones or layer multiple MIDI channels, which is useful for building more complex arrangements.

Alongside the keys, the 16 RGB pads are designed for responsive performance. They use a pressure-sensitive system that improves consistency and accuracy, helping your finger drumming feel tighter. With polyphonic aftertouch, you can add extra expression to chords or individual notes directly from the pads.

Unlock ideas with built-in creative tools

When you want to develop ideas quickly, the built-in creative features give you practical support. Scale Mode locks your keys to one of 30 available scales, reducing wrong notes and keeping your playing consistent. Chord tools allow you to trigger full harmonies from single keys, and you can store your own chord progressions for later use.

The arpeggiator adds movement to your sound, with controls for shaping patterns and adding variation. An onboard display shows chord information clearly, helping you understand what you are playing as you go. These features are useful when sketching ideas or refining musical parts during production.

Shape your sound with hands-on control

The combination of eight rotary encoders and nine faders gives you direct access to your mix and sound design parameters. You can adjust levels, tweak effects or control virtual instruments without interrupting your workflow. Custom Modes allow you to map controls to MIDI parameters, giving you flexibility when working with different setups.

You can store multiple configurations and recall them instantly, which helps when switching between tasks. Connectivity options include USB-C for power and data, MIDI out for external gear and a sustain pedal input for performance control. The included software bundle provides instruments, effects and DAW access so you can start creating straight away with a complete setup.

Features

• Five octave keyboard with semi weighted piano style keys for expressive playing
• Sixteen responsive pads with polyphonic aftertouch for drumming and clip launching
• Eight rotary encoders and nine faders for hands on control of software and effects
• Integrated chord and scale tools to help you stay in key and build progressions ??????
• Built in arpeggiator with step editing for evolving rhythmic patterns
• Deep compatibility with major DAWs including Ableton Live Logic Cubase and FL Studio
• Custom modes for mapping controls to suit your workflow and preferences
• OLED screen for clear visual feedback and navigation
• Split and layer keyboard modes for flexible performance setups
• Dedicated transport and workflow controls for faster music production
• USB powered design with MIDI output and sustain pedal connection
• Includes a comprehensive software bundle with instruments effects and learning tools
• Seamless integration with Native Instruments software through NKS support
• Compact yet robust design suitable for studio or live use

Specifications

Keybed

• 61 semi-weighted piano-style keys
  

Creative tools

• Generative arpeggiator with step editor
  
• Scale mode: 30 built-in scales to choose from
  
• Zones: Parts A and B, Split, and Layer
  
• Chord modes: Chord Map/Fixed Chord/User Chord
  
• Custom modes: Pads/encoders/faders
  

Controls and pads

• 16 RGB backlit velocity sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch
  
• 2 pad page buttons Scene Launch / Func buttons
  
• Octave up/down buttons
  
• Pitch bend and modulation wheels
  
• 8 endless rotary encoders
  
• 2 encoder page buttons
  
• 9 faders and buttons
  
• Play/stop/record/loop buttons
  
• Capture MIDI/Undo/Quantise/Metronome
  
• Track navigation buttons
  

Display

• 128 x 64 monochrome OLED display
  

DAW integration

• Custom DAW scripts: Ableton Live 11 or later, Logic X and 11, Cubase 11 and 12, Reason
• Studios, FL Studio, and Ardour
  
• Compatible with all other DAWs through HUI
  

Connectivity

• USB-C socket
  
• 5-pin MIDI out socket
  
• Sustain pedal 1/4” jack socket
  
• Kensington security slot
  

Dimensions

• Width: 895mm
  
• Depth: 263.5mm
  
• Height: 93mm
  
• Weight: 4.78kg
  

Power requirements

• USB bus powered
  
• Power supply not included