Novation has announced the creation of a powerful new hardware/software instrument: Launchkey.

Based around a 25-, 49- or 61-note keyboard controller with 16 velocity-sensitive multi-colour launch pads, Launchkey features the Launchkey app (an iPad performance synth) as well as a Launchpad app that provides drag-and-drop loop playback from the pads and realtime effects including stutter and filter effects. It also ships with a suite of software for Mac OS X and Windows including Novation's V-Station and Bass Station soft-synth plug-ins and Ableton Live Lite. Launchkey's 16 launch pads will also trigger clips and scenes in Ableton Live.

Launchkey is a fully featured DAW control surface with over 50 hardware controls (33 on the 25-note version). The 16 dual-colour backlit launch pads are velocity-sensitive and can be used to play drums and trigger loops. They also launch clips and scenes in Ableton Live. The result is more than a USB controller keyboard; it's a powerful integrated instrument with hands-on control. In addition to the integrated instrument functionality, standard MIDI control is also provided, making it an ideal partner for a digital audio workstation, giving you instant control of track volumes, panning, sends and other settings with Novation's InControl software integration system.

Launchkey at a glance:

• Fully integrated instrument controller for Mac, PC & iPad.
• InControl technology instantly maps the hardware to all major music software.
• 16 velocity-sensitive multi-colour launch pads – launch clips and scenes in Ableton Live.
• Synth-action keyboard with over 50 hardware controls (33 on 25 key version).

Three Launchkey models are available, with 25-, 49- or 61-key velocity-sensitive synth-action keyboards. All feature 16 launch pads, two Launchpad control buttons and eight rotary controls. They also each have a 3-digit LED display, transport controls, pitch and mod wheels, sustain pedal input, transpose buttons, and more. The 25-key Launchkey includes a single assignable fader while the 49- and 61-key versions feature nine, with a backlit mode button and eight mute/solo buttons.

In addition to software for Mac and PC, Launchkey integrates with two powerful iPad apps. The Launchkey synth app runs on iPad 2 or later and uses Novation synth engine technology in a new and intuitive touchscreen interface. Multiple synth parameters can be controlled at once to create unique effects, while keyboard knobs tie directly into synth controls. The Launchpad app uses the buttons to trigger loops and a range of performance effects including stutter and synced filter effects.

Included Software:

• Novation Launchkey app (for iPad).
• Novation Launchpad app (for iPad).
• Ableton Live Lite.
• Novation V-Station soft-synth.
• Novation Bass Station soft-synth.
• Loopmasters sample pack.

Pricing & Availability

Launchkey 49 will be available worldwide at the end of February 2013; 25 & 61 key models available in April, 2013.

• Launchkey 25 MSRP $189.99 / $149.99 at dealers.
• Launchkey 49 MSRP $249.99 / $199.99 at dealers.
• Launchpad 61 MSRP $299.99 / $249.99 at dealers.

Watch Launchkey video on YouTube

Read more at www.novationmusic.com/midi-controllers/launchkey