New Novation Launchcontrol XL 3

[poonna]

Does the encoder rotation feel smooth or stepped? Does it require several rotations to complete a full knob turn in a plugin? Those are the advantages of normal knobs, but if encoders can do the same it would be great.

[questionaire]

You can control parameters with MIDI in every DAW. This is usually done by using MIDI Learn to assign a parameter to a controller (encoder, fader, potentiometer, button).

In the past, there were no encoders, only potentiometers. This meant that only absolute values could be sent from a controller to a DAW. As a result, there were always parameter jumps.

With encoders, there are no more parameter jumps. They only send +1 or -1, regardless of where the cutoff is, for example. If you turn the encoder clockwise, the cutoff is increased. If you turn the encoder anti-clockwise, the cutoff is reduced.

The cutoff value is not normally sent to the controller. You can only see how the cutoff changes in the DAW. (It is also possible to see this on the controller. This was possible with the BCR 2000, for example. But it can only be realised with workarounds).

I don't have any synths. I only do everything on the computer. That's why I don't know whether synths understand relative CCs.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Thanks for the explanation!

I do understand the relative mode that is totally clear now! The launchcontrol seems to communicate via clever way with Bitwig aswell, all real actual values are taken over from bitwig for example when you change device control pages the values change accordingly. So somehow there is another trick between Bitwig and Launch control. I love this controller.

Edit: To see the actual value you can press shift and rotate encoder, the value will be displayed on OLED screen without changing its actual value. The brightness of the led underneath the encoder also gives you an rough estimation idea of its value.

[questionaire]

Does the encoder rotation feel smooth or stepped? Does it require several rotations to complete a full knob turn in a plugin? Those are the advantages of normal knobs, but if encoders can do the same it would be great.

It feels smooth not stepped, however rotating feels with a bit to much resistance. The high resistance could be seen as a positive thing when you want the neighbor encoder to stay in place, i mean no dramatic changes if it is not intended while accidentilly touching it.

The encoder knobs are "accelerated" which works pretty well. One turn is only neede for min to max. I read in future updates we get setting to change acceleration behaviour!

[Dirkitator]

Does the encoder rotation feel smooth or stepped? Does it require several rotations to complete a full knob turn in a plugin? Those are the advantages of normal knobs, but if encoders can do the same it would be great.

I am very enthusiastic about the encoders. The acceleration is imperceptible. The acceleration has never been implemented so well in any of my controllers.

[Dirkitator]

I read in future updates we get setting to change acceleration behaviour!

Where did they get the information about future updates? I would like to read them. Where can I find them?

[poonna]

Thanks! This all sounds very positive. I'll put it up for my next controller purchase (perhaps deciding between this and Roto-Control).

[questionaire]

I read in future updates we get setting to change acceleration behaviour!

Where did they get the information about future updates? I would like to read them. Where can I find them?

https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/n ... sic-makers

[questionaire]

I read in future updates we get setting to change acceleration behaviour!

Where did they get the information about future updates? I would like to read them. Where can I find them?

https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/n ... sic-makers

Look at the bottom of that article

[questionaire]

Thanks! This all sounds very positive. I'll put it up for my next controller purchase (perhaps deciding between this and Roto-Control).

Always good to compare different suppliers/vendors

[Dirkitator]

This is the answer I got from Novation:

"Hi Dirk,

Thanks for your emails about relative mode, rest assured we have seen them and do discuss them with our team.

It's worth noting that both Launch Control XL 3 and Launchkey MK4 feature a relative mode in the DAW control specifications, and this is used to achieve things like the Transport control. The request I have added your details to is for us adding this functionality to Custom Modes.

Best Regards,

Tom H // Novation Technical Support Engineer"

I am not a native english speaker. That's why I don't understand the answer.

Will Novation add a relative mode for the encoders in custom mode (MIDI mode)?

[questionaire]

This is the answer I got from Novation:

"Hi Dirk,

Thanks for your emails about relative mode, rest assured we have seen them and do discuss them with our team.

It's worth noting that both Launch Control XL 3 and Launchkey MK4 feature a relative mode in the DAW control specifications, and this is used to achieve things like the Transport control. The request I have added your details to is for us adding this functionality to Custom Modes.

Best Regards,

Tom H // Novation Technical Support Engineer"

I am not a native english speaker. That's why I don't understand the answer.

Will Novation add a relative mode for the encoders in custom mode (MIDI mode)?

They have forwarded your comments as an request for adding the relative mode to " custom modes" and are internally discussing your request.
In DAW control specifications it is already functioning in relative mode for launchkey MK4 and Launch control XL 3.

And the comment " rest assured" could mean that they take it quite serious as i read between the lines.

It looks like it will be implemented in the near future, but no guarantee of course.