Novation Launchkey 88 MK4 is the largest controller in the current Launchkey range, combining an 88-note semi-weighted keyboard with deep DAW control, performance pads, faders, encoders, and onboard composition tools. It is designed for players who want a full keyboard range without giving up the direct software control found across the Launchkey MK4 series.
The custom-designed keybed uses full-size, semi-weighted waterfall-style keys. Its seven-plus-octave range gives pianists, composers, producers, and performing keyboardists enough space for two-handed parts, wide voicings, orchestral arrangements, and split keyboard setups.
A Semi-Weighted Keybed for Expressive Playing
The keybed is tuned to respond across a broad dynamic range, from quiet passages to more forceful performances. It offers a more substantial feel than a compact synth-action controller while remaining practical for MIDI production, virtual instruments, and hardware synth control.
Launchkey 88 also includes dedicated pitch and modulation wheels, octave controls, and a sustain pedal input. Split mode divides the keyboard into two independent zones, while Layer mode sends notes to two MIDI channels at once. These functions make it possible to combine instruments, assign separate sounds to each hand, or create layered patches directly from the controller.
Direct Control of Major DAWs
Launchkey 88 provides dedicated integration with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig Studio, and Ardour. Mackie HUI support also extends basic control to Pro Tools and other compatible DAWs.
Transport, project navigation, mixer settings, instrument parameters, effects, clip launching, and other common functions can be handled from the keyboard. The control surface includes eight endless encoders, nine faders, and nine fader buttons, giving users a practical layout for mixing and plugin control.
In Ableton Live Session View and Logic Live Loops, the pads can function as RGB clip launchers. Their colours correspond with the session on screen, making it easier to trigger clips and scenes without constantly returning to the mouse.
FSR Pads with Polyphonic Aftertouch
The 16 velocity-sensitive pads use Novation’s patented Force Sensitive Resistor technology. Each pad has a radial sensor designed to improve consistency and sensitivity across the playing surface.
Polyphonic aftertouch allows pressure to be applied independently to individual notes. This can add expression to drum parts, melodic lines, chords, and supported software instruments. The pads can also be used for clip launching, grid-based workflows, custom MIDI assignments, and Chord Maps.
Built-In Chord, Scale, and Arpeggiator Tools
Launchkey 88 includes creative tools that operate from the hardware and can be used with a DAW, an external synthesizer, or a compatible mobile device.
Scale Mode supports 30 scales and can map or filter notes to help keep performances within the selected key. Chord Detector identifies the chord currently being played and displays it on the OLED screen.
Fixed Chord mode assigns a complete chord to a single key. User Chord mode provides control over personalized chord assignments, while Chord Maps use the pads to generate and explore progressions.
The onboard arpeggiator provides hands-on control over rhythmic and melodic patterns. Its settings can be adjusted from the controller, allowing sequences to be reshaped during writing or performance without opening another software window.
Custom Modes and Components Software
Novation Components allows users to create custom assignments for the faders, encoders, and pads. Up to four mappings can be stored for each control group and recalled from the hardware.
Assignments can include MIDI continuous controller messages, notes, program changes, and supported keyboard shortcuts. This makes Launchkey 88 useful beyond its factory DAW mappings, particularly for controlling external instruments, specialized plugins, live performance systems, or custom production templates.
Hardware MIDI and Mobile Compatibility
A full-size five-pin MIDI output allows Launchkey 88 to control synthesizers, sound modules, and other MIDI hardware without a computer. The controller is USB bus powered and class compliant, with USB Type-C connectivity.
It can also work with compatible music applications on iPhone and iPad. The OLED display provides visual feedback for parameters, modes, chord detection, and custom assignments, which is especially useful when operating away from a computer screen.
NKS Support
Launchkey 88 is NKS-ready, allowing its controls to connect with supported Native Instruments software and compatible third-party instruments. This gives users mapped access to important sound parameters and makes browsing and controlling supported plugins more direct from the hardware.
Included Music Software
The software package includes Ableton Live 12 Lite, Cubase LE, Novation Play, and Melodics lessons for Novation users. It also includes GForce Bass Station, GForce Oberheim SEM, GForce Oberheim OB-EZ, GForce AXXESS, Klevgrand LUXE, Klevgrand Slammer, Orchestral Tools Parallel Orchestra, and Native Instruments Komplete Select.
Novation Play is developed in collaboration with Klevgrand and includes more than 80 basses, leads, pads, pianos, drum kits, and other sounds. The library draws from vintage Novation, Sequential, and Oberheim instruments, with pre-mapped encoder controls, dedicated pad effects, and hardware-based preset selection.
A Full-Range Controller for Software and Hardware Studios
Launchkey 88 fills an important space in the MK4 lineup. It offers the range and playing surface expected from an 88-key controller while retaining the pads, mixer controls, DAW integration, custom modes, and writing tools that define the Launchkey workflow.
For composers, keyboardists, producers, and musicians working across software instruments and external MIDI hardware, it provides a single control surface that can handle performance, arrangement, mixing, clip launching, and sound editing.