Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 User Manual

1

Novation

A division of Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd.
Windsor House
Turnpike Road
Cressex Business Park
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP12 3FX
United Kingdom

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
Web: http://www.novationmusic.com

Trade marks
The Novation trade mark is owned by Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd. All other brand,product and company names
and any other registered names or trade marks mentioned in this manual belong to their respective owners.

Disclaimer
Novation has taken all possible steps to ensure that the information given here is both correct and complete. In no
event can Novation accept any liability or responsibility for any loss or damage to the owner of the equipment, any
third party, or any equipment which may result from use of this manual or the equipment which it describes. The infor­mation provided in this document may be modified at any time without prior warning. Specifications and appearance
may differ from those listed and illustrated.

COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES
Novation is a registered trade mark of Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited. Launchkey Mini is a trade mark of Focus­rite Audio Engineering Plc.

2019 © Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited. All rights reserved.

2

Contents

Introduction Page 4

●Key Features

●What’s in the box

●Getting started with your Launchkey Mini [MK3]

●Getting Connected

●Launchkey Mini Setup examples

●Hardware Overview

●Rear view

●Top Panel

Using the Launchkey Mini [MK3] Page 10

Working with Ableton Live

●Setup

●Session Mode

●Launching Clips

●Launching Scenes

●Stop, Solo, Mute

●Record/Capture MIDI

●Playing and recording drums

●Using Ableton Live’s Mixer

●Volume and Pan

●Sends

●Device

●Installation

Arp Page 21

●Arpeggiator Rotary Knobs

●Tempo

●Swing

●Gate

●Mutate

●Deviate

●Arp Modes

●Arp Rates

●Arp Octaves

●Arp Rhythms

●Arp Latch

●Arp Pads

Fixed Chord Page 25

Custom Modes and Components Page 26

●Setting up Custom Modes

Working with Apple Logic Pro X Page 27

Working with Reason 10 Page 31

Working with HUI Page 32
(Pro Tools, Cubase)

Vegas mode Page 35

32

Introduction

The Launchkey Mini [MK3] is Novation’s most portable MIDI keyboard controller. Though compact

in size, Launchkey Mini is packed with powerful features and a streamlined workflow that will
elevate your music production and performance.

Launchkey Mini integrates perfectly with Ableton Live (and other DAWs) for both production and

performance. You can navigate and control Live’s Session View, play and record clips, adjust

effects and much more without ever looking at your computer. Additionally, we provide you with a
license for Ableton Live Lite should you need one.

Launchkey Mini features a creative arpeggiator (‘Arp’), as well as ‘Fixed Chord’ mode – both of
which make finding new musical ideas easier. Launchkey Mini’s pads bring your Ableton Session
to your fingertips in full RGB colour, so you know exactly which clips you’re launching. Finally, you

can make Launchkey Mini the perfect controller for your studio or on the go with Custom modes,
where you can customise knobs and pads using Novation Components.

The Launchkey Mini also features a standard TRS MIDI Out 3.5mm jack for connecting to your
hardware synths and drum machines. This means you can use many of the Launchkey Mini’s

functions without a computer!

If you need any support please contact us at support.novationmusic.com.

Key Features

● Ableton Live integration – Launch clips and scenes, control Live’s mixer, play instruments

and Drum Racks, capture MIDI, and more

● Integration with other DAWs (Apple Logic Pro X, Propellerhead’s Reason, etc. and HUI)

● Connect to your hardware with a standard TRS MIDI Out 3.5mm jack

● 25 velocity-sensitive mini-keys

● 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads

● 8 rotary knobs

● Powerful and creative Arpeggiator for generating ideas quickly

● Fixed Chord mode

● Play and Record transport control

● Custom modes for user-defined mappings of knobs and pads

What’s in the box

● Launchkey Mini

● USB Type-A to B cable (1.5 meters)

● Safety Instructions

* TRS MIDI Out 3.5mm to MIDI DIN converters are available for purchase at
https://novationmusic.com.

4

Getting started with your Launchkey Mini [MK3]

We’ve made getting up and running with Launchkey Mini as easy as possible, whether you’re a
brand new beatmaker or a seasoned producer. Our ‘Easy Start Tool’ provides a step-by-step guide

on getting set up that is tailored to your needs.

We’ll give you exactly what you need, whether you’ve never made music before, or if you just want

to download your included software.

When connecting Launchkey Mini to your computer, it will appear as a ‘Mass Storage Device’, just
like a USB drive. Open this up and click the link ‘Click Here to Get Started.url’.

This will open our online Easy Start Tool, which will get you up and running, or take you straight to

your included software – you choose!

Mass Storage Device icon

As part of this process, you may register your Launchkey Mini [MK3] to get access to your

included software. We give you everything you need to start making tracks.

Easy to Start Tool Welcome page

Alternatively, you can also register your Launchkey Mini by going to
https://customer.novationmusic.com/register (pictured below). You'll then need to make an account
and enter the serial of your Launchkey, which will give you access to the bundled software.

54

Getting Connected

ios

Stop
Solo
Mute

Arp Fixed
Chord

Transpose

Shift

Pitch

Modulation

Arp

Tempo

Swing

Gate

Mutate

Channel

Octave

Program Change

Session

Drum

Custom

Device

Arp Mode

Up Down

Up/Down Played Random Chord

Mutate

Rate

Octave

1/4 1/8

1/16 1/32

Triplet 1 2 3 4 o oxo oxxo

Rhythm Latch

Deviate

Volume Pan Sends Custom

Random Deviate On/Off

Track

Capture MIDI

+

-

Connecting to a Computer

Pitch

Arp Mode

Up Down

Modulation

Shift

Transpose

Channel

Octave

+

-

Program Change

Up/Down Played Random Chord Mutate

Arp

Swing Gate

Mutate

Tempo

Session Drum

Rate

Deviate

Volume Pan Sends Custom

Device

Custom

Octave

1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 Triplet 1 2 3 4 o oxo oxxo

Rhythm Latch

Random Deviate On/Off

Arp Fixed
Chord

Track

Stop
Solo
Mute

Capture MIDI

The Launchkey Mini is bus-powered, meaning it turns on as soon as you connect it to your
computer with a USB cable.

Connecting to Mobile devices

iOS

To operate the Launchkey Mini with an iOS device, use Apple’s Lightning to USB 3 Camera
Adapter with a separate Lightning charger.

6

Android

Android

Android

Pitch

Arp Mode

Up Down

Modulation

Up/Down Played Random Chord

Arp

Shift

Transpose

Channel

Octave

+

-

Program Change

Swing Gate

Mutate

Tempo

Session

Mutate

Deviate

Volume Pan Sends Custom

Device

Drum

Custom

Rate

Octave

1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 Triplet 1 2 3 4 o oxo oxxo

Rhythm Latch

Random Deviate On/Off

Arp Fixed
Chord

Track

Stop
Solo
Mute

Capture MIDI

To operate the Launchkey Mini with an Android device we recommend a USB OTG
to USB adapter.

Using as a standalone MIDI controller

Arp Mode

Pitch

Modulation

Up Down

Up/Down Played Random Chord Mutate

Swing Gate

Tempo

Arp

Shift

Session Drum

Transpose

Channel

Program Change

Octave

+

-

Custom

Rate

1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 Triplet 1 2 3 4 o oxo oxxo

Mutate

Deviate

Volume Pan Sends Custom

Device

Octave

Rhythm Latch

Random Deviate On/Off

Arp Fixed
Chord

Track

Stop
Solo
Mute

Capture MIDI

If you want to use the 3.5mm MIDI output on the Launchkey Mini without a computer, you can

power the unit with a standard USB power supply (5V DC, minimum 500mA).

Note that the Launchkey Mini is only compatible with Circuit using TRS MIDI Type A adapters.
Many other Novation products (such as Launchpad Pro) will also require a Type A adapter to
properly communicate with the Launchkey Mini.

76

Hardware Overview

Stop
Solo
Mute

Arp Fixed
Chord

Transpose

Shift

Pitch

Modulation

Arp

Tempo

Swing

Gate

Mutate

Channel

Octave

Program Change

Session

Drum

Custom

Device

Deviate

Volume Pan Sends Custom

Track

Capture MIDI

+

-

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Arp Mode

Up Down

Up/Down Played Random Chord

Mutate

Rate

Octave

1/4 1/8

1/16 1/32

Triplet 1 2 3 4 o oxo oxxo

Rhythm Latch

Random Deviate On/Off

1. Pitch and Modulation touch strips for bending pitch or adding modulation.

2. Press Shift and other buttons to access secondary functions (in grey).

3. Transpose lets you transpose your keyboard plus or minus 11 semitones. Press Shift and
Transpose to select MIDI Channel output for the keyboard.

4. Octave + and - buttons move the keyboard up or down across 7 octaves (C-1 to C5).

5. Rotary knobs control hardware, software parameters, or settings on the Launchkey itself.

6. Pads are great for triggering clips in Ableton Live’s Session View and playing drums.

Holding Shift lights up the top row of pads, with the current pad mode lit the brightest. You
can then switch between the 3 pad modes:

● Session – For triggering clips and navigating Live’s Session View.

● Drum – For playing drums with the velocity-sensitive pads.

● Custom – For playing a custom selection of notes with personalised colours.

Edit custom modes on https://components.novationmusic.com/launchkey-mini-mk3

7. Press the Arp button to enable the Arpeggiator.

8. While holding the Fixed Chord button, press and release the keys that you wish to be
part of the stored, ‘fixed’ chord.

9. This button controls your DAW’s playback.

10. The Record button starts the recording process in your DAW.

8

Rear view

Top Panel

98

Using the Launchkey Mini [MK3]

Arp Fixed
Chord

Capture MIDI

The Launchkey Mini is designed to work seamlessly with Ableton Live, offering deep integration
through powerful production and performance controls. Launchkey Mini also boasts a powerful

arpeggiator (‘Arp’) and a ‘Fixed Chord’ mode – both of which can be used with Live, other DAWs,

or standalone with your outboard gear. In addition, you can modify the Launchkey Mini to suit your

needs with Custom Modes. Continue reading for explanations of all of Launchkey Mini’s functionality.

Working with Ableton Live 10

Installation

If you don’t yet own Ableton Live 10, register your Launchkey Mini at novationmusic.com/register
to download and install your included copy of Ableton Live 10 Lite. If you’ve never used Ableton
Live before, we recommend visiting our Easy Start Tool (see ‘Getting Started with your Launchkey
Mini [MK3]’). There you’ll find videos covering installation, the software’s basic features, and how

to get started making music with your Launchkey Mini.

Setup

With Ableton Live installed, get your Launchkey Mini up and running by plugging it into your Mac or

PC’s USB port. When you open Live your Launchkey Mini will be automatically detected and enter

Session mode.

If you press Shift on the Launchkey your pad lights should look like the image below. The first 3
pads (orange) select pad behaviour, while the 5 pads to the right (green) select knob behaviour.

Tempo

Arp

Shift

Session Drum

Transpose

Channel

Octave

+

-

Program Change

Up/Down Played Random Chord Mutate

Swing Gate

Custom

Rate

1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 Triplet 1 2 3 4 o oxo oxxo

Mutate

Device

Deviate

Volume Pan Sends Custom

Octave

Rhythm Latch

Stop

Track

Solo
Mute

Random Deviate On/Off

Hold Shift to see these default pad colours

If your pads do not resemble the image above you’ll need to configure Live’s Control Surface
Preferences. To do this, find the ‘Link/MIDI’ Preferences menu in Ableton Live:

Windows: Options > Preferences > Link/MIDI

Mac: Live > Preferences > Link/MIDI

10

In the Link/MIDI tab you’ll need to copy the settings shown above. First, select the Launchkey
Mini [MK3] from the Control Surface menu. Then, under Input and Output select Launchkey Mini

(Launchkey Mini InControl) or Launchkey Mini MIDI IN2 (Windows). Finally, match the Track, Sync
and Remote settings.

If you’re having trouble getting your Launchkey Mini working with Ableton Live, be sure to visit our

Easy Start Tool for video explanations.

Session Mode

To access Session mode on the Launchkey Mini hold Shift and press the Session pad
(the top left pad).

Pitch

Up Down

Modulation

Arp

Shift

Transpose

Channel

Octave

+

-

Program Change

Up/Down Played Random Chord Mutate

Tempo

Session Drum

Swing Gate

Rate

1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 Triplet 1 2 3 4 o oxo oxxo

Custom

Mutate

Device

Deviate

Volume Pan Sends Custom

Octave

Rhythm Latch

Stop
Solo
Mute

Random Deviate On/Off

Arp Fixed
Chord

Track

Capture MIDI

1110