Novation Launch Control 3 Debuts
Novation has introduced the Launch Control 3, a compact MIDI control surface designed to integrate with popular DAWs and hardware. It offers hands-on control in a smaller footprint, ideal for studio musicians and live performers seeking flexibility.
The new Launch Control 3 marks a significant update, arriving 12 years after the original compact controller. It inherits key features from its larger sibling, the Launch Control XL 3, which was released in 2025, including a sleek black aesthetic and a crisp OLED display for parameter feedback. This latest version is designed to be a versatile controller for any DAW, not just Ableton Live, and also for hardware-based setups. At its core, the controller features 16 endless rotary encoders, each with a customizable RGB LED, and a row of eight assignable, LED-equipped buttons. Unlike its predecessor, it boasts expanded connectivity with a USB-C port and three 5-pin DIN MIDI ports (In, Out, and Out2/Thru), allowing for direct connection to external hardware without a computer. A major enhancement is the integration with Novation's Components software, which allows users to create and store up to seven "Custom Modes". These modes enable detailed customization of every knob and button, with options to assign MIDI CC, notes, program changes, and more, which can be recalled when using the device standalone. The Launch Control 3 offers out-of-the-box integration with major DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and Cubase, with Mackie HUI support for others. It comes bundled with software including Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and several effects plugins from Klevgrand, Baby Audio, and Output. The price is set at $169.99 (£129.99), an increase from the original's £79.99 price point.
