Products from: Novation

Origin & History

Novation was founded in 1992 in the British town of High Wycombe. Early on, the company made a name for itself in the world of electronic musical instruments through practical and innovative approaches to design and functionality. With the introduction of its first products, Novation laid the foundation for a brand that specifically addresses the needs of musicians, live performers, and producers.

A milestone was the development of the Drum Station, a recreation of classic TR drum machines, which gained international attention in the 1990s. The resulting fame enabled Novation to develop further products such as analog and digital synthesizers that still appear in modern setups today. With the launch of the Launch series, led by the Launchpad, Novation became a fixed presence especially among Ableton users.

The consistent focus on user-friendliness, creative performance, and well-thought-out software integration has contributed to Novation being regarded today as one of the most important manufacturers in modern music technology.

Focus & Philosophy

Novation pursues a clear product philosophy: musicians should be able to work creatively with simple and effective tools – without technical hurdles. The emphasis lies on developing intuitive MIDI controllers, flexible synthesizers, and compact performance tools that seamlessly collaborate with production environments like Ableton Live.

The goal is to implement creativity directly and spontaneously. Through thoughtful operation concepts, robust construction, and clever DAW integration, Novation devices support both live performers and studio producers in their musical work. The user is always at the center: products should inspire and speed up production rather than complicate it.

Product Portfolio Overview

Synthesizers

Novation offers a versatile range of hardware synthesizers characterized by high sound quality, flexibility, and intuitive operation. Whether in the studio or on stage – Novation synths deliver powerful sounds for every musical style.

• Bass Station II: A classic, monophonic analog synthesizer with two oscillators, sub-oscillator, and filter section. Especially popular for fat basslines and penetrating lead sounds.
• Peak: A hybrid model with eight voices that combines digital oscillators with an analog filter. Ideal for sound design and complex soundscapes.
• Summit: The flagship synth with 16 voices, two parts, and a powerful modulation matrix. Developed for professional applications and live performance.

MIDI Keyboards

The Launchkey series from Novation is among the most used MIDI keyboards for Ableton Live. It offers direct access to important DAW functions without the need to reach for the mouse.

• Compact and lightweight: smaller models are ideal for mobile setups and bedroom producing.
• Extensive control: faders, rotary knobs, and pads provide comprehensive control of your music software.
• Perfect for Ableton: many functions such as scene triggering, track focus, and chord mode are specifically tailored to Ableton Live.

Ableton Controllers

The Launchpad series has established itself as a standard for grid-based Ableton controllers. They are compact, robust, and offer intuitive clip control for live or studio use.

• RGB pads: high-resolution, velocity-sensitive pads provide clear visual feedback.
• Performance-oriented: ideal for DJs, live acts, and improvisations.
• Compatibility: native integration with Ableton Live and customization options via Novation Components.

Launchpad Series

Models Compared

The Launchpad Mini is the most compact model of the series and is perfect for beginners as well as for those who prefer a portable setup. It has all the basic functions to launch clips in Ableton Live and perform simple performances.

The Launchpad X offers a medium size and is equipped with velocity-sensitive pads as well as aftertouch. It is ideal for musicians who require more control and expression while playing.

The Launchpad Pro is aimed at advanced users and live performers. It supports MIDI out, features high-quality RGB pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, and offers numerous performance modes. It is the most versatile and powerful variant of the series.

Target Groups & Use Cases

Novation products are versatile and appeal to different target groups involved in electronic music production and performance.

• DJs on tour benefit from compact and robust Ableton controllers like the Launchpad Mini or X, which can easily be integrated into any setup. Simple USB power supply makes them ideal for mobile use.
• Live performers use devices like the Launchpad Pro or the Summit synthesizer to create dynamic sets. Direct clip control, aftertouch, and MIDI out functions support spontaneous performances.
• Bedroom producers get a versatile MIDI keyboard with the Launchkey series, helping them quickly realize musical ideas. Thanks to preset templates and integration with Ableton Live, getting started is particularly easy.

Ableton Live Integration

Ableton Live integration is one of the outstanding features of the Novation Launchpad series. Thanks to the close connection with the DAW, you can not only launch clips but also control effects in real time, set loops, and organize scenes. All happens directly via the color-coded pads, without interrupting the workflow with mouse or keyboard.

Especially notable is the visual feedback via the RGB pads, which always shows you which clip is active and where you are in the arrangement. This direct, tactile control makes working with Ableton Live not only more efficient but also more creative. Complex live performances can also be implemented easily with an Ableton controller like the Launchpad Pro.

Launchkey Series

Models & Differences

The Launchkey series is available in four versions: with 25, 37, 49, or 61 keys. This offers the right size for every demand – from the compact controller for the mobile studio to the full-fledged keyboard for stage use.

All models are equipped with velocity-sensitive RGB pads that serve to control clips, samples, or drum racks. The pads are visually aligned with the content in Ableton Live, enabling a particularly intuitive workflow.

Furthermore, all Launchkey controllers have transport controls for start, stop, record, and navigation within the DAW. Additionally, pitch bend and modulation wheels provide expressive performances. Especially in combination with software like Ableton Live or Logic Pro, these controllers unfold their full potential.

Workflow with Ableton Live

The Launchkey series is specifically designed for deep integration with Ableton Live and offers direct access to central production functions. Quantization, scene control, and chord mode can be controlled directly via the keyboard’s controls without requiring external adjustments. Launching clips, navigating the arrangement, and setting automation also happens directly on the device, accelerating the workflow and promoting creative work.

Advantages for Live & Studio

• Direct access to mixer, effects, and transport functions without mouse
• Seamless compatibility with Mac and PC – ready to use immediately without driver installation
• Compact design: ideal for mobile producing or live performance on stage
• Integration with other DAWs like Logic Pro or FL Studio possible

Novation Synthesizers

Bass Station II

An analog classic with subtractive synthesis design, perfect for basslines and leads.

Circuit & Circuit Tracks

Standalone grooveboxes with built-in sequencer and internal sound generation. Ideal for jam sessions without a computer.

Peak & Summit

Hybrid sound machines with extensive modulation options and a modern workflow for sound designers.

Who is Novation Suitable For?

DJs find a reliable partner in Novation for their live sets. Devices like the Launchpad X or Launchpad Pro offer precise control of clips and effects in real time. The Ableton controllers are easy to integrate into existing setups and convince through their compact design, robustness, and intuitive operation.

Producers who want to work efficiently in their DAW benefit from the close integration of the Launchkey series into Ableton Live. Features like chord modes, arpeggiators, and the ability to control mixer and effects directly make Novation controllers practical tools for daily studio use.

Live performers rely on Novation products to implement spontaneous musical ideas directly on stage. With features like aftertouch, MIDI out, and color-coded RGB pads, devices like the Launchpad Pro or the Summit synthesizer enable expressive and interactive live sets.

Even beginners are well advised with Novation: the combination of intuitive user interface, easy setup, and included software (e.g. Ableton Live Lite) makes entering the world of electronic music production significantly easier. At the same time, the devices offer enough depth so that they do not need to be replaced as experience grows.

Compatibility & Software Integration

Ableton Live

All current Novation controllers are specifically tailored for use with Ableton Live. Thanks to pre-programmed mappings, the assignment of functions such as clip launch, scene control, or effect regulation happens automatically. This close DAW integration enables a smooth and creative workflow without technical detours. Additionally, many devices include a license for Ableton Live Lite, which significantly facilitates entry into music production.

Other DAWs

Despite the focus on Ableton, Novation devices also work reliably with other music software. These include Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Reason, or Bitwig Studio. Thanks to the MIDI standard, all controls can be freely assigned and individually configured. This allows the MIDI controller to be adapted to the respective workflow – regardless of the DAW used.

Novation Components & Updates

With the free web app Novation Components, all controllers can be customized individually. Users can install firmware updates, create their own templates, or access a variety of preset sound packs. The platform works directly in the browser without software installation and is compatible with almost all current Novation devices. This keeps your hardware always up to date and flexibly adjustable to different production scenarios.

Tabular Overview: Novation Main Products

Launchpad Comparison

Product	Novation Launchpad Mini MK3	Novation Launchpad X	Novation Launchpad Pro MK3
Price	109 €	198 €	379 €
Pads	64 RGB pads	64 velocity- & pressure-sensitive RGB pads	64 pressure- & velocity-sensitive RGB pads
Ableton Live Integration	Direct, with clip, scene, stop, solo & mute control	Seamless control of clips, scenes & mixer	Complete including sequencer, chord & scale mode
Additional Modes	3 individually assignable modes	Chromatic keyboard, lit notes & scales	Custom modes, sequencer, chord & scale mode
Sequencer	–	–	4-track, 32-step sequencer with random functions
MIDI Connectivity	USB MIDI only	USB MIDI only	MIDI In/Out/Thru (3.5 mm mini jack)
Power Supply	USB-C	USB	USB-C (power adapter possible)
Software Package	Ableton Live Lite, Splice, AAS, XLN, Klevgrand	Ableton Live Lite, Softube, XLN, AAS, Klevgrand	Ableton Live Lite, plugins, Easy Start Tool
Compatibility	PC & Mac, Logic Pro X Live Loops from 10.5	PC & Mac	PC & Mac, MIDI hardware
Weight	0.38 kg	0.82 kg	1.0 kg
Dimensions (W × D × H)	180 × 180 × 14 mm	241 × 241 × 17.5 mm	268 × 268 × 18 mm

Launchkey Comparison

Product	Novation Launchkey 25 MK3	Novation Launchkey 49 MK4	Novation Launchkey 61 MK4
Price	175 €	269 €	349 €
Number of Keys	25 keys	49 keys	61 keys
Key Weighting	Not weighted	Semi-weighted	Not weighted
Pads	16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads	16 RGB pads with velocity & aftertouch	16 RGB pads with velocity & aftertouch
Faders	No	9 faders	9 faders
Rotary Knobs	Yes	8 rotary knobs	8 endless rotary encoders
Display	16x2 monochrome	OLED (128×64)	Color display
Arpeggiator	Yes (including mutate function)	Generative with step editor	Generative with step editor
Chord & Scale Modes	3 chord modes + scale modes	Chord map, fixed & user chord, 30 scales	Fixed & user chord, 30 scales
DAW Integration	Optimized for Ableton Live	Ableton Live, Logic, FL Studio	Ableton Live, Logic, FL Studio
MIDI Outputs	1× MIDI out, 1× USB	1× MIDI out, 1× USB-C	1× MIDI out, 1× USB-C
Sustain Pedal	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weight	1.81 kg	4.08 kg	4.8 kg
Dimensions (W × D × H)	463 × 258 × 77 mm	730 × 264 × 93 mm	896 × 263 × 93 mm

Synth Comparison

Product	Novation Bass Station II	Novation Circuit Tracks	Novation Peak	Novation Summit
Price	449 €	399 €	1459 €	2299 €
Number of Keys	25	None	None	61
Sound Generation	Analog	Digital	Hybrid (wavetable + analog filter)	Hybrid (wavetable/FM + analog filter)
Polyphony	Monophonic	6 voices (2 synths)	8 voices	16 voices
Multitimbral	No	Yes (drums/synths/MIDI)	No	Yes (2-part)
Sequencer Integrated?	Yes (step sequencer)	Yes (drum/synth/MIDI pattern)	No	No
Modulation	2 LFOs, 2 ADSRs, filter modulation	Macros, FX, sidechain	3 envelopes, 2 LFOs per voice, matrix	4 LFOs, 3 envelopes, modulation matrix
Wavetable Editor	No	No	Yes	Yes
MIDI Ports	In/Out (DIN), USB MIDI	In/Out/Thru (DIN), USB MIDI	In/Out/Thru (DIN), USB MIDI	In/Out/Thru (DIN), USB MIDI
Audio Inputs/Outputs	1x audio in, 1x out, headphones	2x audio in, stereo out, headphones	2x line out, headphones	2x line in, 4x out, headphones
CV/Modular Connection	No	Sync out	1x CV mod in	1x CV mod in
Power Supply	USB / 9V power supply	USB / internal battery	Power supply	Power supply
Weight	2.5 kg	1.15 kg	4.9 kg	11 kg
Dimensions (W × D × H)	457 × 273 × 76 mm	240 × 210 × 40 mm	464 × 233 × 70.5 mm	998 × 302 × 71 mm

Your Next Step with Novation

With a broad range of Novation products, practical advice, and attractive bundles with software & accessories, you are well taken care of with us. You want to start live performing with a Launchpad or expand your home studio with a Launchkey MIDI keyboard – we deliver the right solution for you.

Our product selection is aimed at everyone working creatively with music: from ambitious bedroom producers to experienced DJs to professional live performers. You get not only technical information but also solid support for selection and integration into your setup.

If you are looking for well-thought-out equipment with strong Ableton Live integration and value fast shipping as well as reliable customer service, you are in the right place here.

Discover now: browse through our Novation selection and find exactly the device that fits your workflow – for studio, stage, or on the go.

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