Novation Launch Control XL 3chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

By far the most common complaint: without motorized faders, switching between channel groups or track banks causes fader positions to mismatch actual values, disrupting mixing. Multiple commenters call this a dealbreaker or a pointless omission for a modern controller.

@JeffyG

Great demo. Makes me want a new Launch Control XL, but is it significantly better than the LaunchKey 61 MK4? Sure - 2 additional rows of encoders and an extra row of buttons, but is that enough to demand an additional device? If I get one, it’ll live WITH my LaunchKey mk4 and I’m concerned about conflicts, or accidentally brushing a fader on one, when I was mixing with the other. Anybody have experience using both at the same time?launch

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April 30, 2026

@GrahamPrior

Midi based faders is a deal break for me – could not work with that mixing, no way.launch

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February 16, 2026

@j.juarez9526

Without motorized faders, this device becomes more cumbersome than it's worth. Thank you, great video!launch

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February 7, 2026

@thomasbroker69

Pointless without motorised faders, pick up secondhand Makies or EuCon artist series would be better.launch

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February 7, 2026

Several commenters feel the price doesn't match what's offered, suggesting it should cost far less (one suggests around $99) or that Novation is cutting costs while charging more, especially compared to the Mk II or budget alternatives.

@soulchild-forever

Not having LEDs around the encoders or motorized faders is a massive fail, the price point should be around $99 but even then it’s still not practicallaunch

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May 12, 2025

@JZScreatives8212

After all this time creating and marketing musical equiptments you would have thought by now Novation would understand how aesthetic plays a major part in helping a product sales. \n\nIf Novation Launch Control XL 3 was released 15 years ago it probably would have been consider cool to look at, at that time. Yeah, i should be more concern abouts its performance but anything i put on my desk i like it to make my desk look cool as f***. For a product that's released in 2025 the Novation Launch Control XL 3 looks like a boring looking $50 device and doesn't project the sense of evolving technology.launch

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May 9, 2025

@cyberoverkill

The screen and shell is awesome, but I honestly dont see too much a need to upgrade, especially for the higher price. Novation, PLEASE dont cash out like Native Instruments. Keep bringing us new features!launch

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May 8, 2025

@claudiobackoficial

Novation could have added motorized faders and a larger, more intuitive display. The guys seem to just want to reduce costs and offer beautiful, cheap products, but even more functionality becomes a pain in the ass.launch

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May 8, 2025

Users report a tedious setup process, mapping not appearing correctly in Ableton, DAW control breaking after firmware or Logic updates, and duplicate fader assignments via MIDI Learn on third-party gear.

@alvinn.wav.techno

I’m using the new Launch Control XL 3 with an Akai Force. I assign the faders to different track volumes using MIDI Learn. Everything works fine at first, but after assigning several faders, two different track volumes sometimes end up being controlled by the same fader. Has anyone experienced this or knows how to fix it?\n\nThanks😢❤launch

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September 1, 2026

@tooflezmuzik3716

Thanks so much for the in depth tutorial. For some reason I am not able to map any parameters and nothing shows up in the Midi Mapping list like it does on yours. Anyone possibly an idea why this is? I am using Ableton Live 12.3.2 on a Mac M2launch

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May 4, 2026

@shannongrady388

I've had this controller for a couple of months now, and it's easily one of my favorites. I've been using it with my 'dawless' setup and love how versatile it is. Just be patient when setting it up; it can be a bit tedious, but it's definitely worth it. The tempo knob in the daw control is probably one of my favorite pre-programmed knobs.launch

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February 7, 2026

@GrzesBart

I have it for 2 months now, and it worked with Logic 11, but after update to 12 and update firmware last week it stops working. The LCX screen show it,s in Logic mode but I can’t control DAW. With Ableton Live It is working perfectlylaunch

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February 7, 2026

Users note the lack of LED rings around the rotary encoders as a missed feature, with dimming RGB lights described as insufficient, especially for color-blind users needing better visual indicators.

@sigismund7126

crap hardware, no visual indicators on knobs.. Color feedback for color blind.. great job..launch

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June 23, 2025

@soulchild-forever

Not having LEDs around the encoders or motorized faders is a massive fail, the price point should be around $99 but even then it’s still not practicallaunch

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May 12, 2025

@AFireInAsa

No motorized faders, no LED rings around the encoders. What a miss, Novation. Those dimming RGB lights suck.launch

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May 8, 2025

Users point out the device lacks a dedicated master fader, full transport controls, and a crossfader, calling these notable oversights that limit functionality for mixing and live use.

@southpole76

requring a custom mode to control the main track seems like a massive oversight on Novation's side...launch

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June 14, 2026

@williamshaneblyth

There's a few things that are missing that are a pain... A master fader. Transport controls rather than play record I mean come on . It's like they wanted to hobble it. The only thing really interesting is the custom modes which you showed fantastically how to do. But the kicker is this. I contacted Logic support I'm in New Zealand cause logic remote didn't connect on logic 12. They updated it to work and then range me from Singapore and had a nice long chat. Logic support is so good . So logic remote now works and it has so much more in it than this controller on an iPad everything is in there.launch

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February 6, 2026

@Yo_whatupwithyou

Launch Control XL is so slept on. One of the most versatile controllers out. Wsh it had a crossfader tho.launch

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May 9, 2025

Some longtime users dislike the switch to endless rotary encoders, preferring the previous detented knobs, and question their usefulness, especially for tasks like 3-band EQ control.

@rsaganr

A lot of this a lot of that but dude: How do you work with 3EQ (Hi, Mid, Low) on encoders? The simpler task makes no sense with this control on infinite rotation. Lets see that when its released and how you work out that. I'll probably buy if I get some kind of quick EQ control... looking for quickness more than the accuracylaunch

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May 12, 2025

@akawave

I was waiting big time to replace my travel beaten xl. But i cant do with endless encoders. Some fx in a live situation need to snappy and turned on and off fast. The end of the knob turning feels secure and intuitive. I guess the xl 2 will drop in price now.launch

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May 10, 2025

@Endelyon_Jikken

I don't really see whats the use of endless encoders? The previous version looks much betterlaunch

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May 9, 2025

One commenter criticizes the physical footprint, saying there's too much wasted space between knobs and not enough room for longer fader paths, calling budget mix controllers 'not there yet.'

@starluxstudio619

Lots of great functions, but maaaaannnn.... So much wasted space. Shave off a few inches from top to bottom, or if its gonna be that big give us larger fader paths. I don't need over an inch between rotary knobs. We're getting closer but these budget mix controllers just aren't there yet.launch

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October 24, 2025