Novation Launchkey 49From real comments

Name: Novation Launchkey 49
Rating: 2.8 (13 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 13 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment50%

PROS 50%

CONS 50%

Rank based on 13 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You primarily produce in Ableton Live and want tight DAW integration
You want a keybed that balances synth, organ, and piano playing
You need a professional-looking, budget-priced controller for a home studio

What users love

Strong Ableton Live integration0 mentions

Strongly positive

Versatile semi-weighted keybed0 mentions

Widely praised

Budget-friendly yet trustworthy build0 mentions

Widely praised

Responsive company support0 mentions

Widely praised

Portable with Bluetooth MIDI adapters0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You're a dedicated pianist who needs a fully weighted, non-mushy key feel
You're worried about long-term keybed or fader durability
You expect straightforward mapping without a learning curve

What users complain about

Keybed reliability concerns0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Mushy key feel0 mentions

Generally negative

Confusing mapping and InControl behavior0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Lack of clear mapping documentation0 mentions

Generally negative

Fragile fader knobs0 mentions

Generally negative

Steep learning curve for non-technical users0 mentions

Generally negative

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

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Long-term reliability and board loyalty

Simple, intuitive controls

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Sweet, low-gain tone quality

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Limited mid control

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High-quality warm pitch shifting

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Authentic amp-like tone

Excellent low-to-mid gain drive

Underrated favorite among owners

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Limited gain-staging flexibility

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Warmer, more alive analog character

Cultural and historical influence

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Analog noise and static requiring EQ

Reliability concerns of aging hardware

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Strong DAW/VST editor integration

High price for what it offers

Limited versatility outside bass range

Needs effects/partner gear to shine

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Convincing demo influenced purchase

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You are here

31Mid

Novation Launchkey 49

Strong Ableton Live integrationBudget-friendly yet trustworthy buildPortable with Bluetooth MIDI adaptersConfusing mapping and InControl behaviorFragile fader knobsKeybed reliability concerns

Novation Launchkey 49

Strong Ableton Live integration

Budget-friendly yet trustworthy build

Portable with Bluetooth MIDI adapters

Confusing mapping and InControl behavior

Fragile fader knobs

Keybed reliability concerns

Versatile
1. MXR Super Badass Distortionarrow_upward15
2. Wampler Paisley Drivearrow_upward6
3. Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrivearrow_upward4
Expensive
1. Moog Subsequent 37arrow_downward3
2. Origin Effects Deluxe61arrow_downward3
3. Eventide Orvillearrow_downward4
Dynamic response
1. Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrivearrow_upward8
2. Wampler Paisley Drivearrow_upward2
Build quality
1. Moog Subsequent 37arrow_upward3
2. Origin Effects Deluxe61arrow_upward1

Overall Impression

The Launchkey 49 draws praise for its tight Ableton Live integration, with one user calling it the best-integrating controller they've owned despite past keybed failures on other Novation units. Its semi-weighted keybed suits a blend of synth, organ, and piano playing, though some pianists find it too light and others describe the keys as mushy. Buyers see it as a budget-friendly yet trustworthy option, professional-looking on a desk for its price. Portability comes up too, with one owner pairing the 49-key Mk4 with Bluetooth MIDI adapters for iPad use. Mapping and InControl behavior confuse some users, and physical fader knobs have reportedly broken off on used units.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

linkStrong Ableton Live integration

3 mentions

Strongly positive

Users repeatedly cite deep integration with Ableton Live as a top reason to buy, with one longtime owner saying no other controller integrates as well despite other frustrations. Another user bought it specifically because it pairs with a Focusrite/Ableton bundle.

@JS-BoK-pr2us

I can't stand Novation the company. Purchased three separate controllers from them. Launchkey 61 MK3 and two Impulses (white and gray) two separate times. All three had the keybed fail on me. \nThat all being said, there is no controller that integrates better with Ableton. Which I still use about 30% of the time.

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June 8, 2026

@NathanaelPittman

I know this video is 4 years old now and this MIDI controller isn’t the most current version but I can get a gently used one in this version for $100. Is that worthwhile? I use Reaper and this seems to be designed for Ableton.

smart_display

December 23, 2023

@sarcasmist1

I bought a focusrite scarlett solo that came with Ableton 10 ... and i currently use my guitar and vocals.\nJust ordered this being the better option given it's designed around Ableton... can't wait😁

smart_display

December 10, 2018

pianoVersatile semi-weighted keybed

1 mentions

Widely praised

One user loves the semi-weighted keybed for balancing synth, organ, and piano playing, calling it a great all-around compromise. This versatility is valued by producers who play multiple instrument styles.

@jeffagoddard

I love the semi-weighted keybed. Some piano players says it’s to light feeling, but for the combination of synth, organ and piano playing, it’s a great balance. One keybed feel isn’t going to satisfy everybody, but this comes close.

smart_display

June 4, 2026

attach_moneyBudget-friendly yet trustworthy build

1 mentions

Widely praised

A commenter with multiple Launchkey Minis describes Novation as a budget product you can trust to work reliably at its price point, and appreciates the larger model's professional look on a desk.

@djsonik4695

I have another 2 Launch Key mini's MK2 and i'm proud of them both working great but only for the booth studio. In the producing room I'd like one of this is bigger and it dispays really professional on the table for how it costs. Novation is a budget product but you can trust in them easy they work ok for this price I like them.

smart_display

November 12, 2019

support_agentResponsive company support

1 mentions

Widely praised

A user notes that Novation/Focusrite have a very responsive support team based on recent experience.

@YouzTube99

Nice!\nAnd, might I add, that based on recent experience, Novation/Focusrite have a very responsive support team.

smart_display

October 28, 2018

bluetoothPortable with Bluetooth MIDI adapters

1 mentions

Widely praised

An owner of the 49-key Mk4 pairs it with CME WIDI Master/UHost adapters to use it wirelessly with an iPad, adding mobility to the setup.

@smadge1

I picked up the 49-key Mk4 because it was on special, I didn’t realise how neat it was until I’d unboxed it. I mostly use this on my iPad, and being able to plug in the CME WIDI Master or the WIDI UHost to bring it into the Bluetooth dimension makes it so much more versatile. I’d go out and the buy the 25-key Mini Mk4 in a heartbeat if it had Bluetooth and built in battery, as it’s made for music on the go.

smart_display

February 17, 2026

warningKeybed reliability concerns

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

A long-time Novation customer reports the keybed failed on three separate controllers they purchased, including a Launchkey model, despite otherwise praising Ableton integration.

@JS-BoK-pr2us

smart_display

June 8, 2026

thumb_downMushy key feel

1 mentions

Generally negative

One user calls the overall keyboard amazing but says the keys feel mushy, an issue Novation could improve.

@akiaeki

amazing keyboard but novation needs some work on keys lol they kinda feel mushy

smart_display

December 28, 2021

help_outlineConfusing mapping and InControl behavior

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

A user mapping the Session Record button to a pad found it worked inconsistently depending on InControl status and only while held down, indicating a nontrivial learning curve for advanced mapping.

@jelleludolf

Very nice thanks! What you did around 0:27-0:28, was mapping the Session Record button to pad 7. Could you explain a bit more how to use this effectively? When I try this, the button does/does not work depending on the device's InControl status on/off, and also only works if you hold it pressed down. Any way of doing an effective Session Record overdub by mapping anything to the Launchkey? Cheers

smart_display

November 27, 2019

menu_bookLack of clear mapping documentation

1 mentions

Generally negative

A user jokes they'd pay extra for a laminated MIDI map because mapping feels like there's a hidden method to the madness without clear guidance.

@wkelly-hn4kb

Pretty wild cue.soooo much goes into these episodes..no wonder they cost so much to produce. \nThis sounds like money !glad i snatched the 61..until my 88 gets here later this summer. I am just clueless as to mapping ..but this looks like there is some method to the madness. Maybe novation could include a double sided laminated midi map or some kind of clue 🤔 I'd pay 8 bucks more for the almost free keyboard.

smart_display

May 2, 2025

buildFragile fader knobs

1 mentions

Generally negative

A prospective used-unit buyer found two fader knobs broken off and asked whether they're replaceable, pointing to a physical durability weak point.

@williampanameno666

Hey! Im looking into buying one of these used, but two of the fader knobs are broken off. Are those replaceable at all? Thank you!

smart_display

December 31, 2021

schoolSteep learning curve for non-technical users

1 mentions

Generally negative

A classically trained pianist describes the DAW/MIDI ecosystem around products like this as too technical to figure out, leaving a related Novation device unused.

@setialphasix

I've been a deeply devoted piano student, player, and teacher for 40 years, and I LOVE a lot of EDM, and want SO much to be able to make music like this, but then I watch videos like this and realize I'll have to be satisfied just being a pianist, lol. This technology is just SO.....technical! I wish someone in my area taught a class on DAWs and MIDI devices, what they are, and how we can go from playing Beethoven to being the next Depeche Mode or Armin van Buuren, lol! I actually bought the Novation Launchpad a while back but could never figure it or the Ableton software out so it just sits next to my Yamaha MOTIF XF-8 unused 🤨

smart_display

August 16, 2021

Novation Launchkey 49chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

thumb_up_off_altBuy this if...

What users lovefavorite_border

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What users complain aboutheart_broken

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Who wins on what

Versatile

Expensive

Dynamic response

Build quality

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Novation Launchkey 49From real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression