Novation Launchkey Mini MK2 Reviews
Main advantage:
Designed by Ableton Live, this MIDI controller will allow you to play and create expressive loops with which you can unleash your creativity. In addition, it does not require a power cable, which allows you to work with it and your computer from anywhere.
Main disadvantage:
It is a MIDI controller that incorporates a “mini” format keyboard, so it can be very uncomfortable to play for some users. However, with a little practice you will be able to control this equipment better.
Verdict: 9.6/10
With a very intuitive design, this is one of the most functional and compact MIDI controllers, since it has a 25-piece mini keyboard and 16 backlit pads.
Main Features Explained
pads
One of the main technical features that stands out in this equipment is the wide creative possibility it offers, resulting in a model suitable for both producers and performers who seek to have a compact device with great potential within reach. It is considered by many users as the best MIDI controller of the moment thanks to the incorporation of 16 pads for loops and assignable clips with which you can save and play sounds that work for you to accompany your compositions. Likewise, all the pads have a very useful backlight function if you are going to use the controller in a place with poor lighting, in addition to being able to quickly know its status, avoiding some distractions and errors caused by not executing the indicated pad.
On the other hand, it incorporates a series of interesting functions such as octave up and down, track change and “hold”, among others. This allows you to have more control over the stored tracks and tones, giving you the ability to create unique songs and melodies regardless of your musical level. Plus, adjust the sound of instruments and effects individually using its 8 readily accessible, high-quality knobs.
In short, before worrying about the price of the MIDI controller that you are going to buy, it is more important to take care of its functions.
keys
In view of the fact that in recent years there has been a great increase in the number of musicians, both professional and beginning with this type of musical equipment, manufacturers have made all kinds of models available, so that they can cover the needs of your customers. This is the main reason why you can find MIDI controllers from 25 to 88 keys. However, in addition to the quantity, their size is very important, so they are classified into two large groups, full-size and mini-size. This aspect will depend on the size of your hands and how compact you want the controller.
In this sense, we can say that the Novation Mini model stands out for its high-quality built-in keyboard. It’s a MIDI controller that features 25 mini-size, velocity-sensitive keys with fast-action, synth-style response, allowing you to exploit your creative possibilities without limits.
Design
Suitable for those users who are looking for a portable device that gives them freedom of movement, this MIDI controller could be the one. Without sacrificing its quality or functionality, this equipment stands out for having dimensions of 38 x 22 x 7.8 centimeters and weighing only 703 grams, so it will be easier for you to carry it in your backpack when you have to move. from your home to the recording studio, as well as store it in a compact place without much trouble. Plus, because this controller draws power directly from your computer via the USB cable, you won’t have to worry about placing it in a carefully prepared spot.
On the other hand, to optimize its use, the distribution of each of the pads, transistors and special function buttons have direct and strategically located access. In this way, the performer will quickly become familiar with the controls of this equipment and concentrate on what is really important: musical creation.
Compatibility
To finish this summary of the technical characteristics, we must refer to the compatibility that this MIDI controller offers both with computers with Windows and Mac operating systems, which will allow you to choose your preferred platform for music production. Furthermore, regardless of the operating system you use, this product includes the Ableton Live audio sequencer, software with which you can run samples in real time, as well as save your own melodies. Due to all its features, most opinions about this product indicate that it is one of the best alternatives on the market.
