£109 / €109 / $119, novationmusic.com

Why would anyone want a MIDI keyboard in 2024? The obvious answer is hands-on control of software instruments without a computer mouse and keyboard — but producers have had access to such basic controllers since the 90s. Now, many creators want a portable solution that they can effortlessly integrate into their DAW, modular, and live setups while offering creative and expressive functions. The new Launchkey Mini might just be the answer.

• READ MORE: Novation on the future of MIDI control and why Launchkey MK4 is “a big step forward”

The first thing that strikes you when unboxing Novation’s Launchkey Mini 25 is just how small it actually is. At 330x172mm, it’s a tad bigger than an 11-inch iPad Pro, and only 5 cm in height. Granted, the encoders add to the height, but not by much. Despite its low weight of 800g, the controller feels sturdy.

If you’re using it on the move, you’ll want to invest in a carrying case. A variety of Novation and third-party cases are available separately, but it’s a shame that a simple zip case isn’t included.

Like all the other MK4 models, the Launchkey Mini is powered by USB, with an A-to-C cable in the box, even though many people will need to replace this with a C-to-C cable. It’s class-compliant, so requires no drivers for macOS, though it does on Windows. On the rear panel is a full-size sustain pedal input – impressive on a keyboard this small – and a 3.5 mm-jack MIDI output for connecting an optional adapter. Both AKAI’s MPK Mini Plus and Arturia’s MiniLab 3 controllers do have a full-size MIDI DIN port, if you’re averse to adding an adapter.

With the controller’s MIDI tools now baked into the firmware, it can operate in a standalone mode, free of a computer if required. So you can hook it up to your MIDI hardware, like drum machines and modular synths, and take advantage of the arpeggiator, scale and other performance tools.

That’s a nice bonus, but it’s the DAW integration that is the star of the show. This is especially the case with this diminutive model, offering comprehensive control without using up desk space. The setup procedure depends on your DAW, with Ableton Live users benefitting from the deepest level of communication – perhaps not a surprise given Novation’s long collaboration with Ableton. Here, the controller is recognised and set up automatically, letting you navigate around a Set in Live using its page controls.

For other DAWs, it’s slightly more involved. Cubase and Logic Pro both require the download of a script and then a little setup within the DAW. FL Studio doesn’t require a script but does require some setup inside the app. This stuff generally only needs doing once per DAW and some make it easier than others. For example, Cubase’s built-in MIDI Remote Manager is particularly intuitive, providing an editable, graphical version of the controller right inside its main window.

The Mini 25 will switch itself into whichever DAW mode it detects from the computer but it can also be freely configured in software. A downloadable app for macOS and Windows called Components lets you upload and download preset templates for various hardware and software instruments and create, edit and manage your own. This functionality is also available via a MIDI-compatible browser like Chrome (though not Apple’s Safari). It’s ultra useful since it means you can always access your templates even if away from your own computer.

A lot of controls fit into the Mini 25’s compact frame, starting with the 25 synth-style mini keys. These are more playable than you might imagine and, while you wouldn’t necessarily want them to be much smaller, they offer a remarkably effective playing experience within the size constraints. They don’t have polyphonic aftertouch, though the 16 backlit pads do. The pads are again compact but both fun and musical to play, doubling up as visual feedback when required and in Live, function as clip triggers and more.

The eight encoders are continuous, so they don’t have physical start or end points, while both the pads and encoders have page buttons to access a second bank of functions. The Mini 25 has pitch bend and modulation touch strips as opposed to the wheels on the largest units, but these are just as effective and also programmable using the Components system. The monochrome display is small but adequate and provides feedback about the various tools and functions.

Novation has built handy MIDI performance tools into the MK4s in addition to the physical controllers. There’s a generative arpeggiator with a step editor, a Scale mode with 30 scales to choose from and a Chord mode with fixed or user-generated chords that can be triggered. This makes up for the limited key range but also helps less experienced players. There are octave controls and DAW transport buttons too.

A glance at the nearest competition reveals a few interesting differences. AKAI’s MPK Mini Mk3 is cheaper, available for around £75 and has a sustain pedal input but no hardware MIDI port, and fewer pads and overall number of physical controls due to its even more compact size — though the form factor may appeal to some very mobile musicians. Arturia’s MiniLab 3, available for around £90, also has fewer pads but does feature four sliders and a full-size MIDI port and control pedal input. In terms of performance per pound, the higher number of pads that the Mini 25 fits into its diminutive frame will for some musicians give it the edge.

While Launchkey’s DAW integration with Live is especially tight, elsewhere it will take a little getting used to. Regardless of whether you stick with a template or modify one, muscle memory takes a bit of acclimatisation while controlling playback and the various software instruments from the hardware. This is pretty standard for controllers, however, and most people will only be doing it with their main DAW.

Novation throws in a generous software bundle – the same one with every model – including Live Lite and instruments and effects from Klevgrand, GForce and Orchestral Tools. There’s enough software there to get anyone started with making tracks.

The Mini 25 is the perfect companion for anyone performing or producing on the move. At the same time, it has many of the features of its larger siblings and is attractively priced. It’s also well-suited to use in a studio, particularly a smaller one, being so unobtrusive it can sit next to or above a computer keyboard without needing extra stands yet providing keys, pads, encoders and DAW control.

Of course, smaller keys mean certain playing styles are not achievable but there are larger models if that’s crucial to you.

As a clever, compact solution for playing and performing that won’t break the bank, the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is tough to beat.

Key features

• USB power and data
• 25 mini synth-style keys
• 8 continuous encoders
• 16 touch-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch
• DAW control
• Components app for customisation
• Scale and Chord modes
• Generative arpeggiator with step editor
• Sustain pedal input
• 3.5mm MIDI output
• Weight: 800g

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