Hands-On DAW and Hardware Control, Upgraded
The Novation Launch Control XL 3 MIDI controller puts eight 60mm faders, 24 endless encoders, and 16 assignable buttons on one compact control surface, so you can mix, tweak, and perform without living on your mouse. This third generation adds what players kept asking for: a crisp OLED display, proper 5-pin MIDI I/O, and deep scripts for the major DAWs.
The endless encoders are the big upgrade. Each has an RGB LED showing its value, so nothing jumps when you switch tracks or modes. The OLED shows the name and value of whatever you touch, and holding Shift previews a control without changing it. The faders are smooth and precise, with selectable pickup to avoid sudden level jumps.
How It Fits Your Rig
It maps straight to Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio, and Bitwig, with Mackie HUI support for other DAWs. DAW Mixer mode handles levels, pans, and sends, while DAW Control mode turns the bottom encoder row into scrubbing, loop point, and navigation controls, and the button rows cover solo, arm, mute, and select. For hardware rigs, the MIDI In, Out, and Out2/Thru ports drive synths, drum machines, and grooveboxes with no computer at all. Build up to 15 Custom Modes in Novation Components, or split one mode across several devices so plugins and outboard gear share one surface.
Features and Specs
- Faders: eight 60mm faders with selectable pickup
- Encoders: 24 endless encoders with RGB LEDs and adjustable response curves
- Buttons: 16 assignable, plus Play/Stop, Record, Track, Page, Shift, and Mode
- Display: 128 x 64 monochrome OLED
- DAW integration: scripts for Ableton Live 12+, Logic Pro 11+, Cubase 12+, FL Studio, and Bitwig; HUI for others
- Custom Modes: up to 15, sending notes, CCs, program changes, NRPNs, and keystrokes
- Connectivity: USB-C, 5-pin MIDI In, Out, and Out2/Thru, Kensington slot
- Power: USB bus powered (power supply not included)
- Dimensions: 9.84″ W x 9.41″ D x 1.69″ H
- Weight: 2.03 lb
- In the box (new): Launch Control XL 3 and a 1.5m USB-C to USB-A cable
FAQ
Is the Launch Control XL 3 the same as the MK3 or MKIII?
Yes. Launch Control XL 3, MK3, and MKIII all refer to this third generation model, which adds the OLED display, endless encoders, and 5-pin MIDI over the MK2.
Can I use it without a computer?
Yes. Power it from a USB wall adapter (5V, 500mA or more) and use the 5-pin MIDI ports to control hardware directly.
What software is included?
New units include Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and plugins from Klevgrand, Baby Audio, and Output. Software registered by a previous owner may not transfer with a used unit.
Eight faders, 24 encoders, and one surface for your whole setup. Time to put the mouse down.
View all Pedals and Effects View all
BOOM!
