Novation Launch Control XL: A New Standard for Hands-On DAW and Hardware Control
The new Novation Launch Control XL offers an extensive set of controls for musicians and producers, featuring a sleek design and improved functionality over its predecessors.
At Superbooth 25, Novation unveiled the brand-new Launch Control XL — the third generation of this popular MIDI controller for studio and stage. This successor to the Launch Control XL MK2 (from 2017) has been completely redesigned and packed with upgrades. While previous versions were mostly known as dedicated Ableton Live controllers, the new Launch Control XL (Mk3) now targets all DAW users and hardware enthusiasts. With its slimmer, modern look (in line with Novation’s latest Launchkey series) and a host of new features — including an OLED display and expanded MIDI connectivity — this controller marks a major step forward for hands-on music production.
Caractéristiques principales
The new Launch Control XL is designed as the ultimate tactile control hub for your workflow. Here’s a summary of the most important features:
8x 60mm faders: Eight precise long faders for direct control over mixer levels and other parameters. Thanks to the fader pickup option, you can make smooth adjustments without jumps in your mix.
24x endless rotary knobs: Twenty-four smooth rotary encoders (arranged in three rows of 8) with RGB LED indicators for instant visual feedback. These endless encoders can be assigned to pan, send levels, or plugin parameters, without the limitations of traditional potentiometers.
16x assignable buttons: Sixteen backlit buttons (2 rows of 8) that you can assign to solo, mute, and arm per track, or to trigger MIDI notes, CCs, program changes, and more. This lets you quickly switch between tracks and isolate parts of your mix.
Dedicated transport section: A dedicated transport area with physical Play/Stop and Record buttons gives you direct control over your DAW’s playback and recording. In DAW mode, the lower encoders can also be used for timeline scrubbing and setting loop points.
OLED display: A crisp OLED screen shows parameter values or modes clearly, right where you need them. It speeds up navigation and tweaking, so you don’t have to constantly look at your computer screen while producing.
Expanded connectivity (USB & MIDI): In addition to a USB-C connection (class-compliant, no drivers required), the Launch Control XL now also includes traditional 5-pin MIDI ports (In, Out, and Out2/Thru). This means you're no longer tied to a computer — you can connect directly to hardware synths, drum machines, and effects units, or daisy chain multiple MIDI devices via the Thru port.
Store 15 Custom Modes: You can store up to 15 custom user profiles (Custom Modes) directly in the device. Using Novation’s Components software, you can set what MIDI messages each button, fader, and encoder sends — giving you full control over both software and hardware. These mappings are saved in the internal memory, so once configured, you can use the Launch Control XL standalone, without a computer.
In short, the Launch Control XL delivers an unrivaled amount of physical controls in a compact unit, built to shine in both studio and live setups.
Deep DAW Integration
Despite its newfound versatility, Ableton Live remains a key strength of the Launch Control XL — after all, the controller was originally designed for it. Out of the box, it integrates seamlessly with Ableton Live: mixer faders and buttons directly correspond to the Live mixer, and you can solo or mute tracks with the push of a button. Novation even includes Ableton Live 12 Lite with the Launch Control XL, so new users can start producing right away. Live Lite offers 8 tracks and a rich set of instruments and effects — perfect for exploring the Launch Control XL in a DAW environment.
But integration goes far beyond Ableton. The new Launch Control XL features native scripts/mappings for multiple DAWs, including Logic Pro, Cubase, and FL Studio. If you switch to Logic, for example, you can immediately control your mix or tweak plugins without complicated MIDI mapping. For DAWs without a dedicated script, the controller also supports the universal Mackie HUI protocol — allowing you to control transport and mixer functions in Pro Tools or other software.
A particularly handy new feature is the two encoder modes for DAW control. In DAW Mixer Mode, the top two rows of encoders act as pan and send controls for your mixer channels, while the third row can be used for navigation (scrolling through your arrangement). Switch to Device/Plugin Control Mode, and the encoders take on a new role: the top 16 knobs directly control the parameters of the selected instrument or effect in your DAW — similar to how macros or device controls work in Ableton. This dual mode lets you switch easily between mixing and sound design without reconfiguring your controller.
Naturally, the Launch Control XL also works brilliantly alongside Novation’s Launchpad grid controllers. For Ableton users, this is the dream team: Launchpad triggers clips and scenes, while the Launch Control XL handles faders and effects — giving you full creative control both in the studio and on stage (think of it as an affordable hybrid alternative to something like Ableton Push).
A Hardware Hub for Hybrid Setups
What really sets the Launch Control XL apart is how it bridges the gap between software and hardware. Thanks to the built-in MIDI interface, you can use the controller in a standalone hardware rig or integrate it into a hybrid setup. For example, you can assign some buttons to your DAW while sending faders to an external synth module — all from the same device. The ability to combine different gear and software in a single layout makes complex, creative routing much easier. Novation aptly describes the XL3 as a central hub that effortlessly connects your hardware, software, and creative flow into one seamless experience.
Hands-on control in action: With the Launch Control XL, you can shape your sound in real-time — no need to reach for a mouse or dive into menus. The new OLED display and RGB indicators give you instant feedback, letting you stay fully focused on your creativity.
The experience of making music becomes far more tactile with the Launch Control XL. All essential controls are right at your fingertips, inviting you to play and experiment. Want to open up a filter, fade out several tracks at once, or bring in an effects send? With the physical knobs and faders, it feels more intuitive than ever — you really feel like you're shaping the sound. The multicolor LED feedback around the encoders and the clear OLED labels let you instantly see what you're doing, even in a dark studio or on a dim stage. No more hunting with the mouse or squinting at your laptop — the Launch Control XL lets you focus on what really matters: making music. As Novation puts it: “no menu-diving, no second-guessing” — meaning your creativity stays in flow because the tech gets out of your way.
Availability in the Benelux
The Novation Launch Control XL Mk3 is expected to arrive in the Benelux starting July 2025. Get ready for a summer full of creative control — the Launch Control XL is set to take your studio and live setup to the next level!
