Novation Launch Control XL MK3 - Hands-on control for studio and stage

The Launch Control XL MK3 puts your whole mix under your fingers. Eight full-size faders, 24 endless RGB encoders and 16 assignable buttons map straight into Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase and Bitwig, while 5-pin MIDI lets it drive your hardware on its own.

Key Features

• 24 endless RGB encoders: Endless rotary control with colour-coded LEDs that show each parameter value at a glance.
• Eight 60 mm faders: Smooth, full-size faders for level rides, sends and DAW mixing that feels like a console.
• 16 assignable buttons: Map mutes, solos, scene changes or transport to match the way you work.
• OLED display: A clear 128 x 64 screen shows control names and values right on the unit.
• 5-pin MIDI in, out and thru: Sequence and control hardware synths and drum machines with no computer connected.
• Up to 15 Custom Modes: Build your own layouts for any DAW or hardware rig and store them on the controller.

Customer Benefits

Mixing with a mouse slows you down. The Launch Control XL MK3 gives you a fader per channel and an encoder per parameter, so you can ride levels, adjust sends and shape effects with both hands at once. Deep scripts for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase and Bitwig mean it maps itself the moment you plug in, while Mackie HUI support covers other DAWs. Unplug from the computer and the MIDI DIN ports turn it into a standalone controller for your studio hardware.

Quick Specs

• Faders: 8 x 60 mm
• Encoders: 24 endless, RGB LED
• Buttons: 16 assignable, plus transport
• Display: 128 x 64 OLED
• Connectivity: USB-C, 5-pin MIDI in/out/thru
• Custom Modes: Up to 15
• Dimensions: 250 x 239 x 43 mm
• Weight: 0.92 kg

In the Box

• Novation Launch Control XL MK3
• USB-C to USB-A cable, 1.5 m
• Software bundle: Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE and studio plugins (download)

Compatibility

Compatible with macOS and Windows over USB-C with no drivers to install, with deep DAW scripts for Ableton Live 12, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase and Bitwig, plus Mackie HUI for other DAWs.

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• A fader and an encoder for every part of your mix
• Endless RGB encoders with clear OLED feedback
• 5-pin MIDI drives hardware with no computer needed
• Deep, plug-and-play integration across the major DAWs

⚠️ Cons:

• No pad grid for clip launching, so pair it with a Launchpad for that job
• Faders are not motorised and will not follow DAW automation

Whether you are mixing a session in the box or playing hardware live, the Launch Control XL MK3 keeps your hands on the sound instead of the mouse.