Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4

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25-Key USB Mini Keyboard

16 patented FSR drum pads with polyphonic aftertouch
OLED display
Eight continuous rotary controls
Touch-sensitive strips for pitch and modulation
Arpeggiator
Fixed chord mode (one-finger automatic chord)
Buttons for recording, playback, stop/solo/mute and octave switching
NKS support for direct control of over 2,000 NKS-compatible instruments and effects
Includes free Native Instruments Komplete 15 Select Bundle for a genre of your for immediate testing and use of the NKS functionality
Sustain pedal input: 6.3 mm jack
MIDI output: 3.5 mm mini jack
USB
Dimensions (W x H x D): 33.9 x 4.9 x 17.7 cm
Weight: 0.78 kg
Includes USB cable and software package with Ableton Live Lite, GForce Bass Station plugin and Novation Play

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3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since October 2024
Item number 594691
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Aftertouch No
Pitch Bend / Modulation Yes
Rotary Encoder 8
Fader (Amount) 0
Pads 16
Display Yes
MIDI interface 1x Out
Sustain Pedal Connection Yes
USB-port Yes
Mains Operation No
Battery Operation No
Bus-Powered Yes
Width in mm 338,5 mm
Height in mm 49 mm
Depth in mm 176,8 mm
Weight in kg 0,8 kg
Special Features iPad compatible, Mini Keys, incl. Software Bundle with Ableton Live Lite

£105

All prices incl. VAT

Sales Rank

in Master Keyboards (up to 25 Keys)

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Compact controller for PC, iPhone and iPad

The Novation Launchkey 25 Mini MK4 is the fourth generation of the British synth manufacturer's successful compact controller. As always, it can be seamlessly integrated into all widely used DAWs to enable an authentic, hardware-controlled workflow. In its highly compact housing, this affordable controller packs a keyboard with 25 keys, 16 drum pads, eight encoders, and an arpeggiator, with additonal controls for playback and plugin parameters. Producers can also connect the Launchkey 25 Mini to an iPad or iPhone for intuitive manual control – in addition, the controller can also send MIDI data to external synthesizers or drum computers via the corresponding ports on its rear side. The expanded Chord, Scale, and Arpeggio modes, in turn, help musicians to stay in the chosen key, while at the same time allowing them to play with greater expression.

Hands-on DAW control

Alongside the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4's two-octave keyboard, users will find 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch; they're backlit in RGB colours and perfect for playing drum sounds. The pads are also part of the ingenious Ableton control setup, meaning that producers of all kinds of music can select, start, or mark clips for recording in Ableton's session view and in Logic's Live Loops. Furthermore, creators and composers can access a fully-fledged and versatile arpeggiator with eight encoders, which can control functions such as channel volume, pan, and sends in Ableton Live: The Launchkey's Scale mode will also allow them select one of 30 scales, for flawless songs in seconds, while entire chords can be played via a single key in Fixed Chord mode. What's more, performers can also define chord mappings with which they can play emotional, expressive chord progressions using the 16 pads.

Ready for the road

The Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is the ideal companion for musicians and producers who want to use it on the go, where its clearly arranged user interface will ensure a fast and easy workflow. Whether the order of the day is arranging beats or practising songs while travelling to the next gig, this controller is well equipped for every adventure, easily fitting into its owner's hand luggage. Making it even more flexible is the fact that the Launchkey Mini 25 is class-compliant – that is, it's compatible with all common music apps for iPad and iPhone, while its MIDI connection ports can also be used to receive data from hardware synthesizers. The Novation Components software makes it possible to create user-defined mappings for flexible settings, which can be stored in the controller's internal memory and loaded easily using the keyboard.

About Novation

The English company Novation has been producing affordable popular synthesizers as well as MIDI controllers and keyboards since its foundation in 1992. It was later acquired by the well-known British audio interface manufacturer Focusrite, but the brand still exists within the parent company. The outstanding design, high-quality workmanship and excellent price-performance ratio of the Novation Launchpads have continued to win them many new users. Novation synthesizers include the 8-voice Polyphone Peak, the analogue mono synthesizer Bass Station II, the MiniNova and the paraphonic analogue synthesizer Circuit Mono Station.

The total package

Newcomers to the world of music production are sure to appreciate the software package included with the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4, which includes Ableton Live Lite and numerous virtual instruments, such as a 4-in-1 bundle from GForce with monophonic and polyphonic synthesizers, as well as an emulation of a tape sampler. Two collections from Orchestral Tools – Inspire 2 and Time Macro – add further musical depth, with a wide selection of studio-grade orchestral samples such as Delicate Piano, Flautando Strings, and Woodwind Parallax. Klevgrand LUXE provides a linear reverb with the complexity of a multi-delay system. The newest addition to the frequently updated software suite is Novation Play, another exclusive collaboration with Klevgrand comprising over 80 pristine and polished basses, leads, pads, drum kits and more, sampled without exception from vintage Novation, Sequential, and Oberheim synthesizers. Finally, beginners can learn to play the controller more fluently with the complementary lessons from Melodics – specifically for Novation users.

In the spotlight

NKS

The Native Kontrol Standard (NKS), developed by Native Instruments, is a universal protocol adopted by hundreds of plug-in developers that allows virtual instruments to be seamlessly controlled via supported hardware controllers. With standardised parameter mapping, automatic preset browsing, and deep host integration, NKS dramatically reduces configuration time and streamlines production workflows. NKS-registered products also grant instant access to premium sound libraries and advanced control features. This product is fully NKS compatible, as indicated by the official NKS logo.

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9 Customer ratings

5 9 Customers 4 0 Customers 3 0 Customers 2 0 Customers 1 0 Customers

5 / 5

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6 Reviews

Bang for your buck!

Barajasss 01.06.2025

For this price range, this controller is definitely very good quality. I have only been using it for a month, but it's easy to tell the pads, knobs and buttons are great. Keys are of course light and small as for pretty much any controller this size. So, if you are accustomed to larger controllers, it might need some getting used to. Very portable, very light, great compatibility with Ableton Live (can't tell about other DAWs as I only use that one). To be honest, if a higher budget is available and space is not an issue, I would go with a larger controller. However, if you look for something small and portable... you can't go wrong with this one. Essential features are all there and, being this my second novation LaunchKey controller, can tell you those things get the job done.

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Great Ableton controller

RobSt 24.11.2024

I've bought this in addition to my full size masterkeyboard, just for the controls (endless pots!), which enables you to control all sliders and knobs within Ableton, including all plugins, with ease (and without annoying value jumps). Because of its size it fits perfectly between the other gear on my desk.

A big plus for me is the option to programm custom modes, via Novations Components software, with which I've managed to operate the alt functions on my Polymoon pedal, via MIDI.

Another plus is Novations quick response to any questions or feature requests you might have. A good (online) manual is included as well.

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My precious

Resident 31.10.2025

Have you seen lord of the rings, this controller to me is after one hour playing a precious thing. Its absolutely every euro worth it. I have seen comments that the minlab has better keyboard bed, but not for me. Its perfect, small sized controller. Perfect pads. I use it with Bitwig 5.3.13.
This si all i want from a controller.

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Endlich ein Controller, der einfach funktioniert und hält was er verspricht.

Peter Yeter 13.11.2024

Der Launchkey Mini ersetzt bei mir den Arturia Minilab MK3, dessen Encoder - trotz Firmware Update - unter Cubase nicht richtig funktionieren.

Novation hat dagegen ganze Arbeit geleistet und einen einfach zu bedienenden und vor allem funktionierenden Controller geliefert. Die Encoder verhalten sich unter Cubase korrekt. Da ich nur den Custom Mode nutze, kann ich über die weitere DAW integration nichts sagen. Aber die Möglichkeiten, alles selbst zu belegen sind vielseitig und schnell erledigt. Besonders, dass die Encoder quasi doppelt in einem Mapping liegen ist super. Das hätte bei den Pads ebenso sein dürfen.
Das Keyboard lässt sich gut spielen - auch wenn in diesem Punkt das Minilab die Nase etwas vorne hat. Insgesamt ist aber alles sehr gut verarbeitet. Die Pads reagieren präzise und direkt, die Encoder fühlen sich trotz der geringen Größe wertig an.

Kleine Kritikpunkte:
- Im Custom Mode kann ich auch den Record Button in meiner DAW zuweisen. Allerdings reagiert der Play Button nicht. Keine große Sache, aber etwas inkonsequent.
- Ich hätte mir gewünscht, dass ich auch bei den Pads im Custom Mode mit den Pfeil Buttons, die ja da sind, zu einer zweiten Belegung switchen kann (So wie bei den Encodern).

Insgesamt bin ich sehr zufrieden. Vor allem, dass es einfach funktioniert.
(Mit dem Minilab habe ich Stunden mit Fehlersuche und dem Testen verschiedenster Einstellungen verbracht.)

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Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4

25-Key USB Mini Keyboard