Novation Launch Control 3 – Compact MIDI Control Surface for Studio and Stage

OVERVIEW

Add intuitive, hands-on control to your DAW, plug-ins, and hardware with 16 endless rotary encoders, eight assignable buttons, and a crisp OLED display that keeps essential information clearly visible. Launch Control 3 is compact, powerful, and flexible enough for any studio or stage setup with USB-C, 5-pin MIDI In, Out, and Out2/Thru, and easily configurable Custom Modes via Novation Components.

Building on the success of its larger counterpart, Launch Control 3 delivers the same deep integration and workflow efficiency in a more compact format. Designed for seamless control across Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, and more, it provides instant access to key parameters, allowing producers and performers to stay focused on creativity rather than navigating menus. With Mackie HUI support, it also integrates smoothly with virtually any DAW environment.

Whether you’re working entirely in the box or managing a hybrid setup, Launch Control 3 adapts effortlessly. Custom Modes enable you to map controls to hardware synths, effects units, and plugins, while the standalone MIDI capability allows direct control of external gear without a computer. Combined with its premium build, responsive encoders, and real-time visual feedback, Launch Control 3 is a powerful, portable solution for modern music production and performance.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Hands-On Control for Studio and Stage

Add tactile control to any software, hardware, or hybrid workflow. The compact, portable Launch Control 3 works seamlessly with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, and more – with Mackie HUI support for everything else. It’s easy to map custom controls to all your plugins and MIDI-enabled hardware, too.

Control Any Setup

Go deep with a single device or get high-level control over your entire setup; Launch Control 3’s tight, intuitive DAW integration and flexible Custom Modes make it a compact yet powerful addition to any setup.

Think Outside the Box

Launch Control 3 is designed to work with or without a computer connected: simply power via USB-C, then connect directly to your hardware instruments and effects via 5-pin MIDI In, Out, and Out2/Thru ports. For hybrid setups, combine your external gear, DAW controls, and essential plugin parameters with Custom Modes.

Streamline Your Workflow

Use Novation Components to create and customise MIDI mappings and store up to seven user-defined Custom Modes. Launch Control 3 is the ideal companion for your MIDI-enabled hardware, providing extra hands-on control for synths and effects units – even unlocking hidden, menu-based features.

Premium, Hardware Feel

Redesigned from the ground up, the latest Launch Control 3 now features 16 smooth, endless rotary encoders and eight customisable buttons in a compact, robust chassis. The crisp OLED display shows you real-time information, right where you need it.

Includes Everything You Need to Create

Launch Control 3 comes with a collection of studio-grade software to help you get started: Ableton Live 12 Lite gives you the ability to record and perform with up to eight tracks of MIDI or audio, as well as a suite of instruments, effects, and creative tools. You also get Cubase LE, a compact DAW packed with essential tools for recording, editing, and mixing, plus a selection of additional plugins from Klevgrand, Baby Audio, and Output.

Easy Setup

Novation’s Easy Start web tool gets Launch Control 3 up and running with zero effort. It helps you locate the right drivers, complete the installation process, and download the included software.

Enjoy Three Years of Warranty

Wherever you happen to be in the world, you can rely on a three-year warranty if any Novation hardware needs repairing or replacing due to a manufacturing fault.

FEATURES

• Powerful integration with all major DAWs: Launch Control 3 features deep integration with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Bitwig, and more, plus Mackie HUI support for everything else.
• Connect all your hardware: 5-pin MIDI In, Out, and Out2/Thru connections with comprehensive filtering and routing options, making it easy to connect and control hardware – with or without a computer.
• Create custom mappings: Assign MIDI parameters to encoders and buttons, store up to seven Custom Modes, and manage them with Novation Components.
• Crisp OLED display: Get detailed information on each parameter you adjust – all in real time and positioned exactly where you need it.
• 16 endless encoders: Pan tracks, adjust sends, or customise your own controls. The 16 endless rotary encoders each feature adjustable acceleration curves and RGB status indicators.
• Eight assignable buttons: Switch focus between tracks in your DAW and solo, arm, and mute them from Launch Control 3’s eight buttons, or map them to custom switches and parameters.
• Additional software: Record, produce, and perform with Ableton Live 12 Lite and Cubase LE, plus a trio of effects from Klevgrand, Baby Audio, and Output.
• Getting started: Set up Launch Control 3 instantly with tutorials and Novation’s Easy Start tool.

INCLUDED SOFTWARE SUITE

Ableton Live 12 Lite:

The iconic DAW that gives you everything you need to get started, including instruments, effects and Live’s trademark clip and scene launching for taking ideas further or performance.

Cubase LE:

Cubase LE is ready to meet the demands of high-quality songwriting and production projects with up to 16 audio tracks, 24 MIDI tracks for external instruments, and eight instrument tracks.

Klevgrand Fosfat:

Bring your drums to life with Klevgrand’s transient fertilisation plugin – Fosfat. This unique effect makes it easy to add subs, sizzles, smacks, and more to any percussive sound.

Baby Audio Parallel Aggressor:

Baby Audio’s supercharged saturation plugin has garnered rave reviews for good reason; it’s easy to use, endlessly flexible, and – most importantly – it sounds incredible.

Output Movement:

Add insane, evolving rhythms to anything you like; Movement’s four rhythm generators modulate a suite of creative effects to liven up even the most static of sounds.

*All other product names and brands cited herein are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used on this page are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.

TECHNICAL SPECS

Product Type: Compact MIDI Control Surface

Control Interface:

• 16 x Endless Rotary Encoders
• 8 x Assignable Buttons
• 2 x Page Buttons
• 2 x Track Buttons
• 1 x Shift Button
• 1 x Mode Button
• 1 x Function Button
• 16 x RGB LEDs
• 1 x OLED Display

Connectivity:

• USB: 1 x USB Type-C
• MIDI I/O:
  • 1 x 5-pin MIDI In
  • 1 x 5-pin MIDI Out
  • 1 x 5-pin MIDI Out2/Thru
    Bus Powered: Yes
    Security: Kensington Lock Slot

System Requirements: Visit Novation’s official website for the latest information on supported Windows, Mac and iOS operating systems.

Software Compatibility:

• Class-compliant
• Compatible with all recent macOS, Windows, and iOS operating systems
• Deep integration with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Bitwig, and more
• Mackie HUI support for additional DAWs

Power Requirements:

• USB bus powered
• Power supply not included

Dimensions:

• Height: 43 mm (1.69″)
• Width: 251 mm (9.88″)
• Depth: 122 mm (4.80″)

Weight:

• Without Accessories: 0.49 kg (1.07 lbs)
• With Accessories: 0.54 kg (1.19 lbs)

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

• 1 x Launch Control 3
• 1 x 1.5 m USB Type-C to USB-A Cable