Launchkey Vs. SL MK3

[klee13]

Hello,

I'm new to music production but find myself working and learning everyday and would like to invest a bit more into this hobby. I'm currently attempting to learn Ableton Live, but I dont know if the Launchkey or SL MK3 is the more appropriate MIDI device (I favor the keyboard because I'm trying to learn that as well). I don't own any hardware synths and don't plan to record any vocals at my home set up. I'd maybe purchase a push or another device in the future but forthe time being I'm just interested in making beats/melodies and remixing songs. Is it necessary for me to spend the extra money on the SL MK3? Any help/advice would be great

Thanks

[gross9978]

If your not using any hardware synths I wouldn’t bother with the slmk3. That’s really it’s strength.

[klee13]

Hey thanks for the reply! That makes my deicsion a lot easier and ill probably lean toward the launchkey. How would you judge the sequencer of the MK3 and its usefulness? I'm still really new to this world.

[gross9978]

The sequencer on it’s pretty cool but it’s got nothing on ableton for sure. There’s nothing you could do on it that you can’t do in ableton.

[jlgrimes]

Hello,

I'm new to music production but find myself working and learning everyday and would like to invest a bit more into this hobby. I'm currently attempting to learn Ableton Live, but I dont know if the Launchkey or SL MK3 is the more appropriate MIDI device (I favor the keyboard because I'm trying to learn that as well). I don't own any hardware synths and don't plan to record any vocals at my home set up. I'd maybe purchase a push or another device in the future but forthe time being I'm just interested in making beats/melodies and remixing songs. Is it necessary for me to spend the extra money on the SL MK3? Any help/advice would be great

Thanks

I was going to buy one over a launchkey but it requires a power connection while the launchkey doesn't. That said I think the SLMk3 might be more customizable.

[klee13]

Hey thanks! I guess the power cable wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. But I can see how more cables could be annoying.

[Shift Gorden]

Hey hey!

As a happy owner of a SL MK3, I can concur it’s definitely overpowered if you’re just starting out. Like mentioned by gross, the keyboard really is great for external hardware - like amazing to be honest. The beauty is, you can map all your synth parameters to the keyboard - so you can twiddle knobs without having to reach for your hardware.

And yup, the sequencer is fab... but again, that’s really if you want to eliminate Live from the mix. Well, sorta.

You still have some great options with the Launchkey series (especially the new ones) or Arturia’s Keylab series is great too.

That being said, the MK3 and Ableton play together really well, too. It’s just a ‘spensive board.

[klee13]

Thank you so much for the feedback. I'm leaning toward the Launchkey 49 at this time.