With sixteen endless encoders, an OLED display, and deep integration across all major DAWs, the Novation Launch Control 3 is the compact controller producers and performers have been waiting for.
Not every setup needs a full-sized control surface. Sometimes all you really need is something compact, reliable, and ready to go, and that’s exactly what Novation is targeting with the Launch Control 3.
The Launch Control 3 is the latest generation of Novation’s popular compact controller range and a smaller sibling to last year’s Launch Control XL 3. Packing 16 endless rotary encoders and eight assignable buttons into a tight footprint, it’s designed for producers and performers who want hands-on control without dedicating half their desk to it.
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That OLED display is worth noting, as it offers real-time parameter feedback on a crisp screen. This means you’re not guessing what each encoder is doing mid-session. The encoders themselves come with adjustable acceleration curves and RGB status indicators, so panning tracks, adjusting sends, or dialling in custom controls feels responsive and immediate.
DAW integration is broad and deep. Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, and Bitwig all get dedicated support out of the box, and Mackie HUI compatibility extends that reach to Pro Tools and other software. For hardware enthusiasts, the Launch Control 3 also features 5-pin MIDI In, Out, and Out2/Thru connections, meaning it’ll be compatible with your hardware synths and drum machines, whether a computer is involved or not.
Custom Modes are handled through Novation Components, letting you create and save up to seven different MIDI mappings across any combination of hardware and software. It’s a practical feature for anyone who switches between setups regularly.
Bundled software includes Ableton Live Lite and Cubase LE on the DAW front, plus Klevgrand’s Fosfat, Baby Audio’s Parallel Aggressor, and Output’s Movement. It’s a decent haul for anyone piecing together a production toolkit.
The Novation Launch Control 3 is available now. Head here to learn more.
