Novation Launch Control XL MK3

Novation’s Launch Control XL is sleek and minimal, which is starkly different to the bright colours of the MK2. It’s smaller than you might imagine, slipping easily into a backpack and running via your computer with a single USB-C cable for power and data. Novation’s family of Launch controllers is beloved for being affordable, versatile, and downright good-looking.

The brand’s latest addition, the Launch Control XL MK3, is much less colourful than its predecessor but brings a much more professional edge at an impressive price. Novation has rebuilt the Launch Control XL from scratch, and it covers a lot of ground for a reasonable £190. If you’re using a mainstream DAW, the Launch Control XL can get you a lot more hands-on control as soon as you hook it up to your computer.

Novation throws in some software that you can download after registering your unit, including entry DAWs Cubase LE, Ableton Live Lite, plus plugins Output Movement, Baby Audio Parallel Aggressor and Klevgrand Fosfat. That means you’ll be able to get started putting tracks together even if you don’t already own any other gear.

Launch Control XL 3 is exceptionally versatile, especially for the price.