18. July 2025

RILEY

AndertonsKeyboardDept Gets Busy with the Novation Launch Control XL3

Ever wondered if you could find a piece of gear that’s the ultimate puppet master for your studio or live shows? Look no further, because AndertonsKeyboardDept is here to break down why the Novation Launch Control XL3 might just be the groove controller you need. With a focus on customization, integration, and live playability, it’s time to see how this box stacks up in the wild world of music production. Expect a mix of humor, hands-on demonstrations, and an honest take on what this baby can really do.

Central Hub Ambitions

AndertonsKeyboardDept kicks things off with Alex from Novation showcasing the Launch Control XL3 as a potential central hub for all things musical. Buried deep in the lineup of gear, this bad boy might just be the missing piece in your chaotic puzzle, handling everything from DAW coordination to live rig management.

"Really excited to show this one off, it's really versatile and it can kind of do whatever you want it to."

Customization: More Than Skin Deep

"Huge upgrades for a MIDI controller, it's really important to know what you're controlling and what the value is."

One of the major selling points hammered home is its customizable controls and fancy new screen. Alex highlights that, with 24 encoders plus flashy LED indicators, you’ll never be in the dark about what your gear is up to. The screen’s here to help with parameter names and values so even if you’re knee-deep in a set, you’re not stuck guessing what effect that knob is routing.

MIDI Merge Magic

Now, if you’re into connecting dots between your gadgets, the XL3’s MIDI Merge feature comes to play. You’ve got gear talking to each other, like the Octatrack and Circuit Tracks, and it’s like we’re coming up with cheat codes for live shows and studio setups. It’s all about layering MIDI signals to get your sound just right.


Hands-On Control: Tactile Tune Mastery

Our friend from Novation doesn’t just talk the talk. There’s a deep dive into hands-on control, showing how this device lets you tweak your synth’s mood with ease. Forget menu-diving nightmares; it’s all about sliders and knobs in real-time action, controlling every little sound tweak on the fly. This walkthrough showcases the ease of manipulating synthesis elements seamlessly during live performances.

"It's really good for like if you're going to play live and you want to kind of make it kick."

DAW Bliss: Integration with a Twist

"That's a really good solution for that. Yeah, just kind of sits in the middle of the mix."

In the grand finale, we get schooled on DAW integration. The XL3 doesn’t just hang out with gear; it cozies up to software too. Whether you’re fiddling with Ableton, Logic, or any other DAW, this thing adapts like a chameleon, making it a solid ally in the digital mix landscape. It’s about crafting a fluid workflow, ditching the mouse, and getting more tactile interaction with your virtual instruments.

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