Novation Launch Control XL 3 is a MIDI control surface in the MIDI controllers category, featuring 8 × 60 mm faders, 24 endless encoders with RGB LED feedback, 16 assignable buttons, and an OLED display. The first Launch Control XL generation with full 5-pin MIDI DIN In/Out/Thru – enabling hardware control without a computer. Dedicated scripts for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, and Bitwig, plus Mackie HUI support. Up to 15 Custom Modes via Novation Components. Includes Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and plugins from Klevgrand, Baby Audio, and Output.
Full MIDI DIN and Hardware Control Without a DAW
The defining new feature of version 3 is the 5-pin MIDI DIN ports: In, Out, and Out2/Thru. This allows direct connection to synthesizers, effects, and drum machines without a computer – Launch Control XL 3 is powered via USB-C (power bank or adapter) while MIDI data flows straight to hardware. Custom Modes let you map faders, encoders, and buttons to any MIDI hardware parameter, with the OLED display showing the mode name and parameter values in real time. MIDI routing between USB and DIN is configurable with merged data and channel filtering options – important in complex hybrid rigs.
DAW Integration and Custom Modes
In DAW Mixer mode the encoders handle pan, sends, and track levels. In DAW Control mode the bottom encoder row takes over playhead scrubbing, loop points, and arrangement navigation. The 16 buttons in two rows of eight below the faders handle solo, mute, and track focus. Fader Pickup eliminates level jumps when switching modes; Fader Preview lets you check a parameter's current value via Shift before committing. New in version 3: Mackie HUI support extends compatibility to Pro Tools, Studio One, and other DAWs without dedicated scripts. Chassis made from 85% recycled materials.
KEY FEATURES
- 8 × 60 mm faders with Fader Pickup and Fader Preview
- 24 endless encoders with RGB LED feedback and adjustable response curves
- 16 assignable buttons (2 × 8 below faders): solo, mute, track focus, or custom
- OLED display – mode name and parameter values in real time
- 5-pin MIDI DIN In, Out, Out2/Thru – hardware control without a computer (new in version 3)
- Custom DAW scripts: Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Bitwig
- Mackie HUI support for Pro Tools, Studio One, and others
- Up to 15 Custom Modes via Novation Components
- 2 DAW encoder modes: Mixer and Control
- Dedicated transport buttons: Play/Stop, Record
- USB-C (MIDI + bus power), class-compliant – no drivers required
- Kensington Lock slot
- Chassis: 85% recycled materials
- Includes: Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Klevgrand Fosfat, Baby Audio IHNY-2, Output
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Faders: 8 × 60 mm (with Fader Pickup and Fader Preview)
- Encoders: 24 × endless, RGB LED
- Buttons: 16 × assignable (2 × 8)
- Display: OLED
- USB: USB-C (class-compliant MIDI, bus power)
- MIDI: 5-pin DIN In + Out + Out2/Thru
- Security: Kensington Lock slot
- Power: USB bus power (no external PSU required)
- Dimensions: 250 × 239 × 43 mm
- Weight: 0.92 kg