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Comparison Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 vs Novation Launchkey Mini MK2

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Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
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Main
16 RGB pads. Dynamic keys and pads. Compatible with Ableton Live and Reason. Fixed chord mode. midi out. Sustain pedal input.
Keys25 шт25 шт
Key sizesmall-sizedsmall-sized
Mechanicsactive (dynamic)active (dynamic)
Rigidityunweightedunweighted
Control
Pitch controller
Modulation controller
Transposition
Octave shift
Arpeggiator
Transport control
Pads1616
Regulators (encoders)88
Connections
MIDI out
 /mini-Jack/
USB to host (type B)
Connectable pedals1 шт
General
Programming function
Dimensions (WxHxD)330x31x172 mm325x43x175 mm
Weight0.7 kg0.68 kg
Color
Added to E-Catalogfebruary 2020february 2018

Pitch controller

The presence of a pitch controller in the keyboard (Pitch Bend).

This controller is usually in the form of a small wheel or lever that slightly changes the pitch of the sounding note. This allows you to use some specific playing techniques — for example, to imitate string tightening on a guitar.

Modulation controller

The presence of a modulation controller in the keyboard.

This controller allows you to slightly change the volume of the sounding note. It is used mainly to achieve a characteristic "trembling" sound, which can be used both as an artistic technique and to imitate live performance on a particular instrument.

Transposition

The presence of the transposition function in the keyboard — switching the sound to a different key. When transposing, the pitch of all keys is simultaneously raised or lowered by a certain number of semitones. This function is useful in all cases when a melody learned in one key needs to be played in a different key — for example, if the original melody is too high or too low for the vocalist, if the external accompaniment differs in key, if you need to switch between keys during the song, and etc. In such situations, by transposing the sound, you can play a melody in a new key using the same familiar keys without relearning it.

Arpeggiator

The presence of an arpeggiator in the keyboard.

The name of this function comes from "arpeggio" — a technique for playing chords, in which notes are not played all at once, but in turn. Accordingly, the arpeggiator is a function that allows you to play a taken chord in the arpeggio technique: the musician presses all the keys at once, and the keyboard plays them in turn. This effect can also be achieved manually, but in some cases the arpeggiator turns out to be more convenient: it plays notes at a clearly defined speed and interval, can accompany them with various effects, and provides other additional features. These features vary depending on the model, but some instruments allow you to create entire songs with the arpeggiator by simply pressing a sequence of chords.

MIDI out

A specialized output for transmitting MIDI signals to an external device — a sequencer, a computer sound card (if there is a MIDI In input), etc.

MIDI signals are a kind of "digital notation": they tell which key was pressed, with what force and for how long, and also carry information about various additional parameters: timbre, tempo, key, etc. To convert such signals a "ready" sound requires an external sequencer (software or hardware).

Note that despite its specialized purpose, the MIDI Out output is not mandatory for modern MIDI keyboards: MIDI signals can also be transmitted via other interfaces, such as USB or Bluetooth (see the relevant paragraphs). So it makes sense to specifically look for a keyboard with such a connector if you plan to connect it to equipment with a MIDI In input.

Connectable pedals

The maximum number of pedals that can be connected to the keyboard at the same time.

Pedals are used as additional controls to change various keyboard settings. The “classic of the genre” in this sense is the sustain pedal (see “Sustain”) — if the device has one connector for pedals, then this will almost certainly be the input for just such a pedal. Keyboards are produced, where there are 2 or more such inputs — in addition to sustain, you can connect pedals to them for other adjustments and effects (in particular, changing the volume).
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