MusicRadar Verdict
The Launch Control 3 is a fine companion piece to the larger (and also recently updated) Launch Control XL. We always appreciate compact and portable devices that earn the space they occupy.
Pros
- +
Superb DAW integration, and easy to set it up.
- +
Full-size MIDI connections in addition to USB C.
- +
Very customisable.
- +
Environmentally-conscious construction and packaging.
Cons
- -
Somewhat generic design.
- -
Reliant on Components app.
- -
The buttons don’t appeal to us.
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What is it?
Novation’s Launch Control series first appeared in 2013, and 2026 brings us the third generation, mirroring the revisions made to the recently-updated Launch Control XL. Ironically, given the name, neither of these units have dedicated ‘launch’ features any more – the pads from earlier versions have disappeared, which is a shame because they were useful. Along with the cosmetic update, the LC3, as we’ll call it from now on, promises improved DAW integration on one hand, and customisation on the other.
The controller arrives in a simple recycled cardboard box (and in keeping with that, the LC3 chassis is made from 85% recycled materials), and the contents are equally straightforward – the LC3, and a 1.5m USB-C to USB-A cable. Your purchase includes a software bundle that includes Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and plugins from Baby Audio, Kievgrand and Output.
Products like this are rather mysterious when powered down; monolithic black shapes with dark-toned controls, and plain white text – the device needs to be powered up before things make more sense. The upper panel includes a 128 x 64 monochrome OLED display at the top left, two rows of eight endless knobs each, with indicator lights under each one, and 15 buttons in all.
Connections are located at the back, with, from left to right, a USB-C port, MIDI Out/Thru, MIDI Out, and MIDI In, all on full-size DIN plugs, and a Kensington lock slot. It’s very rewarding to see full-size MIDI connections making a comeback here, and improving our chances of adapter-free communication with other equipment.
Performance
We connected to a MacBook Pro via USB and used Novation’s Components application to check for firmware updates. Our tests began with Ableton Live 12, and configuration was as easy as could be, with the words ‘Live 12’ popping up on the OLED. The Mode/Function buttons flip between DAW Mixer mode, where knobs take over pan and volume, and DAW Control mode. The lower buttons can be used for tasks such as mute, solo, and arm, while the Page buttons cycle through banks of controls in familiar Live control style, and the Track buttons, naturally, navigate through tracks.
We then installed Novation’s Logic Pro script and enjoyed the same degree of control as with Live (other DAWs are supported, including Bitwig, FL Studio, Cubase, and anything that supports HUI). Furthermore, the LC3 has seven custom mode slots, which can be uploaded from the Components software.
We used the provided modes for Novation’s Circuit Tracks hardware, powering the LC3 via USB, with a MIDI cable connecting the devices. It was an excellent way to expand physical control for the Circuit’s onboard synths – we achieved similar benefits with Akai Pro’s MPC One+. Other templates are provided for products from Novation, Elektron, Arturia, GForce, and Xfer’s Serum, and it’s important to remember the level of customisation available, so if your gear isn’t represented, simply upload your own template, containing your chosen MIDI messages, and even keyboard shortcuts (very useful for DAW control). You could use the LC3 with iPadOS/iOS in the same way.
We would have preferred touch-sensitive knobs, MPC-style, so we could instantly see the assigned parameter; this would be a real workflow boost. Also, we would have loved a side-mounted USB port so we could more easily butt the LC3 up against other hardware, including Novation’s own Launchpad Pro, and the computer itself, a placement currently blocked by the protruding cable at the top.
And – our final question, something we’ve seen mentioned online – it looks like there’s room for another row of knobs or buttons, maybe even pads. Could be there’s a good explanation for how it is, but it feels like valuable space is being wasted.
Verdict
Those quibbles aside, taken for what it is, we enjoyed our time with the LC3. The DAW and other modes work well, and we appreciated the compact size. Other compact controllers are available, at various price points, but the Launch Control continues to strike a balance between features, size and price.
Hands-on demos
Novation
Alternatives
Specifications
Price |
£130 |
Key features |
16 endless encoders with RGB LEDs. Eight assignable buttons. Track navigation buttons, two page buttons, mode button, function button. 128 x 64 monochrome OLED display. Custom DAW scripts: Ableton Live 12 or later, Logic Pro 11 and later, Cubase 12 and later, FL Studio, and Bitwig Compatible with other DAWs through the use of HUI. USB-C socket. 5-pin DIN sockets for MIDI In, MIDI Out, MIDI Out2/Thru. Kensington security slot. USB bus powered. |
Dimensions |
251 x 122 x 43mm |
Weight |
0.49 kg |
Contact |
