What is it?
The most functional MIDI controllers usually take the form of mixers – the Novation Launch Control XL has been a fine example of this since 2014, and for 2025 we have the Launch Control XL 3.
The core XL features are present, along with a cosmetic update, an OLED display, endless encoders, transport controls, full-size MIDI DIN, and RGB LEDs.
The box contains the Launch Control XL mk 3, and a 1.5m USB A-to-C cable. A free software bundle gets you started, including Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and plugins such as Klevgrand Fosfat (drum dynamics processor), Baby Audio Parallel Aggressor (saturation and compression) and Output’s Movement (rhythmic multi effects).
The top panel features a 128x64 OLED display; below which are page, track, rec and play buttons, then buttons for shift, mode, and solo/arm, mute/select, DAW/Mixer. There’s also a mysterious Novation logo button. There are three rows of eight endless encoders, each with an RGB LED, eight faders, then finally two rows of eight buttons, again with RGB LEDs.
The rear includes a Kensington lock slot, USB C, MIDI Out 2/Thru, MIDI Out, and MIDI In, each of these being on a MIDI DIN – big MIDI’s back!
The top panel features a 128x64 OLED display; below which are page, track, rec and play buttons, then buttons for shift, mode, and solo/arm, mute/select, DAW/Mixer. There’s also a mysterious Novation logo button. There are three rows of eight endless encoders, each with an RGB LED, eight faders, then finally two rows of eight buttons, again with RGB LEDs.
The rear includes a Kensington lock slot, USB C, MIDI Out 2/Thru, MIDI Out, and MIDI In, each of these being on a MIDI DIN – big MIDI’s back!
Performance
We connected the Launch Control XL to a MacBook Pro M3, checked for firmware updates, as advised on the box, and started up Ableton Live 12.2.1.
Configuration is simple – Live recognises the Launch Control XL immediately. The Launch Control XL swaps between DAW Mixer Mode and DAW Control Mode, by pressing Shift, then one of the Mode buttons. Mixer Mode provides control over track levels, sends, and pan, while DAW Control Mode handles device controls, and transport controls – which really adds value in Arrangement View, performing tasks such as controlling playback position, horizontal and vertical zoom, loop controls, marker selection, and tempo.
Everything you do is reflected in the OLED display, making it simple to keep track of what control you’re tweaking.
Using the Launch Control XL with Logic Pro required just one more step – downloading a control script. Novation also offer scripts for other DAWs such as Cubase, FL Studio and Bitwig Studio.
We went on to try various other synths on macOS and iOS; no issues, and we found that the Launch Control XL paired well with Novation’s Launchpad Pro.
Novation’s free Components editor handles deeper editing and each individual control can be configured; an encoder or fader can send a specific MIDI CC, with min and max values, on a specific channel, with specified LED colours. The 16 buttons can also send MIDI notes instead of CCs. Edits are then saved as Modes, recallable from the hardware using the 16 lower buttons.
Thanks to the Components app, and those full-size DINs, the Launch Control XL has fantastic potential for performing as part of a hybrid system, using a computer or tablet alongside MIDI hardware such as synths or samplers.
Verdict
We’re genuinely enthusiastic about this update to the the Launch Control XL – previous models always found a place on our table as a useful controller that never gets in the way. The OLED display is compact, but adds great usability, particularly when making it work as a standalone hardware device.
Talking of ‘standalone’, the upgrade to full-size MIDI DIN connections will be irrelevant to some users, but is a massive convenience for anybody who needs to connect and control hardware, without resorting to the dreaded adapters.
New look, new display, new features, proper MIDI out – this is a big update and we’d go as far as recommending it even for users of previous versions. It really is that good.
Hands-on demos
Novation
Alternatives
Specifications
Price |
£190 |
Key features |
24 endless encoders with RGB LEDs. Eight 60mm faders – faders are still the best way to set and see track volume. 16 assignable buttons serve as MIDI buttons and Mode selectors. MIDI routing via USB and 5-pin DIN – we’re very pleased to see full-size MIDI DIN, and to be able to configure MIDI routing on the hardware itself. Store up to 16 custom modes – quickly switch between completely different mapping and control modes. USB bus powered – power via USB when connected to a computer, or USB phone charger style when connected to hardware via MIDI. The OLED display adds more flexibility and visual feedback, without taking much space. |
Dimensions |
43 x 250 x 239 mm |
Weight |
0.92kg |
Contact |
