Next on the test bench is Novation's Launch Control XL 3 with all its new updated firmware goodness.
Confession time. I reviewed Novation’s first ‘Launch’ device back in 2009. But, despite my glowing praise, Launchpad Mk.1 was competing for space with two APC40s and a Push. You’re not supposed to give away review gear, but it broke my heart to see it gathering dust, so 13 years ago, I introduced it to a minimal house DJ from Napoli. As far as I know, they’re still living happily together in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.
I regretted it, though, as successive firmware hacks transformed Launchpad from a general-purpose Live controller into a customisable MIDI beast. Which brings us neatly to Novation’s latest Launch product… er… launch. Admittedly, it was announced at Superbooth 25 and has been available since the summer, but we knew updated firmware was incoming, so we have held off until now to do it proper justice.
So...meet Launch Control XL 3. And since writing that constantly will push me over the editor’s wordcount limit, let’s call it LCXL3.
Control your sound
For over a decade, Launch Controls have offered hands-on mixer-style control, initially just for Ableton Live, but now for a range of DAWs and hardware. LCXL3 offers 24 endless encoders, eight 60mm faders, transport controls, 16 assignable buttons, plus function buttons. It’s USB-C-powered, has a separate 5-pin MIDI port for in, out, and thru, and a small screen. It can control your software. It can control your hardware. It can do both at the same time.
Glow up
Crucially, for shallow folk like me, LCXL3 represents a significant cosmetic upgrade from its predecessors (which, though still functionally excellent, look thoroughly dated in 2025). I mean, what’s the point in having knobs and faders if they don’t give you the feels?
Anybody who read my views on the Launchkey 49 Mk 4 knows how highly I rate the finish on Novation’s current gen kit, and LCXL3 is no exception: substantial, sturdy, and sexy to the touch. Plus, the faders and knobs are all reassuringly firm with consistent resistance.
My only (slight) concern is that those inputs have a fashionable rubbery finish. It enhances grip, but after recently removing the Decksaver from my Korg Minilogue after a year and discovering to my horror that the (similarly finished) knobs have gone sticky, I’m wary. Time will tell, but they really do feel nice. I should probably just live for the now.
Dressed to impress
LCXL3 looks the business too, especially next to my Mac Studio. I’m on the road a lot, so I'm a fan of anything that gives visitors to my travelling studio the impression I know what I’m doing, and this definitely brings a much-needed pro aura.
I’m also a fan of that OLED screen. It’s small, but OLED is expensive, and I’d rather have a diminutive monochrome screen that’s visible from any angle than a big colourful screen I can only see from a tiny sweet spot. And it does what I need: it shows which channel I’m adjusting, which parameter I’m tweaking, and the current value of that parameter.
Impressively, this redesign has been achiev