- The Novation Launch Control 3 features 16 endless rotary encoders and an OLED display for real-time visual control.
- It natively integrates with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio and Cubase, with Mackie HUI compatibility.
- Its USB-C + 5-pin MIDI DIN connectivity (1 input, 2 outputs) makes it a true hub for hybrid setups.
- Up to 7 Custom modes can be saved via Novation Components for tailored mapping.
Weâve all had that moment in the studio: you just want to turn up a reverb send or mute a track, and you end up hunting for the right window with your mouse. At Woodbrass, weâve seen quite a few MIDI controllers come through in recent years, and the request is always the same: something compact, clear, and ready to work right away.
Novation is back in the game with the Launch Control 3, a controller focused on clarity and customization. OLED display, endless encoders, full MIDI DIN connectivity, and Custom modes: hereâs everything it brings to the table.
The Novation Launch Control 3 is a compact MIDI controller designed for productivity. Its 16 endless rotary encoders and OLED display provide instant visual feedback for every parameter. Natively compatible with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio and Cubase, it also integrates with most environments via the Mackie HUI protocol.
Its USB-C + 5-pin MIDI DIN connectivity (1 input, 2 outputs including 2/Thru) lets you control synths, drum machines, and effects processors with or without a computer. Thanks to the 7 Custom modes managed via Novation Components, you can assign every encoder and button exactly the way you want.
Bundled with Ableton Live 12 Lite, Cubase LE 14, and creative plug-ins (Klevgrand, Baby Audio, Output), the Launch Control 3 is ready to produce straight out of the box.
Specifications â Novation Launch Control 3
| Type | MIDI controller |
|---|---|
| Encoders | 16 endless rotary · Adjustable acceleration curves · Built-in RGB LEDs |
| Buttons | 8 assignable · 2 page buttons · 2 track buttons · 1 Shift · 1 mode · 1 function |
| Display | OLED · Real-time parameter display |
| MIDI connectivity | MIDI DIN In MIDI DIN Out MIDI DIN 2/Thru USB-C |
| Compatibility | Ableton Live · Logic Pro · FL Studio · Cubase · Mackie HUI · Mac · Windows · iOS |
| Custom modes | Up to 7 modes can be saved via Novation Components |
| Power | USB (bus powered) |
| Included software | Ableton Live 12 Lite · Cubase LE 14 · Klevgrand Fosfat · Baby Audio Parallel Aggressor · Output Movement |
| Included | Launch Control 3 · USB-C to A cable (1,5 m) |
| Verdict |
Strengths
Things to consider
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OLED display and endless encoders: instant visual control
The standout feature of the Launch Control 3 is its OLED display. Every parameter you adjust appears directly on it. No more looking up at your computer to check a filter value or effects send. You stay focused on your control surface.
The 16 endless rotary encoders perfectly complement this visual feedback. Unlike traditional knobs, they have no end stops. You can move from a minimum to maximum value without any offset, which is ideal for automation and mixing. Their acceleration curves are adjustable: fast movements to sweep through a parameter, slow rotation to shape a sound precisely.
The RGB LEDs built into each encoder act as status indicators. In a dense session with lots of tracks, they help you visually identify which parameter is active and its current value.
MIDI DIN connectivity: a hub for hybrid setups
While many compact controllers are limited to USB, the Launch Control 3 offers true 5-pin MIDI DIN connectivity: one input, one output, and one 2/Thru output. In practical terms, you can control a hardware synth through output 1, route the signal to a drum machine through 2/Thru, and receive MIDI from an external sequencer.
The built-in MIDI filtering and routing add another layer of flexibility. You choose which messages are sent and where they go. Whether you work fully in hardware, in a hybrid setup, or 100% in software, the Launch Control 3 adapts. And it is powered via USB-C: one cable is all you need.
Mackie HUI compatibility lets you use the Launch Control 3 with DAWs that do not offer native Novation integration. Pro Tools, Studio One, and Reaper can therefore benefit from hands-on control through this standard protocol.
Custom modes and Novation Components: your mapping, your workflow
The Launch Control 3 is not limited to default mappings. With the Novation Components app, you can freely assign every encoder and button to a specific MIDI parameter. You can then save up to 7 Custom modes and switch from one to another with a single click.
In practice, that means one mode for your Ableton mix, another for controlling your standalone Arturia synth, and a third for your favorite plug-in macros. You build your own control workflow without compromise. And the 8 assignable buttons round out the setup: arm, mute, solo, track changesâeverything stays at your fingertips.
Create a Custom mode dedicated to the most deeply buried parameters in your plug-ins (for example, a delayâs grit or a reverbâs feedback). It is the best way to avoid submenus in the middle of a production session.
Included software: ready to produce out of the box
The Launch Control 3 comes with Ableton Live 12 Lite and Cubase LE 14, two solid DAWs for starting a project. On the effects side, Novation adds three creative plug-ins: Klevgrand Fosfat (saturation), Baby Audio Parallel Aggressor (dynamic processing), and Output Movement (rhythmic modulation). Plenty to explore sound design without additional investment.
If you are looking for a compact MIDI controller to speed up your workflow without cluttering your desk, the Launch Control 3 checks all the right boxes. Its OLED display and MIDI DIN connectivity put it a step above entry-level controllers. Ideal for producers, beatmakers, and live performers who want to keep their hands on the knobs.
FAQ â Novation Launch Control 3
Does the Launch Control 3 work without a computer?
Yes. Thanks to its MIDI DIN outputs, you can control synths, drum machines, and effects processors standalone. All the controller needs to work without a computer is USB power.
Is it compatible with my DAW?
The Launch Control 3 offers native integration with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and Cubase. For other DAWs such as Pro Tools or Reaper, Mackie HUI compatibility ensures full control.
What is the difference between endless encoders and traditional potentiometers?
An endless encoder has no fixed position or end stop. It turns indefinitely and always follows the actual parameter value in your DAW. Unlike a traditional knob, there are no value jumps when you change tracks or presets.
Can the Launch Control 3 be used with an iPad or iPhone?
Yes, the Launch Control 3 is iOS compatible. With a suitable USB adapter, you can connect it to an iPad or iPhone to control apps such as GarageBand, AUM, or Cubasis.
Are Custom modes saved in the controller?
Yes. The 7 Custom modes created via Novation Components are stored directly in the Launch Control 3âs memory. Your mappings remain available even when changing computers or using the controller without a PC.
The Launch Control 3 in summary
With the Novation Launch Control 3, the British brand delivers a MIDI controller that gets straight to the point without sacrificing depth. The OLED display, endless encoders, and MIDI DIN connectivity make it a serious tool for both the studio and the stage. If you want to regain hands-on control over your production and stop doing everything with a mouse, this is the kind of device that can genuinely change your day-to-day workflow.
