Novation will use NAMM 2013 as a platform for taking the wraps off a slinky new range of DAW controller keyboards. Available in 25, 49 and 61-note varieties, the Launchkey series forms a compelling lineup, each consisting of a professional MIDI keyboard boasting 16 velocity-sensitive, multi-colour clip launch / drum pads, bundled with Ableton Live Lite 8, Novation Bass Station and V-Station software synths and a pack of Loopmasters samples. Hardware controls include nine faders (one fader on the 25-key model), eight mute/solo buttons, eight rotary knobs, a 3-digit LED and a dedicated DAW transport controller section.
Compatible right out of the box with all major DAW’s such as Logic, Live, Cubase, ProTools and FL Studio thanks to Novation’s new InControl integration system, the keyboards are bus-powered via your computer’s USB socket, or from an iPad by means of the optional iPad Camera Connection Kit, available for around £25 from Apple.
Each package also includes two new iPad apps, designed to work in conjunction with the keyboards. The Launchkey app is an iPad 2 & upwards-compatible performance synth, while the Launchpad app delivers drag-and-drop loop playback from the pads and real-time filter and stutter effects.

Prices are:
Launchkey 25: £99.99
LaunchKey 49: £139.99
LaunchKey 61: £159.99

The Novation Launchkey keyboards are slated to become available in the UK from March/April onwards.