Skip to main content
Novation Launch Control XL 3 USB MIDI Control Surface | USB, 24 Endless Encoders, 8 Faders, 16 Assignable Buttons, Transport Control, OLED Display, 5-Pin MIDI I/O, 15 Custom Modes
Novation

Novation Launch Control XL 3 USB MIDI Control Surface

Bottom line: The Novation Launch Control XL 3 USB MIDI Control Surface: 24 endless encoders skip value-jump artifacts common on potentiometer-based controllers; main trade-off: no keybed or pads, so it is a companion controller rather than a standalone rig.

Check price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, SpecPicks earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure →

Check price on Amazon → Compare to similar audio & midi

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 24 endless encoders skip value-jump artifacts common on potentiometer-based controllers
  • ✓ Eight 60mm faders give near-console throw for volume and macro rides
  • ✓ MIDI In, Out, and Out2/Thru drive hardware synths with no computer in the chain
  • ✓ 15 storable Custom Modes let you swap DAW, plugin, and outboard maps instantly
  • ✓ OLED display confirms parameter names and values without eyeballing the screen

Cons

  • ✗ No keybed or pads, so it is a companion controller rather than a standalone rig
  • ✗ Custom mapping runs through Novation Components, adding a browser-based setup step
  • ✗ Bundled software is entry tier: Live Lite and Cubase LE, not full versions

Manufacturer description

Get hands-on with your entire workflow with eight 60mm faders, 24 endless rotary encoders, and 16 customizable buttons. The latest version of Launch Control XL offers comprehensive control for all major DAWs right out the box, along with intuitive custom mappings for your plugins and external gear.

Related Products

Other products in this category you may like:

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Novation Launch Control XL 3 USB MIDI Control Surface using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the audio & midi category. Novation's audio & midi lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for audio & midi of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • Powerful integration with all major DAWs: Launch Control XL 3 features deep integration with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, HUI and more
  • Connect all your hardware: MIDI In, Out, and Out2/Thru ports enable custom-mapped control for all your hardware synths and effects — no computer needed
  • Perfect for hybrid setups: Combine your external gear, DAW, and essential plugin parameters into one intuitive Custom Mode for the ultimate hybrid setup
  • The creative control surface: Redesigned with eight faders, 24 endless encoders, 16 customisable buttons, and a crisp OLED display for real-time feedback
  • Create your own mappings: Effortlessly map MIDI parameters with Components. Store up to 15 Custom Modes for any software, hardware, or hybrid workflow
  • Everything needed to create: Record, produce, and perform with Live Lite, Cubase LE, plus software from Klevgrand, Baby Audio, and Output

Full Specifications

SizeLAUNCH-CONTROL-XL-3
BrandNovation
ColorBlack
PlatformWindows
InstrumentMIDI controller (supports guitar)
Model NameLaunch Control XL 3
Model Year2025
Unit Count1 Count
ConnectivityUSB
Control TypeKnob, Fader
Model NumberAMS-LAUNCH-CONTROL-XL-3
Material TypePlastic
Product StyleLaunch Control XL 3
Connector TypeMIDI, USB
Control MethodTouch
Instrument KeyAny
Special Feature8 user templates
Hardware PlatformMIDI Controller
Compatible DevicesPC, Synthesizer, Groovebox.
Hardware InterfaceUSB Type C
Full listing titleNovation Launch Control XL 3 USB MIDI Control Surface | USB, 24 Endless Encoders, 8 Faders, 16 Assignable Buttons, Transport Control, OLED Display, 5-Pin MIDI I/O, 15 Custom Modes

Ready to buy?

Novation Launch Control XL 3 USB MIDI Control Surface | USB, 24 Endless Encoders, 8 Faders, 16 Assignable Buttons, Transport Control, OLED Display, 5-Pin MIDI I/O, 15 Custom Modes is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Check price on Amazon →

Related Audio & MIDI

Keep exploring SpecPicks

Other buying guides

Browse the catalog

Editorial

More guides & deep dives from the SpecPicks archive

Browse all articles & guides →

More reviews from the SpecPicks archive

Browse all reviews →

Earliest SpecPicks reviews

Browse full archive →
Novation Launch Control XL 3 USB MIDI Control Surface | USB, 24 Endless Encoders, 8 Faders, 16 Assignable Buttons, Transport Control, OLED Display, 5-Pin MIDI I/O, 15 Custom Modes
View on Amazon →