While musicians have long struggled with the disconnect between hardware controllers and digital audio workstations, Novation’s newly released ‘Play’ feature aims to bridge this gap for Launchkey MK4 users with unparalleled integration.
Designed exclusively for the Launchkey MK4 series, Play delivers a hardware-like experience through pre-mapped controls and visual feedback via color-coded velocity-sensitive pads, eliminating the need to constantly reference computer screens during the creative process.
The feature boasts an impressive library of over 80 expertly curated sounds, meticulously sampled from iconic synthesizers including Novation’s own Bass Station II, Nova, and Peak, as well as renowned instruments like the Sequential Prophet 5/Rev 2 and Oberheim OB-6.
Users can seamlessly browse, select, and modify these presets directly from their controller, with the ability to bookmark favorite sounds for quick access during performances or studio sessions.
Play’s creative potential extends further with four triggerable Pad FX—Chorus, Cassette, Spinner, and Freeze—alongside essential processing tools such as delay, reverb, and a one-knob compressor.
These effects can be toggled on and off using dedicated color-coded pads, with brightness indicating activity status, providing intuitive visual feedback during performance. This intuitive design was created in collaboration with Swedish plugin developer Klevgrand to ensure maximum usability and creative flow.
The platform also excels at sample manipulation, allowing producers to extract and loop audio segments to create unique rhythmic patterns and textures.
Compatible with Launchkey 37, 49, and 61 MK4 controllers, Play takes full advantage of the hardware’s 16 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch, eight endless rotary encoders, nine faders, and transport controls.
The USB-C connectivity ensures responsive, low-latency communication crucial for live performance environments.
Perhaps most notably, Play functions as both a standalone desktop application and plugin (VST/VST3/AU/AAX), supporting all major DAWs including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, and FL Studio. The controller’s built-in Scale and Chord modes complement Play’s functionality by ensuring musicians stay within their desired harmonic framework while exploring new sounds.
This flexibility allows producers to maintain their preferred workflow while gaining the efficiency of hardware-centric control, making it an essential component of a cost-effective home studio setup without sacrificing professional quality.
