Launch Control XL 3 review

Novation’s Launch Control XL Mk 3 adds an OLED display, more control options, and full-size MIDI DIN connectivity.

Novation Launch Control XL 3 updates OLED display and full MIDI DIN

Novation has updated the Launch Control XL Mk 3 with a fresh look, an OLED display, and full-size MIDI ports. The box includes a USB-C cable and a software bundle with Ableton Live Lite and other plugins, strengthening its role as a hybrid controller for computer and hardware gear.

In testing, the device connected quickly to a MacBook Pro and worked smoothly with Ableton Live. It can switch between DAW Mixer Mode and DAW Control Mode, and the OLED display keeps you oriented as you tweak. Logic Pro users may need a control script, but Novation provides scripts for major DAWs. The new MIDI DINs are a real plus for users with hardware synths and effects, and the Components editor lets you customize every control for precise setups. The result is a flexible hub that combines software control with hardware rig usability.

The Mk 3 update leans into the growing demand for hardware and software to work as a single system. A compact OLED screen adds real usability without crowding the bench, and the return of full-size MIDI DIN ports expands compatibility with gear that still relies on traditional MIDI cables.

This is more than a spec bump. It signals a shift toward devices that act as central hubs in both studio and live settings. Adoption will hinge on price, availability, and how well the company keeps support across DAWs, but the direction is clear: hardware controllers are being designed to live at the intersection of software workflows and legacy gear.

Highlights

The update points to a future where hardware and software are treated as a single workspace.