That said, FL Studio’s Multilink controller system provides further options for mapping external controllers to specific FL Studio parameters. For third‑party plug‑ins, you can use the Custom pot mode to create your own mappings via Novation’s Components web‑based editor, although do be aware that the FLkey can only store one Pot and one Pad custom mode at any one time. The mappings are fixed but seem to be sensibly chosen in each case. So, for example, within the Harmor synth, the first three encoders give you real‑time control over the X, Y and Z dimensions of the modulation system, while in Slicex, pots 4, 5 and 6 control the filter envelope, cutoff and resonance respectively. Within any of FL Studio’s own virtual instruments, Plug‑in Pot mode automatically maps the encoders to eight key parameters. As you use these navigation buttons, the currently selected bank of channels is highlighted within FL Studio so you know exactly where you are within your project. Dedicated Mixer and Channel Rack navigation buttons (located to the right of the encoders/pads) allow you to move left/right or up/down in banks of eight channels. For the pots and pads, these various modes are accessed by holding the Shift key (just beneath the small LED display) and then pressing one of the clearly labelled pads with Pot Modes on the upper row and Pad Modes on the lower row.įour of the Pot Modes are straightforward, allowing the encoders to be linked to either volume or pan within the FL Mixer or the FL Channel Rack. However, the real workflow enhancements come from the various modes offered by the pots, pads and (as described later) keys. You also get very useful Undo/Redo buttons and a dedicated Score Log button (FL Studio’s retrospective MIDI recording feature you never have to miss that excellent take you just failed to record). Starting with some basics, as well as the usual Play, Stop and Record buttons, the transport section (located far right) offers Metronome (on/off) and Quantise (applies the current quantise settings to the currently selected Channel Rack). Feeling FruityĪs with the Launchkey range, Novation have done their best to squeeze plenty of FL Studio functionality into the FLkey 37. The construction is all plastic but, providing due care and attention is paid when in transit, it feels robust enough to give good service. The velocity sensitive synth‑style keys were very easy to play, the pads are also velocity sensitive, the encoder pots smooth, and the various other buttons suitably solid in operation. I’ll not dwell too long on the quality of the hardware other than to say it’s exactly what you would expect from Novation. As described in the March 2021 issue, FL Studio Producer Edition is an impressive package, especially for electronic music producers, combining lots of functionality with an excellent range of virtual instruments and effects. Initial configuration is straightforward and, once done, the FLkey 37 worked exactly as advertised.The included software bundle provides a six‑month trial version of FL Studio Producer Edition, XLN Audio’s Addictive Keys, AAS Session Bundle, Spitfire Audio’s LABS Expressive Strings and Klevgrand’s ROVerb and DAW Cassette plug‑ins. Its MIDI out is via a 3.5mm jack rather than a full‑size 5‑pin DIN and there is no display panel on the top surface. The Mini scales things back somewhat with 25 mini‑sized keys, touch strips for pitch and modulation and fewer dedicated buttons, but you do still get the 16 pads and eight encoders. There is a small 16x2 display on the top surface, and on the rear panel you get USB connectivity, a 5‑pin DIN MIDI out and a standard sustain pedal input. There are also some neat chord/scale options, and options for switching the pads and encoders between a number of different modes of operation. As the name suggests, it offers 37 full‑size keys as well as conventional pitch and mod wheels, 16 trigger pads, eight rotary encoders, dedicated transport controls and a number of other buttons associated with navigation duties. So, if you are an existing (or potential) FL Studio user, are Novation providing the ideal choice for your MIDI controller keyboard needs? Little & Littlerįor the purposes of this review, I had access to the FLkey 37. Both are compact and would suit a mobile rig but, equally, the larger of the two is a suitable contender for a compact personal studio space. There are two new keyboards in the range - the FLkey Mini and FLkey 37 - with physical layouts very similar to the Launchkey Mini and Launchkey 37. Novation have now taken the Launchkey concept and adapted it to offer similar targeted integration with FL Studio. Novation’s compact keyboard gives you hands‑on control of FL Studio.Īmong Novation’s highly regarded MIDI controller keyboard range are the successful and popular Launchkey models that provide integrated support for Ableton Live.
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