Novation has announced a firmware update for its Launchkey range of essential MIDI keyboard controllers for all skill levels.

Many of these new updates have been requests from the wider community of Novation product users, added to increase creativity and create an all-around improved experience using Launchkey products.

The firmware v1.1 update introduces the new Strum Mode feature for Launchkey Mini [MK3] and Launchkey [MK3]. It’s an easy-to-use inspirational tool to help ignite that creative spark and add an extra dimension to melody making. Users can hold down notes and trigger Strum Mode by using the mod strip on the Launchkey Mini [MK3], or by using the mod wheel on the Launchkey [MK3]. Strum Mode can also be used alongside other arpeggiator modes on Launchkey devices to really ramp up their musical imagination.

As well as the addition of Strum Mode, Launchkey Mini [MK3] receives some extra updates with v1.1, incorporating some important and functional features that have been requested by the Novation community. These updates include adjustable pad brightness, toggled pad velocity and toggled MIDI clock output, as well as a new double-tap shift function for arp and fixed chord modes that latches the shift button to enable one-handed control of shift-modified buttons.

Version 1.1 of the firmware is available now from Novation Components.

More information: Novation