This update brings a number of fixes and improvements to Launch Control XL 3:
Features:
* Added the option to set encoders to Relative behaviour in Custom Modes. Please see here for details.
* Added a DAW Connection setting to allow you to determine whether DAWs will force Launch Control XL 3 to change into DAW Mixer mode. By default, this is set to Switch, which matches the current behaviour - DAWs will force the controller to change. When set to Connect Only Launch Control XL 3 will remain in the Custom Mode even though the DAW modes are available to select. Note that this may require installation of the latest DAW scripts for Cubase, Logic and FL Studio. BitWig users will need to use version 6.1 or later.
* Improved the scanning rate of the faders to ensure that faster gestures are captured in a way that better reflects their musicality.
* Addressed issues with low level descriptors to improve WebUSB and wider USB support.
Bugs fixed:
* Resolved an issue where Play was not lit or outputting data when Shift was held.
* Resolved an issue where the Easy Start prompt was not correctly displayed on screen
Connect the Launch Control XL Mk3 to your computer via USB. Open Novation Components (components.novationmusic.com) in Chrome, Edge, or Opera — Components will detect the device and prompt you to update if a newer firmware is available. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply the update.
What you need
Novation Components — the software Novation uses to load firmware onto the Novation Launch Control XL Mk3. Download links below.
Novation Launch Control XL Mk3 firmware update history
Changelogs summarised from the manufacturer's release notes.
Version 1.2 — 2 Oct 2026
Release notes for this version are listed above.
Release notesopens in a new tab — components.novationmusic.com
Version 1.1
Expanded MIDI routing
MIDI sent to the DIN input can now be filtered by channel and output on a specified channel, these settings can be applied on a per-custom mode basis.
The Ext MIDI In setting has been renamed to Merge to reflect this new behaviour
Added two additional USB MIDI output ports so that USB MIDI data can be sent from a computer to either Launch Control XL3s MIDI outputs. Note that Mac users will need to refresh the MIDI Studio, please see here for more information.
Added the ability to preview Fader assignments by holding Shift.
Added the option to have pickup for the Faders in Custom Modes
The Mode button can now be held to function as a momentary button, allowing for faster Custom Mode switching
Added support for the Mackie HUI protocol, allowing Mixer and Playback control of DAWs such as Reaper, Pro Tools, and Studio One.
Added the option to set encoder acceleration to Slow, Medium (the original curve), and Fast from Launch Control XL 3's Settings menu. This affects encoders in Custom Modes.
Refinements and bug fixes:
Improved the Custom Mode Settings saving mechanism so that the correct data is shown and it is not possible to interrupt the procedure.
Resolved an issue where LEDs would flicker when a high density of MIDI data was received in the MIDI DIN input.
Resolved an issue where the preview value was sent for encoders when the value was not 0.
Resolved an issue where the Shift button wasn't responsive after leaving the Settings menu
Improved the MIDI DIN I/O processing when handling high levels of MIDI data.
Release notesopens in a new tab — us.novationmusic.com
Tracked in 10 rigs on FW//RADAR.
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What is the latest firmware for the Novation Launch Control XL Mk3?
The latest firmware for the Novation Launch Control XL Mk3 is version 1.2, released on 2 Oct 2026. FW//RADAR last checked Novation's official page on 27 Oct 2026.
How do I update the Novation Launch Control XL Mk3?
Connect the Launch Control XL Mk3 to your computer via USB. Open Novation Components (components.novationmusic.com) in Chrome, Edge, or Opera — Components will detect the device and prompt you to update if a newer firmware is available. Full instructions on Novation's official firmware page.
What software do I need to update the Novation Launch Control XL Mk3?
You need Novation Components, available from components.novationmusic.com.
Where can I download Novation Launch Control XL Mk3 firmware and drivers?
Directly from Novation's official firmware page — FW//RADAR links to the source and never hosts firmware files. Official firmware page →
Where can I find the Novation Launch Control XL Mk3 manual?