Do you work with FL Studio and want to produce faster, play better, and rely less on your mouse? Then the new Novation FLkey 2 series is developed for your workflow. Building on the success of the original FLkey, the second-generation FLkey offers deeper integration with FL Studio, improved hardware, and new creative features that help you make music faster.
The FLkey 2 was officially developed in collaboration with Image-Line, the creators of FL Studio. This gives you direct control over key functions such as the Channel Rack, Mixer, Step Sequencer, plugins, and transport controls without additional configuration.
What is the Novation FLkey 2?
The Novation FLkey 2 is a MIDI keyboard controller specifically designed for FL Studio. Unlike generic MIDI keyboards, all buttons, pads, encoders, and functions are tailored to the FL Studio workflow. This allows you to make beats, play melodies, mix, and create automations faster.
The series consists of four models:
- FLkey 2 Mini 25
- FLkey 2 37
- FLkey 2 49
- FLkey 2 61
Thus, there is a suitable model for every producer, from compact home studios to professional production spaces.
Deeper FL Studio integration than ever before
The greatest strength of the FLkey 2 series is its extensive integration with FL Studio. Thanks to updated DAW scripts, you have direct access to almost all essential functions of the software.
With the FLkey 2, you can, among other things:
- Create and duplicate patterns
- Control the Channel Rack
- Perform step sequencing from the pads
- Adjust plugin parameters
- Operate the mixer
- Use transport functions
- Create automations
- Switch directly between workflows
This keeps you fully in your creative flow without constantly reaching for your keyboard or mouse.
New OLED display for direct feedback
One of the biggest innovations within the FLkey 2 series is the OLED screen. This display shows important project information directly on the controller. This allows you to immediately see which parameter you are adjusting, which settings are active, and which functions are being used.
This addition provides a much better user experience during production, mixing, and sound design.
Improved RGB pads for finger drumming and sequencing
All FLkey 2 models are equipped with 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads. These pads have been improved compared to the previous generation and respond more accurately to dynamics and playing style.
The pads can be used for:
- Finger drumming
- Step sequencing
- Triggering samples
- Working with FPC
- Working with Slicex
- Pattern creation
- Live performance
For beatmakers, this means a more natural and faster workflow.
New endless encoders for precise control
The traditional rotary knobs of the first generation have been replaced by endless encoders. This means you no longer have to consider fixed start and end points. The encoders adapt directly to the actual software value.
This ensures more precise control over:
- Filters
- Effects
- Volumes
- Plugin parameters
- Automations
Semi-weighted keys on the FLkey 49 and FLkey 61
For producers who do a lot of playing, Novation has equipped the larger models with semi-weighted keys. Both the FLkey 49 and the FLkey 61 thus offer a more piano-oriented playing experience.
This makes these models interesting for:
- Pianists
- Composers
- Film composers
- Keyboard players
- Producer-composers
In addition, these models feature nine faders for direct mixer control within FL Studio.
Creative tools for faster music creation
In addition to the hardware upgrades, the FLkey 2 includes a range of smart creative functions that help both beginners and experienced producers develop ideas faster.
Scale Mode
With Scale Mode, you automatically play within the chosen scale. This makes melodies sound musical immediately without hitting wrong notes.
Chord Mode
Chord Mode makes it possible to play complex chords with a single key. Ideal for producers without extensive music theory knowledge.
Arpeggiator
The built-in arpeggiator automatically generates rhythmic note patterns and helps create melodies, bass lines, and synth parts.
Not just for FL Studio
Although the FLkey 2 is fully focused on FL Studio, you can also use it with other software and hardware. Thanks to MIDI Out, Mackie HUI support, and Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) integration, the controller is more versatile than ever.
This allows you, for example, to:
- Control external synthesizers
- Operate hardware sequencers
- Use other DAWs
- Integrate Native Instruments software
- Create custom layouts via Novation Components
Which FLkey 2 is right for you?
FLkey 2 Mini 25
The most compact version. Ideal for producers working on the go or with limited space. Features mini keys, touch strips for pitch and modulation, and a 3.5 mm MIDI output.
FLkey 2 37
An excellent middle ground for home studios. Offers 37 full-size keys, pitch and modulation wheels, and extensive workflow control.
FLkey 2 49
Suitable for producers who want more playing space. Features semi-weighted keys, nine faders, and extensive mixer control.
FLkey 2 61
The flagship of the series. With 61 semi-weighted keys, extensive controls, and maximum control over FL Studio, this model is ideal for serious producers and composers.
Software package included
With every FLkey 2, you receive an extensive software package that allows you to get started immediately. This package includes:
- 6 months of FL Studio Producer Edition
- Novation Play
- Native Instruments Komplete Select
- Melodics lessons
- Orchestral Tools software
- Klevgrand plugins
- GForce software
This gives you immediate access to professional instruments, effects, and learning tools.
Conclusion: Is the Novation FLkey 2 the best controller for FL Studio?
For FL Studio users, the Novation FLkey 2 is currently one of the most complete MIDI controllers on the market. Thanks to the official collaboration with Image-Line, the new OLED display, improved pads, endless encoders, semi-weighted keys on the larger models, and extensive creative functions, this controller perfectly aligns with the FL Studio workflow.
Whether you're making beats, producing electronic music, writing compositions, or performing live, the FLkey 2 helps you turn ideas into music faster. For anyone serious about working with FL Studio, the FLkey 2 is a logical upgrade and a powerful addition to any studio.
Compare the Novation FLkey series
FLkey Mini 25 |
FLkey 37 |
FLkey 49 |
FLkey 61 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware | ||||
| Keys | 25 | 37 | 49 | 61 |
| Key size | Mini | Full size | Full size | Full size |
| Keyboard type | Synth action | Synth action | Semi-weighted | Semi-weighted |
| Velocity pads | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Endless encoders | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Faders & fader buttons | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pitch & Modulation | 2x Touch Strip | Wheels | Wheels | Wheels |
| OLED display | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Zones | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| MIDI output | 3.5 mm | 5-pin | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Sustain connection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| USB bus powered | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Creative functions | ||||
| Chord Modes | Chord Map, Fixed, User | Chord Map, Fixed, User | Chord Map, Fixed, User | Chord Map, Fixed, User |
| Scale Mode | 30 scales | 30 scales | 30 scales | 30 scales |
| Arpeggiator | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Transport & workflow | Transport | Transport + workflow | Transport + workflow | Transport + workflow |
| Custom Modes | Pads & encoders | Pads & encoders | Pads, encoders & faders | Pads, encoders & faders |
| Encoder Modes | ||||
| Plugin | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mixer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mixer Inserts | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Channel Mixer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Transport | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pad Modes | ||||
| Patterns | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Channel Rack | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Drum | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sequencer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fader Modes | ||||
| Plugin | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mixer Volume | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Channel Volume | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| More information | More information | More information | More information | |
FLkey Mini 25
FLkey 37
FLkey 49
FLkey 61