Novation Launchpad X MIDI Grid Controller for Ableton Live/Logic Pro — Easy Controls, Dynamic Note Playing, Scale Modes

Product Information

Used with Live, engaging Note mode from the top row of buttons will configure the pad grid to one of two layouts. It integrates seamlessly and simplifies the challenge of performing live in Ableton, by giving you hands-on control of your clips and tracks with four simple modes: Session, Note, Device and User. When you first get the Launchpad, it is worth checking here to see that you have the latest firmware. Now, Novation celebrate ten years of the Launchpad by releasing the Launchpad X and the Launchpad Mini Mk 3.

Or if you are currently viewing the top left-most Performance zone on the Launchpad, press the left navigation button once. Launchpad X and Launchpad Mini [MK3] devices no longer need to be rotated to properly display the Live Loops grid, as was required in v10. Send out MIDI CCs, notes and program change messages, and even use rows or columns as faders – the only limit is your imagination.When the original Launchpad arrived, its most obvious use was as a launcher device for Live’s clip view. Launchpad X is our essential MIDI pad controller for Live, enabling fast and effortless clip and scene launching, expressive instrument play, and direct transport and mixer control.

Both Launchpads include a downloadable software bundle, featuring the inevitable copy of Ableton Live Lite. Also, tapping the top pad in any column gradually increments the relevant values in smaller steps, shown by increasing brightness levels, which is an interesting workaround. Play your instruments and devices expressively with the 64 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads, then never lose an idea with one-press Capture MIDI control. Everything about making tracks in Ableton Live is made easier with Launchpad X’s quick, hands-on clip and scene launching and our most playable grid to date. Includes arpeggiator and chord mode, and of course a copy of Ableton Live Lite and a plug-in bundle.

As usual, the bulk of the surface area is occupied by the 64 RGB pads, while the top row and right column consist of further buttons relating to navigation and the selection of different modes; Session, Drums, Keys, and User.

The XY Controller page is actually only one controller but link it twice to two different parameters, disable 'Remove conflicts' and use the corresponding mapping formula presets, so X and Y positions are mapped to each link.Plug it straight into Logic Pro and play it like a keyboard, or connect the MIDI ports to Bass Station II and play riffs on your grid.

Dynamic Note and Scale modes keep your basslines, melodies, chords and leads perfectly in key, and crucial performance controls – stop, solo, mute, record arm, levels, pans and sends – are a button press away.As you’d expect, this immediately makes the Launchpad X a considerably more expressive controller when it comes to playing drum and instrument sounds. Selecting “Global Channel” will mean this widget uses the channel selected from the Launchpad itself, allowing you to change what the control is interacting with from the hardware. When set up to use as faders it is a joy to use - the speed of the fade in/out depending on how hard the pads are pressed.