Novation releases two new Launchpads
2 min read
A FULL decade after the original Launchpad comes the announcement of the Launchpad X and compact Launchpad Mini [MK3].
The two devices continue the long trend of Novation producing Ableton Live grid controllers which have seen extremely popular use throughout the web.
Launchpad X is Novation’s “essential MIDI pad controller for Live”, enabling fast clip and scene launching, expressive instrument play, and direct transport and mixer control.
Launchpad X’s 64 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads are their most responsive yet, while Drum and Note Modes provide automatic switching between percussive and melodic instrument triggering, and the dedicated Capture MIDI button allows performances to be recorded and preserved.
The Launchpad’s Dynamic Note and Scale modes are made to keep your basslines, melodies, chords and leads in key, and crucial performance controls – stop, solo, mute, record arm, levels, pans and sends – are a button press away.
It features USB-C connectivity without the need for additional drivers.
Launchpad Mini is Novation’s compact and portable version.
With much the same control as offered by the Launchpad X, the Launchpad Mini will be better suited to beginners or travelling producers (and those with a smaller desk space).
Now featuring bright RGB, it does away with the cheaper lights that steered buyers away from the previous Mini versions and onto the Pro.
Both models come complete with a comprehensive bundle of included software, including Ableton Live Lite, a range of plug-ins by AAS, XLN Audio, klevgrand and Softube, two-months’ free subscription to Splice, and membership of Sound Collective, bringing Novation hardware owners a new free plug-in every couple of months.
