Novation Launchpad user reviews ( 7/10) - 21 user reviews

• 09/08/11

  James...'s review "Not quite as simple as it looks"

  Overall Opinion

  Features. Well it's very basic here. It's a USB midi controller for Ableton. 64 buttons. How it works is another feature entirely. In essence, you can control almost any aspect of Ableton with this device using a bit of clever programming and some quick hands.
  
  
  
  First of all, this unit is not as easy to learn or use as some of the youtube vids you've probably seen will have you think. I feel like I need to get that out there for anyone who's in the same boat as I was before I bought it. I have used tons of devices and have a lot of DAW and midi experience so I know it's not me. Perhaps I'm just used to keyboard style controllers but in my mind, this unit has nothing in common with anything I've ever used. It's like learning a new instrument. However, once the (steep) learning curve is over, it makes perfect sense and becomes arguably one of the most useful tools you will ever have at your desk. There are other more expensive controllers with a much easier learning phase, but I think this ones is ultimately more useful and more compact than the others. Obviously if you need sliders and don't like the way the Novation's "sliders" feel, look elsewhere. Maybe an Akai unit or something.
  
  
  
  The launchpad probably won't replace your keyboard if you're a keyboard guy. It's not really meant to do that anyway. I actually use this more as a DJ or producer than I do as a musician. It's not an instrument in the classical sense. What's special about it is how flexible it can be. I think everyone uses it differently. Some guys use it as a songwriting tool, others use it to keep themselves on their toes creatively, and some guys just like to use one live. I like it for all these things. But it isn't the end all be all. Just a great and original unit.
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• 07/22/10

  moosers's review

  Overall Opinion

  Novation's LaunchPad is a USB and MIDI based controller for Ableton Live software. It was designed by both Ableton and Novation, and only will work with Ableton since it's specifically designed for it. It's designed to be used for live shows to give you easier access to Ableton without having to use your computer's keyboard and mouse. It's bus powered, so you don't need to hook it up to any power supply, making it easy to set up and go anywhere you might be. It has 64 buttons it total, with transport parameters, and a button for each track that you have playing. The LED lights are very bright, so you can see them even in the dark if you're at a show. They've made the device as simple as possible, so you can use it on the fly and without having to think too much about it. I haven't gotten very in depth with the LaunchPad, as I don't own one myself. I've used a friend's a number of times, but never for a live show myself. My friend uses it all the time when he plays out with his Ableton Live set up. If I were a bit more knowledgeable about all the ins and outs of Ableton Live, I might use some of the more in depth features on the LaunchPad, but as of now I don't have much of a use to use all of the parameters on the LaunchPad. While not necessary for all Ableton users, if you are indeed going to be bringing your rig on the go, this is a very useful tool to have in tandem with Ableton. The price is more than reasonable for a specified MIDI controller. If you do have Ableton Live, you probably already know about the LaunchPad, but if you don't I highly suggest checking it out!
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• 01/31/10

  songboy's review

  Overall Opinion

  What I like most about this device is it puts Ableton's Session view launch capabilities into a physical, easily accessible midi controller.  I have not used any of the Akai APC units, but this thing seems to be the perfect answer for anyone who uses Ableton in a live situation.  It makes things super easy by allowing each pad to light up yellow (to show you there is a clip that there that is not being played) Green (shows you a clip that is currently being played) Red (clip is being played and is in overdub/record mode) and of course no light to tell you there is no clip in that region.  Another great and essential option on this device is to control different areas of the session view trigger grid.  On the screen in ableton there is a green box surrounding the area that the Launchpad is currently displaying.  By using the arrows on the top, you can move this box to display any area in the session trigger screen.  This is great (and fun to watch), as you can launch any clip on your screen, and, if you are pretty familiar with your set, you can move around comfortably without looking a the computer screen.  On top of that, you can hold down the session button and the lauchpad will allow you to "jump" to different areas on your screen.  Say you are launching clips in your set at the top portion of the screen and you want to launch a clip all the way at the bottom many rows down.  Hold down that session button and select the grid (in this mode, each button represents a whole grids worth of clips) and select what "grid" you want to jump to, in this case, the bottom one.  The great thing about this option is that the Launchpad will only show you areas that have clips in them.  If thats confusing, check out videos on Youtube and it will make sense.  There are many more great features about this device, but I could spend all day talking about them. 
  
  What I don't like most about this unit is that for some reason (and I can't understand why) when you a pad down, it will "double-click."  What I mean is that you push it down and it will "click" once, then you push a little harder and it will "click" again.  Every trigger reacts on the first click, so the second click is completely unnecessary.  In reality, its not a big deal, it just feels weird and is a little annoying.  As for my opinion on the price, I paid $180 for a brand new one shipped to my door.  Overall, its functions make it worth every penny.  But, when I first got it, it was smaller than I imagined (the person in the photo must have very small hands) and its made of very light weight plastic.  For around $200 bucks, they could have used some cheap metal or something, that would have made this thing feel like a real professional piece of gear instead of a cheap toy.  No sound quality from this device, only midi operation.  I have a couple of M-audio boards that I was using to trigger clips in ableton, but they don't even compare to this device, mainly because of the "light up" buttons.  Yes, I do wish it was made of stronger/heavier material, but I would definitely make the same choice again.
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• 12/27/11

  Euchman's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Class, fun and efficient."

  Overall Opinion

  I use the LaunchPad for several months, even if I got it in March 2010. Indeed, it was almost out and it was then trs few tutorials on the internet. APRs have a lot galr (Launchpad comes with a poor specification of 4 pages), I gave up to get back later.
  
  I knew the potential of the Launchpad, but looking at the tutorials that have appeared on the net, I t enjoyable surprise.
  
  
  
  The TRS is Launchpad class, the LEDs diffrent colors are fun and useful trs. It is solid and does not take much space.
  
  It is also efficient trs, the DIFFERENT modes are complete. It allows to maximize the mode session of Ableton Live. User mode allows one to play a "drum kit" and the 64 buttons are enjoyable to play without pads other gallery Controller more efficient (but more expensive).
  
  It allows dvelopper crativit a new form of programming in your sets.
  
  Please note, buttons are not sensitive the VLOC Gnant which can be for some.
  
  
  
  In addition to the use of songs to play Live, Launchpad Mode Mixer is a good trs Controller for editing or mix (mute or disable tracks trs quickly, without the use of the mouse).
  
  Attention, Launchpad can also CONTRL effects, but eight pads to make "crossfades", it is not prcis trs. If you want CONTRL effects, I recommend The series Nocturn Novation (keyboard 25, 49 or more or single Controller with knobs), which compltera trs well LaunchPad.
  
  
  
  One of the main advantages of the report is Launchpad qualitprix: It was worth and even more than its price. I highly recommend those who do not want to invest in high-end trs.
  
  
  
  (A question often arises: the LaunchPad is not sold with its cover but with a box rather cumbersome. You can find this cover 10 euros on "sound-universe")
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• 10/10/11

  vincislex's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " 100% Ableton Live"

  Overall Opinion

  How long have you use it?
  
  A Weekend! I drooled for months before the videos of this interface. I flashed serious about the software Ableton Live ... As it is my way of composing, playing music. But the launch of clips with the mouse ... greatly limits the software. Launchpad handily fills the limit.
  
  
  
  What is so special that you like most and least?
  
  Simple, beautiful and efficient. Mode "session" Launchpad is really a launch base of the famous clips audio / midi. It is so "versatile" that influences the way we compose his clips, samples ... With 64 clips available directly (and 7 others in "surfing" from page to page) we have a unique approach to music. Much like a conductor ... GE-NIAL
  
  
  
  As against the mode "mixer" to adjust volume, pan, send and Send A B. .. is a little "gadget". This is useful when one has it ... but since it works with "not" it is sorely lacking precision ... Personally it bothers me somewhat, because I have an Akai MPD 24 with nice faders, knobs that can be assigned ... For those who hesitate between Launchpad and Akai APC-40, please take the Akai fuller, more serious ...
  
  
  
  Mode "User 1": a grid of 64 notes is also very interesting, although there is no tenderness, it can encode rhythms easily.
  
  Mode "User 2" I still have to explore that with "automap". I think that is the mode that can be the most creative ...
  
  
  
  This 8x8 grid is a new interface mode, much like a new type of instrument.
  
  
  
  Have you tried many other models before buying it?
  
  No. But I absolutely had an interface to play with the clips ... So exactly what I was looking for ...
  
  How would you rate the quality / price?
  
  Excellent! € 135! It's not very expensive and it boosts the functionality of Live, my favorite software. But we must consider what Launchpad for what it is made. Live drive. This is not a "table mix" or a keyboard, but a launch base in pre-recorded clips or recorded on the fly ...
  
  With experience, you do again this choice? ...
  
  Immediately. Even if I use Live primarily to compose pop-rock songs, I playing more and more of "music that turn" based exclusively on samples (currently included with my version of Live Intro). In this case the Launchpad is almost "required" ... I would say that a guy who would it be expected to buy more ...
  
  
  
  In short: I love it!
  
  
  
  And to conclude the binomial Ableton Live - Launchpad gives you a creative tool of a new order. By controlling the creation and Live clips + handling of the Launchpad you will have access to a whole new type of musical instrument ... Rummage for example on YouTube to see what guys do with this little interface ... Waoooow
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• 07/04/11

  roolioSP6's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " LaunchPad cares !!!!!!!"

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for one month!
  
  
  
  I also have a APC40 !!!!!
  
  
  
  What I like most is the ease of function! 64 pads, huge! The size of the surface, it fits easily and does not take much space on my desk!!
  
  
  
  What I like least is the absence of faders and knobs, but I intend to deal with the purchase of a Zero SL MK2!
  
  
  
  The price is more than adequate!
  
  I would definitely do it again this choice now that I have zero sl mk2!
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• 12/11/10

  Mister Kaa's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Rather essential for the use"

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for almost a year and I can not imagine using Ableton without the dedicated controller.
  
  I always find new and soft Automap function allows for increased opportunities
  
  There it is necessary to relativize it to the "mixer", for it is a bit light and it does not replace a controller with buttons and faders, I also use a Korg Kontrol Nano hit the last bit; J ' loves the nomadic aspect of the product and readability to use, the less, the pads are not great, no sensitivity to touch. Another thing, a totally dedicated app would be ideal and it's a little frustrating not always able to fully use such as personal assignments with colors etc ...
  
  value for money, that's okay.
  
  I tend to buy it but I do not know the others especially in the range of Akai which is also dedicated to do with the budjet and live or studio use. Personally, I prefer not to have it all on the same controller;
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• 11/27/10

  Serguei60's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Superb!"

  Overall Opinion

  It's been almost a year since I use it.
  
  I tried the Akai APC40 before.
  
  Launchpad is automatically recognized in Live, you control clips, scenes, volume, pan, 2 FX sends, mute, solo and rec.
  
  Coupled with the Zero SL mkII, controlling for the effects and vst Live directly.
  
  With Automap, no loss of time to configure everything.
  
  Launchpad can be used only to send messages noon.
  
  Controller simple and fun, which I recommend for beginners using Ableton Live 8.
  
  Good value for money.
  
  I remake that choice without hesitation.
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• 11/26/10

  Tonio4's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " It's really cool"

  Overall Opinion

  It's great with basic presets for Ableton Live and it's great for doing experiments.
  
  Not very expensive, intuitive practice.
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• 11/25/10

  masaoulé's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Love."

  Overall Opinion

  I use it less than a month, a bit like a monome, with "follow action" live (without maxforlive).
  
  
  
  I never tried the other models, besides, I only know of one similar product, the APC Akai.
  
  
  
  +:
  
  Self-powered USB
  
  -taille/poids
  
  LEDs that allow them to do almost more looking at the screen.
  
  -:
  
  Noise-resistance and random keys (that said, this is not useless, far from it).
  
  
  
  The value for money is good, even very good. Less than 200 euros a controller at the sight of the possibilities, and the price of APC, nothing to complain.
  
  I would do without hesitation that choice.
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