All user reviews of 4/5 for the Novation Launchpad

The Novation Launchpad is a USB MIDI control only for Ableton Live, it has a 64 button set up that call are back lit. It can be used with either PC or Mac. It connects to your computer via USB, that is the only way it can connect. There are not audio ins or outs. This unit is pretty light, I would say it only weights about 2 pounds or so, and when you purchase it comes with a copy of Ableton Live 8 now. I have used this for a few months before selling it because I just was not a fan of the workflow of Ableton itself. But the Novation Launchpad really did give an amazing amount of control with Ableton. I used the Launchpad to control my mixes and also as a trigger function for audio clips.

It does come with a manual, that I don’t think was very good. I learned how to use it and all of the functions basically on my own and from watching tutorials online. The manual was very confusing and to “wordy”. I will say that if you don’t already use Ableton and love it then don’t buy this. That is the mistake that I made, I purchased this because I wanted to use it, and not Ableton. You can not use this without using it in Ableton.

The price of it is very affordable and it is a great device and I can see why anyone who is an Ableton lover would buy it. But it just wasn’t for me. It was very difficult to set up and understand and the manual was horrible. It would be better if it had some fader sliders and some sort of transport controls. Also if they could make it a more versatile device that can be used in multiple software programs that would change everything for me. I think the Novation Launchpad is a must have for someone who loves Ableton, its just not for me.

I use the launchpad for a little over a year. This is the first of its kind controler I tested and I joined the first contact!
It is light, the use is simple and intuitive and the net is full of forums, videos and tips and tricks of all kinds to evolve rapidly.
Support on ableton is done automatically (I think), the navigation mode session on all tracks and clips is simply the reactivity is super nice and user mode I discovered (only now!) Is simply excellent!

What I like most is the intuitive side of the product and have everything at your fingertips!
What I like the least, or rather what I think it is less effective control and other volumes to me is not at all suitable (coarse and independent modes and user session, impossible to treat the same time as your live. Anyway nothing dramatic and it depends on the use of each)
So, finally I would do this again but probably purchase a lower price.

The Novation Launchpad combines elements of a mixer, a sequencer, and an effects rack all in one 64 button pad designed to interface with Ableton Live. As I mainly use Ableton I'm not sure whether you can program it to work with other DAW's, but the interface with Live is one that is very flexible and easy to learn. If you are one for triggering clips, the Novation Launchpad is certainly for you. After the samples, midi files, etc. are triggered - indicated by the corresponding button lighting up green - there are infinite ways of manipulating the signal thanks to the User 1 and User 2 interfaces, which are completely customizable. I'm fond of setting one user interface to automap effects in real time while leaving the other as my "solo" instrument, wherein the buttons act as a keyboard. On top of this the Novation Launchpad is the lightest, most compact, and surprisingly the most durable piece of equipment I have had the pleasure of using. My issues with the launchpad are simple: the keyboard scale is easy to figure out but is difficult to master coming from a standard piano background, the quantization settings for audio vs. midi clips are a bit confusing, and the buttons aren't the best replacement for faders. For the price however, this isn't a bad buy. In fact it's a very good buy compared to Ableton's other hardware interface, the APC-40. Just be ready to practice, practice, practice if you see yourself doing an entire set on this device, and maybe have a separate mixer on hand to get a more precise fade.

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.

unrestrained use for 30 hours, be comfortable to handle, very correct end up (hopefully I have no problems as with my night), small footprint, light weight. Conveying side could not do much better <img class="smiley" src="/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_lol.gif" alt="" />
The buttons respond well (some people rail against the twin pressures of buttons, just c it's done openly in support).
Utiisation and Ergonomics hair with Ableton, and a lot of possibilities with the automap (especially with the pro version because keystroke !!!). But where is it in giant monome emulation, it works to hell, kudos to the designer of nonome! I hate to push integration with maxforlive when my budget will allow.

Negative aspects: Main Page mixer, which fades a bit of confusion LEDs passive and active planting, and in general the LEDs in bright environments, but hey ....

Very good interface which I think will in the near future to see this apply all sorts of transformations between emulations monomials, patches, and fully integrate maxforlive.
Very well Ableton remote home, even better for followers of customization of interfaces.

Value for great price, paid 175 euros, but hey no exaggeration, it is not double either (although I see him 2 times cheaper elsewhere).

So 8 / 10, 10/10 because it's for the monome, the real <img class="smiley" src="/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_lol.gif" alt="" />

For how long have you been using it?
1 week. I struggled at first. Driver to install mac (poorly used), it will need the latest version of Live 7. Once installed all bingo! The machine lights up and opens our eyes. Plastoc but a little good for the price it is running. The knobs are very nice under the fingers.

What thing do you like most/least about it?
The +: Its direct integration with live, happiness! Super fun, there is a touch interface which opens the possibilities of the software.
Logic and its versatility with the Automap software is just huge for MIDI with the acquisition of software other than Live.
A priori there is a version of the software that exists for iphone / ipod touch.
A touch controller with a more Ipad instead one can dream of a tactile surface that handles extra comfortable automap when other software ...
The - I do not know yet ...
Did you try many other models before getting this one?
A CPU 33 that I keep for the use of faders and knobs ...
With both there is a sort of mini APC40 most versatile for my taste ...
I may be falling for a remote zero SL to be in line with Novation automap pro and my ipod.

What is your opinion about the value for the price?
Very correct

Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? ...
Certainly ...

I use it for a few months

I wanted it as soon as I knew we could emulate a monome with ...

The quality looks good to me, especially given that the creature can ... Assuming only nonome, which is free, you can control all applications (free) developed for the monomial on the version of Max MSP Runtime (free), it makes a helluva lot of opportunities to make music for less 200 euros ...

The integration with Live is also impressive, it installs the drivers, is connected, it launches live, and all lights ... Part one side effect gadget but it is Gaul, without having to configure anything.
In all cases, the laucnhpad + another controller (like faders + UC33 to combine pots, found in OCCAZ very affordable) makes it fly ... And personally I prefer this option (LP + 2nd controller) rather than the APC just to have a monome emulation with a real grid of 64 buttons, but after it is a matter of taste ...

So yes, I would do the same choice with experience, and I think innovation has hit pretty hard with this product ...