Novation

PADS: While the controller itself
is smaller, the pads are actually
larger than those found on its
predecessor
COLOURS: There’s plenty of
customisation available for the
pad backlight colours – great for
cool performances
I/O: There’s just a single USB
connection on the hardware,
which handles both MIDI and
bus power
– it’s possible to create a simple,
quick hack to play multiple drum
instruments simultaneously.
In and of themselves, these Note
modes are nothing that new or
revolutionary, but now that velocity
sensitivity is included, it immediately
makes the Launchpad X feel
considerably more playable. Using
the top row of selector buttons, it’s
easy to jump between playing and
clip launching too, making this a
fl exible tool for live performers
looking to jam and trigger loops/
backing tracks from a single device.
The velocity sensitivity is put to use
elsewhere too. As with the higher-end
Launchpad Pro, it’s possible to
control the speed of mixer parameter
changes simply by how hard you
press a pad – hitting a new mixer,
send or pan position fi rmly will make
an immediate change, while a gentle
press will trigger a slow fade between
settings. As with previous
Launchpads, Novation have done a
decent job of incorporating mixer
controls into the pad format and,
while the Launchpad will never be as
well suited to mixing duties as a bank
of rotaries and faders, it’s easy
enough to make on-the-fl y
adjustments to levels, pan settings,
armed tracks and more.
A la Modes
Probably the highlight of this
updated Launchpad, however, is its
four Custom Modes. As with previous
Launchpads, these are user-
trigger pads, switches and virtual
faders to the pad grid layout. It’s all
very easy-to-use and fl exible, making
the Launchpad X an excellent option
for creating custom performance
setups to control your favourite
instruments of creative effects. It’s
just a slight shame the hardware has
no MIDI out, allowing these to be
patched directly to hardware.
This is a well-designed evolution
of a classic Live controller. The
hardware looks and feels better than
ever, and the upgraded features make
it more fl exible for modern uses.
As a neat, compact tool for those
who want to perform with Live’s
Session view, the Launchpad is still
the king.
FM VERDICT
9.0
Neat, compact and more
fl exible than ever before –
the Launchpad remains a
must-try tool for Ableton
Live users
confi gurable setups whereby the pad
grid can be assigned to send out a
variety of different MIDI messages.
For this latest controller, that means
the ability to send MIDI note, CC and
program change messages.
Confi guration is done via Novation’s
sleek, browser-based Components
tool, whereby each custom mode can
be built by adding any combo of
LAUNCH & LEARN
Although Ableton Live remains the Launchpad’s primary
focus, the X also comes ready-made for use with two
other Novation-built tools. The fi rst is Amplify, the
company’s accessible, DJ-style music-making app that
allows users to trigger, manipulate and perform with
loops from their mobile device.
There’s also an intriguing new browser-based app
called Launchpad Intro. This is effectively an interactive
tutorial for newcomers. Plug in the controller and head
to novationmusic.com/launchpad intro and it’ll guide
you through the basics. There are several genre-themed
construction kits included, so even users with no DAW
experience can quickly learn to perform with loop-
triggering, note and mixer modes.
THE ALTERNATIVES
Ableton Push 2
£599
Nowhere near as
affordable or
compact, but Live’s
own controller offers
unrivalled interaction
with the DAW.
ableton.com
Novation
Launchkey Mini
Mk3 £99
If the Launchpad’s
look and feel is
intriguing but you’re
not fussed about the
pads, Novation’s new
key-focused Live
controller might be
worth a look .
novationmusic.com
Roli Lightpad
Block M £140
Roli’s ‘multi-
dimensional’
controller pad isn’t
strictly a live
controller, but it can
be mapped for
clip-launching
similar note/drum
triggering duties .
roli.com
Reviews | Novation Launchpad X
100
FMU350.rev_launchpad.indd 100 10/2/19 5:18 PM