Novation Launchpad Mini USB Midi Controller for Performing and Producing Music with iPad, Mac and PC

Product Information

Should you want to upgrade your license, having this version lets you upgrade for 299 pounds instead of 399, if I am not mistaken), Novation Bass Station (software version, of course, as a VST that comes with a special mapping for Launchkey, which I do not own) and a Loopmasters Sample Library (downloaded it, haven't gone through it yet). It includes Launchpad S, Launch Control, two custom made protective sleeves, an authorization code for Ableton Live Lite 9, and a large pack of inspiring Loop masters samples. One of the configuration options is a device ID, allowing the USB name of the Launchpad to be changed; so if you want to use two or more units together, your software will now be able to tell which is which.

There is also a whole range of effects that can be triggered using Launchpad's buttons, including filters, stutters and drum roll-styled effects. Credit is provided by a panel of lenders with whom we have a commercial relationship (so we cannot provide independent advice).

This is not a software control app, it hosts its own sounds and enables you to trigger loops with your Launchpad S hardware. Compared to the Novation Launchpad, the Launchpad S has brighter LEDs, a much faster refresh rate and can now work with FL Studio. Use the 64-button grid to launch and manipulate clips, trigger loops, fire off effects, control your mixer - and much more. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. It has huge potential and I'm sure that for someone who already knows how to use Ableton could make use of this better than me.

There's no bundled CD or DVD (which, to be fair, would be wasted on many users without DVD drives); instead, all the 'bundled' software and documentation has to be downloaded.The Launchpad S is exactly the same size (and, as far as I can ascertain, the same weight) as the Launchpad 1. The 64 tri-colour pads can launch loops and clips, trigger drums and samples, and also control effects, volumes, mutes, solos and more. This feature needs to be highlighted more prominently: I only discovered it by accident, because I download and read manuals.

Software is also a bit complicated to learn and you have to figure it out yourself or watch videos on YouTube. It's super-fast and super-bright, while remaining as simple, portable and affordable as the original. You will also be safe in the knowledge that when your travelling to and from gigs your controllers are safe and secure in their protective cases.The Novation Launchpad S is an Ableton Live controller and an upgrade of the very popular Novation Launchpad.

The Launchpad S claims iPad compatibility, so I plugged it into my iPad 3 via the Camera Connection adaptor to see how it fared. Class compliance also gives Linux-based musicians a chance to play, and makes the new Launchpad compatible with the iPad (via Apple's Camera Connection Kit — see the 'iLaunchpad' box). It even works on your iPad via a Camera Connection Kit (not included): Launchpad S converts your iPad into a grid-based music system: no additional power supply required, just plug in and play. Having watched videos of people using this , I thought it would be really fun and I could jump straight in. It even converts your iPad into a grid-based music system via a Camera Connection Kit (not included).Launchpad S and Launch Control are fully class-compliant plug and play devices - no drivers required.