It switches between layouts for drums or instruments, giving chromatic or custom scales so that you never miss a note. Launchpad Pro/X becomes an instrument in Note Mode.

They build on the Launchpad features by adding velocity sensitivity to the pads to enable a more complete controlling and performing experience. The Launchpad Pro and X take things to a different level. The Launchpad Mini can do everything the Launchpad can do, but in a smaller footprint and for less money. Using the Ableton drum rack you can map the pads directly to the drum sounds and start playing. So, you can instantly move to mixing mid-performance, or drop out whole sections, solo a specific clip or start recording new clips with a touch of a button. You have volume controls, pan, effects sends, stop, mute, solo, and record arm. These double up as shortcuts to transform Launchpad’s grid into other functions. Down the right side of Launchpad are the scene launch buttons. But triggering clips is only part of the story. This means they can match the color of your clips, so you can see at a glance what clips are loaded. The Launchpad pads are all now lit with RGB LEDs.

Launchpad is visual, tactile, and extremely configurable. Hit the pad to trigger the corresponding clip in Live or launch a whole scene. More recently the Launchpad MK3 has arrived along with the enhanced Launchpad Pro, the Launchpad X, and more petite Launchpad Mini.Īll of them focus on providing an 8 x 8 grid of 64 pads designed to mirror the Session View in Ableton Live. The original Launchpad was released in 2009 as a dedicated controller for Ableton Live. Novation have always innovated in areas of MIDI control. So, get ready for some serious finger drumming with our round-up of the best MIDI pad and knob controllers. They are the controllers that will give you the best chance of banging out the most elegant of beats. None of these devices contain sound themselves so they are not drum machines or groove boxes. Ways to be more creative outside that tired old piano format. There are innovative ways to interact with your MIDI setup and DAW that perhaps you haven’t thought of. However, it doesn’t have to be square pads either. Some of these controls find their way onto keyboard controllers but if you want it done right then it’s worth getting a MIDI controller that’s designed for the job. You want to get your groove on with some pads and maybe start manipulating sound with some knobs and sliders. You’re not always playing melodic parts or entering notes and so sometimes you might want something a bit more beat-friendly.

Not every situation requires a piano keyboard.

Best midi drum pad