TURNTABLE LAB

the lab review

OVERVIEW
The LaunchPad is an innovative USB controller custom designed for composition and performance in Ableton Live. With it 8x8 multi-color 64-button grid and dedicated scene launch buttons, Launchpad is purpose built for triggering and manipulating clips in Live. Empowered with Novation's unique Automap software, it can work to control almost any music/production software. It even includes a special "LaunchPad Edition" of Ableton Live 8 providing everything you need to start producing and performing in Live.

FEATURES
LaunchPad features a 64 button lighted grid and dedicated scene launch buttons that mimic the clip layout of Live. There are also volume, pans, sends, track aiming, solo, and muting available for all 8 channels at one with bi-directional communication between the unit and Live software via USB. The automap feature makes setup easy and also allows you to connect the LaunchPad to other software. You can even link up 6 LaunchPad units at the same time for 384 buttons of control! In addition, the unit comes packed with a special "LaunchPad Edition" of Ableton Live 8 providing all the essentials you need to compose and perform, plus 1GB of Loops from Loopmaster, 500MB of high quality drum samples from Mike the Drummer so you can get jamming right away.

OUR OPINION
The LaunchPad is an excellent controller for Live users. It's simple and intuitive layout works perfectly with Ableton's workflow and it comes at a very competetive price (much more affordable than many other options). It is also considerably smaller than popular units like the APC40 making it easier to transport to gigs. Recommended.

reviewed by snackmaster 11/03/2009

• lab recommended
• lab staple item

key features

- designed in partnership with Ableton for seamless operation
- 64 button lighted grid and dedicated scene launch buttons
- volume, pans, sends, track aiming, solo, and muting - for all eight channels at once
- bi-directional communication between unit and LIVE
- use up to 6 LaunchPads at a time
- compatible with automap and other controllers
- works with Mac and PC

includes

- Ableton Live 8 LaunchPad addition
- 1GB Loopmasters collection
- 500MB of Mike The Drummer Samples
- USB cord

related items

Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller

another Ableton controller

Vestax VCM-600 USB DJ MIDI Controller for Ableton Live

another Ableton controller

filed under

• all - digital djing view category
• dj equipment - new arrivals view category
• digital djing systems view category