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Average Price: $91
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Description
Same seamless control as before, but now in full color.
Novation' Launchpad has become the global selection for controlling Ableton Live. If you'e a Live user, you will soon understand why Launchpad and Live are such a compatible match. Launchpad integrates immediately and seamlessly with Ableton Live, without any setup. The pads are lit by RGB LEDs, which match the color of your clips in your session view, so you can see at a glance what' playing. Use them to launch clips, play drums, start and stop loops, arm tracks, and control volumes, pans and sends - and anything else you can imagine with Max for Live.
Launchpad is totally portable: lightweight, easy to pack and carry around, and USB bus-powered on Mac or PC, so there's no need for power sockets. You can also link it up with more Launchpads or other Launch products to build yourself a fully hands-on Ableton Live studio, by combining Launch Control, Launch Control XL, or Launchkey.
Complete with Ableton Live Lite, 1GB of pro-quality Loopmasters samples and the Novation Bass Station VST and AU plug-in synthesizer, Launchpad comes with everything you need to start making great music. It also supports Novation Launchpad App, so you can use its RGB pads with your iPad too*.
*Powered USB hub and camera connection kit or USB camera adapter required for use with iOS devices (not included).
Control Ableton Live
Integrate immediately and seamlessly with Ableton Live, without any setup whatsoever. Just plug in and start making music.
Focus On Your Music
All 64 RGB pads light up to match the color of your clips in Live and you can see at a glance what' loaded, playing, and recording.
Create Eye-Catching Performances
Bright, colorful pads make the unit stand out just from USB power - when you're on stage or creating an exciting Launchpad light show video for YouTube.
Play Drum Racks
Use the grid to play drums and samples with pads pre-mapped to Ableton Lives drum rack. Mix From Your GridStart and stop loops, arm tracks, and control volumes, pans and sends “ all from your grid. Stay in constant control.
Build Your Own Creations
Use your Launchpad however you like with Max for Live. Turn it into a step sequencer, trigger videos from drum pads or use it to create just about anything you can imagine. Combine more Launchpads or other Launch products to build a fully hands-on Ableton Live studio, with Launch Control, Launch Control XL, or Launchkey.
Throw It in Your Bag
Sleek, tough and lightweight, Launchpad is fully USB bus-powered on Mac or PC so you™ll never need to carry a power supply.
Make Music Straight Away
Comes with Ableton Live Lite, 1GB of Loopmasters samples, Novation V Station and Bass Station VST and AU plug-ins and support for Novation Launchpad App.
Product specs
| Brand | Novation |
| Model | Launchpad MKII Pad Controller |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2015 - 2019 |
| Categories | Pad MIDI Controllers |
| MIDI I/O | USB MIDI |
| Number of Pads | 64 Pads |
FAQs
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What is the primary function of the Novation Launchpad Mk2?
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The Novation Launchpad Mk2 is designed for music production and live performance, primarily used to launch clips, play drum racks, and create melodies in Ableton Live with its 8x8 grid of 64 RGB backlit pads.
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Does the Novation Launchpad Mk2 require a computer to operate?
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Yes, the Novation Launchpad Mk2 is primarily used with a computer and requires Ableton Live software to function effectively, as it connects via USB MIDI.
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What are the standout features of the Novation Launchpad Mk2's pads?
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The Launchpad Mk2 features 64 RGB backlit pads that reflect the colors of Ableton Live clips, allowing for intuitive visual feedback during performances and production.
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Is the Novation Launchpad Mk2 suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Novation Launchpad Mk2 is user-friendly and suitable for beginners, offering straightforward integration with Ableton Live, making it easy to start creating music right away.
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How does the Novation Launchpad Mk2 integrate with Ableton Live?
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The Launchpad Mk2 integrates seamlessly with Ableton Live, allowing users to control clips, scenes, and other performance elements directly from the pad grid, enhancing workflow and live performance capabilities.
Videos
Novation
Novation // Launchpad - Official promo
Reviews
PROS
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Excels with Ableton, especially with Launchpad95 script
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Versatile: One-shot sampler, beat repeater, loop player, drum machine functionality
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Brilliant for live performances and studio use
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Supports creative use of lights for shows
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Durable, even when bought used
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Affordable for its range of functions
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Enhances creativity and connection to music
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Acts as both a musical instrument and a DAW controller
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Useful for live sampling beats and experimenting
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Can control audio and video, useful with software like Resolume Arena
CONS
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USB port prone to breaking, affecting durability
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Lacks support and documentation for some DAWs like Mixcraft 8
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Buttons can feel stiff and are not velocity sensitive
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Can freak out/unplug randomly, requiring replugging
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Lacks a visible scale function compared to LaunchPad Pro
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The included cord can become buggy and unreliable
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No official bracket/stand available for easier setup
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation Launchpad Mk2.
Comparisons
Features and functionality
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The Launchpad MK2 maintains RGB lighting and speed-detecting MIDI features similar to newer models, with refinements over time.
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The Launchpad Pro MK2 is noted for having stiff pads, which some find unsuitable for finger drumming.
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The Mk2 does not support some features available on newer models, such as Legacy mode, which addresses compatibility issues with certain Launchpad covers.
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User experience
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Launchpad MK3 Mini has similar responsiveness to Launchpad X, providing a good experience for launching clips and scenes.
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Use cases and applications
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The Launchpad MK2 is still enjoyed by users for its clip-launching capabilities in Ableton, despite being nearly a decade old.
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Software and compatibility
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Some users have experienced issues with firmware updates on the Launchpad Mk2, leading to non-functionality, but Novation offers support for these problems.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 26 Reviews and 119 Ratings
157
I think this is the best launchpad I ever had
I think this is my most used MIDI Controller for over a year!! It has been very usefull in creating beats, and lightshows for my youtube channel!!
Great product, very useful and compatible with a lot of daws
This product is great from many points of view and I recommend it to every beginner or even pro music producer as you will not be dissapointed by it
65
Oooooooo Shiny Buttons
A must have for any user of ableton and the shiny lights are purty. Using it as a loop station and drum machine is my way of using it
72
Fun
I use it to live sample beats. Its also good to have when you want to experiment with beats and have lights in your studio
My favorite kind of Launchpad.
Better than MK1 but cant beat the Launchpad Pro. But this is pretty much my favorite kind of Launchpad.
63
Artist usage
Add artist
In an Instagram post by Martin Garrix, the Novation Launchpad Mk2 is visible on the right side of his desk during show rehearsals in Miami.
Madeon tweets a photo of the box of his Novation Launchpad Mk2 and says, "Playing with the new Launchpad mk2 has been pretty brilliant so far." (Tweet dated June 2015)
Carlos Nilmmns is confirmed to use the Novation Launchpad Mk2, as evidenced by his Instagram post where he is seen jamming on it. The post includes a caption that highlights the collaborative process with Keter Darker and mentions recording vocals in Chicago before heading to Paris, underscoring a journey of 14 years of musical creation.
Album Usage
The Novation Launchpad Mk2 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Novation Launchpad Mk2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.