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Description
Unleash your creativity with the Novation Launchpad S USB MIDI Controller, a dynamic tool for musicians and producers looking to elevate their Ableton Live experience. With its sleek design and intuitive interface, this MIDI pad controller is your gateway to a seamless music production journey.
The Launchpad S is engineered to enhance your creative workflow, thanks to its 64-button clip-launching grid complemented by 8 scene-launching buttons. Its multicolored backlit buttons give you visual feedback, allowing you to see the status of each clip at a glance, whether you're on stage or in the studio. What sets this controller apart is its Core MIDI compliance, making it not only ideal for use with Mac and PC but also with iOS devices, empowering you to create music anywhere, anytime.
Incorporating Novation's acclaimed Automap software, the Launchpad S simplifies the process of mapping controls, offering seamless integration with VST, AU, RTAS, and TDM plug-ins. This feature ensures intuitive and intelligent control, eliminating the hassle of manual parameter assignments and allowing you more time to focus on what truly matters—your music.
Whether you're triggering clips, scenes, or exploring a multitude of MIDI-mapped possibilities, the Launchpad S is a versatile tool that adapts to your unique style and needs. It's more than just a controller; it's a partner in your creative process.
Key Features:
- 64-button clip-launching grid and 8 scene-launching buttons
- Core MIDI compliant for use with Mac, PC, and iOS devices
- Multicolored backlit buttons for visual feedback
- Includes Novation's Automap software for easy control mapping
- Compatible with a range of plug-ins and standalone samplers
Product specs
| Brand | Novation |
| Model | Launchpad S Pad Controller |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2013 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Pad MIDI Controllers |
| MIDI I/O | USB MIDI |
| Number of Pads | 64 Pads |
FAQs
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Is the Novation Launchpad S compatible with Ableton Live?
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Yes, the Novation Launchpad S is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with Ableton Live, offering comprehensive control over your sessions.
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How many pads does the Novation Launchpad S have?
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The Novation Launchpad S features 64 responsive pads, allowing for extensive control over clips, scenes, and other functions within Ableton Live.
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Can the Novation Launchpad S be used to control other DAWs besides Ableton Live?
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While the Launchpad S is optimized for Ableton Live, it can also function as a MIDI controller for other DAWs, though some features may require additional setup.
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Does the Novation Launchpad S require an external power supply?
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No, the Novation Launchpad S is powered via USB, eliminating the need for an external power supply.
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What are the dimensions and weight of the Novation Launchpad S?
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The Novation Launchpad S is compact and lightweight, making it highly portable for live performances and studio work.
Videos
Novation
Novation // Launchpad S Control Pack ft Ableton Live Lite performance.
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent integration with Ableton Live for intuitive control
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Durable build quality withstands frequent use
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Versatile for both live performances and studio work
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Bright LEDs and fast response improve the user experience
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User-friendly for beginners, yet powerful for advanced users
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Supports a wide range of functions beyond basic MIDI control
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Enables creative performances with light shows and clip launching
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Portable and lightweight for musicians on the go
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Class Compliant for easy setup without the need for drivers
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Compatible with multiple DAWs, increasing its versatility
CONS
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Pads can feel stiff, affecting playability
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Limited color options compared to newer models
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Learning curve to fully utilize all features
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Primarily designed for performance, not as a keyboard substitute
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Programming for advanced visual performances can be challenging
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation Launchpad S USB Midi Controller for Ableton Live.
Software and compatibility
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The Launchpad S is primarily designed for Ableton and Reaper, struggling with Reason where note mapping is inconsistent and lacks proper device recognition.
Source -
Registration with Novation can offer free Ableton Live Lite, where the Launchpad S operates correctly, contrasting its performance in Reason.
Source
Features and functionality
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In Reason, the Launchpad S displays unexpected MIDI behavior, with notes ascending horizontally but descending vertically, and function buttons triggering MIDI notes.
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The Launchpad S offers improved lighting, making it more visually appealing, especially in dark settings and video recordings.
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Use cases and applications
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While launching clips in Ableton is seamless, using the Launchpad S for MIDI note control in DAWs like Reason proves challenging and unintuitive.
Source
User experience
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Owners trying to use the Launchpad S with Reason found setup cumbersome, often resulting in abandoned projects due to complex manual mapping requirements.
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Comparisons
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The Launchpad S is recommended for those who want FL Studio compatibility, whereas the basic model is sufficient for exclusive Ableton use.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 58 Reviews and 227 Ratings
187
Ace all round controller
The Launchpad is the machine that introduced me to music technology in the first place. After watching numerous youtube videos of people boasting about it's functionalities I had to get one. I got it along with the Launch Control in a pack. I now use the Launchpad to both play software MIDI instruments and launch scenes in ableton.
72
Love the feeling of the pads and the design light and endurable...
I use the Launchpad mainly just for sends when dubbing my tracks or performing my non-Dub tracks i use it for launching clips and scenes and controlling my Custom Drum Racks inside Live...
252
Great grid controller
I had the original Launchpad and when, the Launchpad S came out I bought it immediately because of the faster response and brighter LED's. There are great applications and Max for Live devices to extend the functionality and make the Launchpad S very versatile.
111
Versatile tool for DJing with session view focus
This is my main launchpad i DJ with, this one is specifically used for launching all my songs, samples and effects in my arranged session view. I can switch over to other modes but i tend to stick with session view as my other launchpad is used for different modes and sections of the launchpad like User 1 & 2 mode, the mixer mode, sends returns, panning etc.
Launchpad S is nice
I get this Launchpad S from my birthday gifts. Very helping me to make music and connect with Ableton or FL Studio. Maybe not have a lot of color like a Launchpad Pro but I'm still happy because this is my first tool
Artist usage
Add artist
Alan Walker was seen using the Launchpad from various scene throughout the video during the X-Games Oslo
For Example 1.20, 2.06, 2.18
Visible in this live performance of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing," particularly at 5:43.
When Noisia perform live, Thijs uses the Launchpad S to control Ableton Live on a MacBook Air. The Launchpad's ruggedness is key to life on tour, as he explains, “durability is the most important thing: Launchpads have no parts sticking out, no pots or knobs that can be broken when you slide your laptop in your bag, nothing. We have been traveling with them in our too-full backpacks for years and they've never broken. And the response on them is immediate, and they're very well thought out."
In this video of Chet Faker performing on KCRW you can see a Launchpad between other controllers around :50s.
Posted on Clams Casino's official Instagram page captioned, "Thanks @wearenovation x @nickhook for the launchpad Also picked up the new apc @akai_pro"
M4SONIC talks about his 4 Launchpad S setup in this video interview from Novation.
Machine Girl uses a Novation Launchpad S USB MIDI Controller for Ableton Live, visible on their table during the live performance at Milkrun, as seen in the YouTube video "Machine Girl Live at Milkrun."
"Hi guys! This is my first attempt at playing one of my songs live on the Launchpad."
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 S USB Midi Controller for Ableton Live, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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