Novation Launchpad X next generation is here
The Novation Launchpad X and Launchpad Mini is the next generation Launchpad, with even more expressive pads and customization than ever!
Since the dawn of Ableton Live, grid-based MIDI controllers have become a very popular choice as they offer hands-on control for Ableton’s intuitive non-linear performance mode.
Novation weren’t the first to dive into the world of grid-based controllers, however, they certainly popularised them with their highly-affordable original line of Launchpads.
At first, the controllers were rather primitive – only offering a trigger action for clips and various transport controls.
However as technology advances and the market becomes more competitive and demanding, huge leaps are bound to be made.
The new Novation Launchpad X takes the Launchpad series to new heights, featuring even more expressive velocity and pressure sensitive RGB pads, various easily configurable custom modes and more.
While the previous range allowed for a certain level of customization, it required a bit of effort to get everything up and running.
The new range uses the Novation Components web app to quickly-and-easily set up your own custom mappings and works around a drag-and-drop interface.
Drop the widgets of your choice in place and assign what they do, and you’re off to the races.
What’s the big difference?
I already own a Novation Launchpad Pro and I’m happy with how it works, however, I will say it did take some time to set up all my custom mappings, and when I want to change something it takes a bit of effort. This new system looks incredibly intuitive and offers some features that weren’t available before, such as custom seamless sliders and more.
The previous range had three options, however, the new series comes in two variants. They’ve done away with a “pro” version and introduced all the features into both versions – the regular and mini.
Both options are also more compact than the previous range and pricing is as follows:
- Launchpad X – USD $230 (Around R3500 excl. duties)
- Launchpad Mini – USD $115 (Around R1750 excl. duties)
For more information check out the Novation website here.
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