It can also be toggled on or off mid recording, which essentially doubles the control features available at any one time. When “InControl” is off, the pads, faders, and knobs can be mapped to whatever you see fit. When on, “InControl” automatically maps its pads, faders, and knobs to the corresponding clips, track volume faders, and the selected instrument/effect controls, respectively. Novation’s “InControl” feature takes the Launchkey’s functionality much deeper. The 16 pads on the Launchkey are velocity sensitive and, like the Launchpad, are used for instrument control or launching clips. The very small downfalls of the Launchpad were made completely irrelevant when used in conjunction with the Launchkey, its main functions stepping in to create a true production hub. The only gripe in regards to the user modes is that the pads are not velocity sensitive, but again, it’s not definitely not a deal breaker. The Launchpad’s two user modes feature the most flexibility, sending MIDI data and allowing you to play drum racks and instruments, MIDI-map to control effects, and sequence and control mostly any Max4Live device. In mixer mode, the Launchpad allows you to control volume, panning, and sends and returns-although, when controlling the volume, it’s not as accurate as a fader would be, with the volume taking rather large steps up or down. Its primary use, and where it really excels, is in Ableton’s session view launching clips. The Launchpad’s 8 non-assignable function buttons running horizontally across the top of the unit act as its control center, allowing for fast, responsive, and easy access to the session view, mixer controls, and the two user modes. This definitely isn’t a deal breaker, but it would be a nice inclusion for the units to include five-pin MIDI sockets for the possibility of controlling hardware.Īlthough the two units do share overlapping functions, there are clear areas where each stand out. The Launchpad and Launchkey are also exclusively connected and powered by USB.
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This also applies to the Launchkey’s 16 pads, taking the both unit’s integration with Ableton even further and allowing for easy experimentation with arrangements and instruments-the RGB update, when color coded correctly, is a godsend when playing live, drastically minimizing the risk of hitting the wrong clip, not to mention allowing for a more engrossing show for the audience.īoth units are completely class-compliant, which means that you can just “plug and play” with no installation necessary on any Mac or Windows-the units also work seamlessly with iOS, although a powered USB hub is needed, as well as a camera connection kit or a lightning to USB camera adapter. The Launchpad features an 8×8 grid of pads, which can be used to launch clips, play drum racks and instruments, and control mixer settings, and with the RGB update, the pads now match, color for color, the clips in your Ableton session. Once plugged in via the USB bus powers, you’ll immediately notice that both unit’s eye-catching RGB LEDs light up, giving a glimpse into the possibilities available when playing live.
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The Launchpad, on the other hand, sits at a very portable and small, 9.5 x 9.5 inches, allowing for easy transportation and storage. At nearly 40 inches, the unit didn’t leave much room for anything else on a standard size desk. One problem with the Launchkey-and this would relate to most bedroom producers-was its length. Both units feel right at home sitting on a desk, they both have molded rubber bottoms which sit perfectly flat and stick to most surfaces, causing very minimal movement when in use. Upon unboxing, I noticed that both the Launchpad and the Launchkey 61 are made of a quite sturdy, albeit very light, plastic-the Launchpad weighs in at 1.5 pounds, with the Launchkey 61 at around 20 pounds. This year, Novation decided to give them all a revamp, with all the previously mentioned units now featuring RGB LED backlit pads. The Launchkeys are a hybrid of sorts, fusing pads, keys, knobs, and faders for an altogether more complete unit. In 2013, Novation then introduced its Launchkey range, featuring a Mini version, as well as the 25, 49, and 61-key units. Aiming at Ableton’s session view, and with a simplistic approach to clip launching, control, and integration, the unit quickly became a must-have device for producers and live performers the very modest retail price was the icing on the cake. Novation’s Launchpad-which has now expanded to Pro, Mini, and app versions-has been a staple in the Ableton world (and the rest of the DAW world, for that matter) for many years now.
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