Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller

Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller Review

Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller Feature

• Seamless integration of Launchpad and Ableton Live
• Backlit multi-color 64-button grid provides instant session overview
• Ideal for launching clips and scenes
• No additional power supply needed - single lead USB-powered from your computer
• Supports multi-unit operation - connect up to 6 Launchpads at a time

The compact Novation Launchpad is designed to give electronic music makers the most interactive experience possible in Ableton Live. Jointly designed by Ableton and Novation, Launchpad communicates bi-directionally with the software to give you real-time session feedback. With a multi-color 64-button grid and dedicated scene launch buttons, Launchpad can trigger and manipulate clips in Live as well as provides a totally new way of controlling Ableton Live's mixer. Launchpad's buttons can be used to sketch out beats with drum racks, and they can be assigned to other functions in Live using Ableton's Learn mode.

The 64-button grid and scene launch buttons are ideal for controlling clips and scenes (see larger pop-up image).

Launchpad gets all the power it needs via USB, and you can connect up to six units at once via a USB hub.

The device is bus-powered from a single USB connection, and has a ten-inch square desktop footprint. Rubber feet ensure Launchpad stays secure on the surface on which it's placed, and an optional padded neoprene travel sleeve is available. The Launchpad ships with a dedicated Launchpad edition of Ableton Live 8, but it can also control almost any other music software using Novation's award-winning Automap control software. It's compatible with both Mac OS and Windows operating systems.

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Key Features

• Launch clips and scenes: Launchpad's 64-button grid and dedicated scene launch buttons are ideal for launching and controlling your clips and scenes.
• Innovative control over your mix: Including volume, pans, sends, track arming, soloing and muting. Launchpad lets you jump to different levels across eight channels at once.
• Sketch out beats: Launchpad can be used to play drum racks, creating beats and triggering samples in real time.
• Controlling other functions Launchpad can be used to control other functions using Ableton's 'Learn' mode. This includes Ableton's knobs and faders, which can be assigned to rows of buttons on Launchpad.
• Multiple unit operation: Connect up to 6 Launchpads at a time. Expand your grid with multiple Launchpads, or have one Launchpad dedicated to mixer mode, and the other to launching clips.
• Expand your Ableton control solution: Novation's Automap-enabled controllers work seamlessly together--a ZeRO SL MkII to control the mix, whilst Launchpad triggers clips.
• Automap-enabled: Launchpad can control other DAWs and plug-ins using Novation's Automap control software. Automap can assign controls to software parameters on VST/AU/RTAS/TDM plug-ins by simply clicking on them, and touching a controller.
• See what you're triggering: Automap provides a customizable heads-up transparent display across your computer screen. Ideal for seeing at a glance samples that you're about to trigger.
• QWERTY keyboard shortcuts: Automap PRO, an optional upgrade available to purchase online, lets you assign almost any computer keyboard shortcut, and combinations thereof, to Launchpads buttons.
• Old-school MIDI control: Utilizing Automap, Launchpad can operate as a standard MIDI controller, creating custom MIDI maps with 72 of its buttons transmitting either CC or MIDI note data.
• Flexible trigger platform for Max MSP and Reaktor programmers: Programmers can utilize variable brightness and multi-color LED states to their full advantage when designing new and innovative tools in Max MSP and Reaktor.
• Launchpad and Max for Live: Max is a visual programming environment that allows you to custom build instruments and effects. Launchpad can be used to control these instruments. For example, parameters on Max for Live's step sequencer can be triggered using Launchpad's buttons. Launchpad gives you a huge amount of visual feedback. Multiple colors and brightnesses across different buttons display visual information about whether the note is on, the velocity, note length, pitch, and whatever else you want to see.

What's in the Box
Launchpad, USB cable, DVD-ROM with Ableton Live 8 Launchpad Version (Mac and PC installers) and 1 GB of Loopmaster sample content

Specifications

• Physical Controls and Indicators:
  • 64 (8x8 grid) square multi-color backlit buttons
  • 8 round multi-color backlit system buttons (assignable)
  • 8 round multi-color backlit function buttons (not assignable)
• Connectivity: USB 1.1
• Mac system requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later; Intel Mac or G4 and higher processor
• Windows system requirements: Windows XP or Vista; 1.5 GHz or faster processor; 512 MB of RAM (1 GB recommended)
• Dimensions: 9.45 x 9.45 x 0.79 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 25 ounces (1 pound, 9 ounces)

The new Novation Launchpad has been jointly designed by Novation and Ableton, integrating instantly and seamlessly to provide a powerful and musical way to physically and visually interact with Ableton Live. Whether you’re a DJ, performing musician or studio producer, Launchpad gives you all you need to truly ‘play' Live. Just load up Live, plug in the Launchpad, and you're ready to roll. With a multi-color 64-button grid and dedicated scene launch buttons, Launchpad is purpose built for triggering and manipulating clips in Live, and it also offers a totally new way of controlling Ableton Live’s mixer. Launchpad's buttons can be used to sketch out beats with drum racks, and they can be assigned to other functions in Live using Ableton's 'Learn' mode. Launchpad ships with a dedicated ‘Launchpad edition’ of Ableton Live 8, but can control almost any other music software using Novation's award-winning 'Automap' control software. Automap provides a customizable display and editing control maps and allows the user to operate the Launchpad as a standard MIDI controller, creating custom MIDI maps with 72 of its buttons transmitting either CC or MIDI note data. Since Novation was born in 1992, the company name has become synonymous with world-class analog modeling synthesizers and unrivalled MIDI controller keyboards and solutions. The product range continues to receive critical acclaim from the music press and win numerous awards for outstanding technology and usability. Fantastic build quality, true musical instrument feel and intuitive controls are just three of the reasons why Novation's digital musical instruments are simply a joy to play.

Novation 25 SL MkII USB Midi Controller Keyboard 25 Keys

Novation 25 SL MkII USB Midi Controller Keyboard 25 Keys Review

Novation 25 SL MkII USB Midi Controller Keyboard 25 Keys Feature

• High quality professional keyboard
• Illuminated controls provide instant visual feedback
• Giant 144-character LCD screen
• Huge array of touch-sensitive controls
• Includes Automap 3 PRO Control Software

Novation's 25 SL Mk II has been designed to give you complete control over your music making software. We have worked with each of the main DAW manufacturers to make sure each of the fifty-six knobs, faders, and buttons control the things in your software that you need them to control. SL MkII can directly control your plug-in instruments and FX (you also get an Italian made, semi-weighted keyboard mechanism). SL MkII comes with Automap, a piece of software that has been designed to make the job of assigning your hardware controls to various software parameters quick and easy. Automap enables knobs, faders and buttons to instantly control plug-in instruments/FX, as well as your sequencer's mixer, transport controls and more. Open a plug-in instrument/FX, and you have instant access to all the plug-in parameters. This allows you to assign knobs, faders and buttons, by simply clicking on the software parameter, and touching the control! Novation was born, back in 1992, the company name has become synonymous with world-class analogue modeling synthesizers and unrivalled MIDI controller keyboards and solutions. The product range continues to receive critical acclaim from the music press and win numerous awards for outstanding technology and usability. Fantastic build quality, true musical instrument feel and intuitive controls are just three of the reasons why Novation's digital musical instruments are simply a joy to play. To keep products up to date and in tune with the user's needs, Novation continually provides improved operating systems and brand new software available for download. OS updates are fueled and inspired by suggestions from existing users, so comments about Novation products are actively encouraged.

Novation ZeRO SL MkII USB Midi Controller

Novation ZeRO SL MkII USB Midi Controller Review

Novation ZeRO SL MkII USB Midi Controller Feature

• Illuminated controls provide instant visual feedback
• Giant 144-character LCD screen
• Huge array of touch-sensitive controls
• Includes Automap 3 PRO Control Software
• High quality professional keyboard

The Novation ZeRO SL Mk II has been designed to give you complete control over your music making software. We have worked with each of the main DAW manufacturers to make sure each of the 56 knobs, faders and buttons control the things in your software that you need them to control. The SL MkII can directly control your plug-in instruments and FX. The control surface is almost identical to the SL MkII keyboards, but it has longer throw faders (60mm) and a central crossfader. Weighing in at just over six pounds and being bus powered, it is already a firm favorite with performers. SL MkII comes with Automap, a piece of software that has been designed to make the job of assigning your hardware controls to various software parameters quick and easy. Automap enables knobs, faders and buttons to instantly control plug-in instruments/FX, as well as your sequencer's mixer, transport controls and more. Open a plug-in instrument/FX, and you have instant access to all the plug-in parameters. This allows you to assign knobs, faders and buttons, by simply clicking on the software parameter, and touching the control! Novation was born, back in 1992, the company name has become synonymous with world-class analogue modeling synthesizers and unrivalled MIDI controller keyboards and solutions. The product range continues to receive critical acclaim from the music press and win numerous awards for outstanding technology and usability. Fantastic build quality, true musical instrument feel and intuitive controls are just three of the reasons why Novation's digital musical instruments are simply a joy to play. To keep products up to date and in tune with the user's needs, Novation continually provides improved operating systems and brand new software available for download. OS updates are fueled and inspired by suggestions from existing users, so comments about Novation products are actively encouraged.

Novation Nocturn Compact Intelligent Plug-In Desktop Controller with Automap Universal Technology

Novation Nocturn Compact Intelligent Plug-In Desktop Controller with Automap Universal Technology Review

Novation Nocturn Compact Intelligent Plug-In Desktop Controller with Automap Universal Technology Feature

• Exclusive Automap Universal 2.0 technology leaves you free to focus on your music
• Automap Universal 2.0 provides a transparent control map across your computer screen so you can see at a glance how every parameter is assigned
• An instant access touch-sensitive 'speed dial' control for composers and performers alike, allowing you to take control of whatever your mouse is focused on
• Also features eight touch-sensitive rotary encoders with bright, eleven-LED rings - simply touch an encoder to assign to any parameter.
• The lap-top DJ solution, alongside brightly lit encoders, Nocturn features illuminated buttons and a smooth, professional 45mm cross-fader, ideal for DJ'ing in a dark club environment
• An instant access touch-sensitive 'speed dial' control for composers and performers alike
• The lap-top DJ solution, alongside brightly lit encoders, Nocturn features illuminated buttons and a smooth
• Eight touch-sensitive rotary encoders with bright, eleven-LED rings - simply touch an encoder to assign to any parameter.
• Professional 45mm cross-fader, ideal for DJ'ing in a dark club environment

Novation's most affordable hardware controller to date, Nocturn is an intelligent plug-in controller that promises to unleash the full potential of all your favourite instruments and effects. Featuring the latest Automap Universal 2.0 software, exclusive to Novation controllers, Nocturn provides automatic, instant and intelligent control of all automatable plug-ins within every major sequencer, including Pro Tools. Nocturn features eight touch-sensitive rotary encoders, each equipped with a bright eleven-LED ring (ideal for laptop DJ'ing in a dark club environment). These are accompanied by eight user-assignable illuminated buttons and a smooth, professional 45mm cross-fader. The finishing touch is Novation's unique ‘speed dial'; a touch-sensitive rotary encoder that instantly takes control of whatever your mouse is focused on! Featuring a revolutionary new 'heads-up transparent control GUI', Automap Universal 2.0 places a transparent control map across your computer screen, to be recalled or hidden at will. Little or no user setup is required and plug-in control can be exactly the way you want it, no matter what music software you use. Just boot up the plug-in and you'll see at a glance how the parameters are automatically assigned to each of Nocturn's controls. An instant click and control ‘learn' function is also available for quick re-assigning of controls, or for creating your own controller map in seconds. Multiple page options mean that you can assign a potentially infinite number of parameters for each plug-in.

Novation Nocturn 25 USB MIDI Interface Keyboard Controller, 25-Keys, NOCTURN 25

Novation Nocturn 25 USB MIDI Interface Keyboard Controller, 25-Keys, NOCTURN 25 Review

Novation Nocturn 25 USB MIDI Interface Keyboard Controller, 25-Keys, NOCTURN 25 Feature

• 25 key high quality professional keyboard
• Illuminated controls provide instant visual feedback
• 8 touch-sensitive encoders
• Auto-touch software allows you to instantly assign controllers to plug-ins
• Total of 33 MIDI assignable controls

The Nocturn Keyboard from Novation is an intelligent plug-in/sequencer controller. It is a high quality professional keyboard that plays like an instrument rather than a computer peripheral. With a high quality 'Fatar' keyboard, 8 velocity-sensitive drum pads, and a total of 33 MIDI assignable controls, the Nocturn allows you to get hands-on control of your plug-in instruments, effects and sequencer. Brightly lit 11-segment LED rings around the eight smooth encoders, and backlit buttons throughout provide instant visual feedback for every physical control. All 8 oversized encoders are touch-sensitive, bringing up mapping information and automation data on DAW’s with a ‘touch’ mode. In addition to the high quality hardware, what really sets Nocturn Keyboard apart is the Automap control software, which is included with each Nocturn Keyboard purchase. Automap acts as a software interface for the unit. It allows you to map parameters in your software plug-ins straight to dials and buttons on the controller by simply clicking on a parameter, then touching the controller. The Automap feature also enables you to keep track of what assignments have already been made. Instead of a small monochrome LCD screen, Nocturn Keyboard displays control information where you really need it - on your computer monitor. The Automap software graphically displays Nocturn’s control surface. The controllers themselves also tell you what is going on: LED rings around the 8 encoders show their current settings, and LED’s behind the buttons tell you if they are on or off. The Nocturn Keyboard can be set up for use as a serious DAW/sequencer controller, including its ground-breaking Automap control of all VST/AU/RTAS/TDM plug-ins. The Nocturn Keyboard is powered by USB-saving valuable plug sockets. It can also be powered down without being unplugged, preserving battery power in laptops. Fantastic build quality, true musical instrument feel and intuitive controls are just three of the many reasons why Novation's Nocturn Keyboard is simply a joy to play.

Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller Bundle

Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller Bundle Review

Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller Bundle Feature

• Automap provides a customizable heads-up transparent display across your computer screen
• Automap-enabled for instant, intelligent control over VST, Audio Units, RTAS and TDM plug-ins

The Ableton Live Controller

Jointly designed by Ableton and Novation, Launchpad places Ableton Live at your fingertips. Whether you're a DJ, performing musician or studio producer, Launchpad gives you all you need to truly 'play' Live.

Launchpad is ultra-portable. It is USB bus powered (no need for power sockets), and weights in at just 717gms (one third the weight of a macbook!).

With a multi-colour 64-button grid and dedicated scene launch buttons, Launchpad is purpose built for triggering and manipulating clips in Live, it also offers a totally new way of controlling Ableton Live's mixer. Launchpad's buttons can be used to sketch out beats with drum racks, and they can be assigned to other functions in Live using Ableton's 'Learn' mode.

Launchpad ships with a dedicated 'Launchpad edition' of Ableton Live 8, but can control almost any other music software using Novation's award-winning 'Automap' control software.

This Set Includes
* Novation LAUNCHPAD Hardware Controller for Ableton Live
* Novation Sleeve Soft Carry Sleeve for Launchpad