Novation

Novation AMS-LAUNCHPAD-S-MK2 Launchpad RGB Ableton Live Controller

4.4 (3704 reviews)

Unleash Your Creativity with Seamless Ableton Live Control The Novation Launchpad is the go-to controller for Ableton Live users. Its intuitive 8x8 grid of RGB backlit pads provides comprehensive control over clips, drum racks, and your mixer, all while delivering visually stunning lightshows. I...

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Overview

Unleash Your Creativity with Seamless Ableton Live Control

The Novation Launchpad is the go-to controller for Ableton Live users. Its intuitive 8x8 grid of RGB backlit pads provides comprehensive control over clips, drum racks, and your mixer, all while delivering visually stunning lightshows. Instantly integrates with Ableton Live, offering a streamlined music creation and performance experience.

Specifications:
  • Integration: Seamless with Ableton Live (version 9.2 or greater)
  • Pads: 64 RGB pads that match clip colors in Live
  • Functionality: Clip launching, drum rack control, loop manipulation, track arming, volume/pan/send adjustments
  • Portability: Lightweight and USB bus-powered
  • Expansion: Compatible with additional Launchpads, Launch Control, Launch Control XL, and Launchkey

Key Features

Launchpad integrates with Ableton Live, after a quick and easy setup, giving you the ability to create and perform your own music. If you already have Ableton Live it must be version 9.2 or greater to work with Launchpad

64 RGB pads light up to match the color of your clips in Live; see at a glance what's loaded, playing, and recording

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

Use the grid to play drums and samples with pads pre-mapped to Ableton Lives drum rack; start and stop loops, arm tracks, and control volumes, pans and sends

Launchpad Arcade is an interactive demo that you can use with or without your Launchpad for immediate playability, right out of the box. NOTE: Refer the User Manual before use, Powered USB hub and camera connection kit or USB camera adapter (not included) required for use with iOS devices. Novation now offers a 3-Year Warranty on this and all other Novation products.

Specifications

Pads
64 RGB pads
Software Compatibility
Ableton Live 9.2 or greater
Power Source
USB power
Warranty
3-Year from Novation
Compatibility (iOS)
Requires powered USB hub, camera connection kit or USB camera adapter (not included)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • The 64 RGB pads illuminate to correspond with clip colors in Ableton Live, providing clear visual feedback.
  • This controller delivers bright, vibrant pads powered solely by USB, making it suitable for stage use or light show videos.
  • The unit allows direct control over Ableton Live's drum rack, enabling precise play of drums and samples.
  • Users can manage loops, arm tracks, and adjust volumes, pans, and sends directly from the Launchpad's grid.
  • Novation provides a 3-year warranty for this product, ensuring extended support for hardware issues.

👎 Cons

  • Requires Ableton Live version 9.2 or greater for full integration and functionality with the software.
  • Use with iOS devices necessitates a separate powered USB hub and a camera connection kit or USB camera adapter, which are not included.
  • The product's primary use case is specifically tied to Ableton Live, potentially limiting its versatility with other DAWs without additional mapping.
  • The included demo, Launchpad Arcade, while interactive, may not fully showcase advanced production capabilities of the device for experienced users.
  • This controller is focused on clip launching and basic mixing, and does not include traditional keys or faders found on other MIDI controllers.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Launchpad integrates specifically with Ableton Live, and you will need Ableton Live version 9.2 or greater to ensure compatibility and full functionality.
Yes, the 64 RGB pads on this Launchpad illuminate to match the colors of your clips within Ableton Live, offering clear visual cues.
Absolutely, the grid is designed for playing drums and samples, with pads pre-mapped to Ableton Live's drum rack for immediate use.
No, the bright, colorful pads and the unit itself are powered directly via USB, making it convenient for various setups.
Novation provides a 3-Year Warranty on this Launchpad controller, covering potential issues and ensuring long-term support.
For use with iOS devices, you will need a powered USB hub and either a camera connection kit or a USB camera adapter, which are not included with the product.