Review: LaunchPad X vs MINI MK3 // Custom layout tutorial // Novation LaunchPad

[@caydilemma3309]

Novation’s new aesthetic is so so good

[@raresideb]

Agreed

[@st0rmchild]

Yeah, looks really nice.

[@recovered_file]

Less is more - a design state of mind

[@DopamineOverload]

They're listening. Custom MIDI mapping. So, so dope. What they need now is to not abandon the Launchpad Pro owners-- add LP Pro to Components, so people can do their own custom midi mappings the same way. Good stuff, Loopop. Thanks for the great vid!

[@AndyChannelle]

This. I just installed Components to configure Launchkey Mini Mk3 (and play with my Circuit). Was expecting the LP Pro in there, but nothing...

[@pixelflow]

@loopop work your magic!

[@loopop]

Don't I wish to have such powers to get the features I want!

[@pixelflow]

@@loopop Yeah but you can be our Novation-whisperer!

[@loopop]

Actually I asked them to read all the comments here because there's interesting feedback and they said they did, so, you are officially the Novation-whisperer now!

[@JunkyardSam]

The detail level of this comparison was incredibly helpful. Well done. Thank you!

[@christinehiggins2039]

Thanks Loopop! I needed to set up my launchpad X to control my blackbox. I found your video, jumped to 9 minutes in and 30 seconds later I had what I needed. Thanks!

[@JoshuaFricke]

This thing is awesome. Ive had one for a week now with very little self taught knowledge of music and now Im drifting off to different command chaining lights to a full bar pulsing every quarter note for a simple rhythmic metronome while I practice drumming to drumless funk on youtube. I have big hands, get the X.

[@lundsweden]

I am weighing up which Launchpad to buy, this comparison is very useful. I'm thinking of going for the mini- its cheap, small and probably has most of the features I'd use.

[@ShyEnkai]

You are so incredibly good at deep diving into any piece of gear!

[@MrCheesecake]

I recognize those lights!

[@パステル猫-z6y]

Wym?

[@poonxal]

@@パステル猫-z6y mrcheesecake made the lightshow on the intro and lightshow part

[@BeniRoseMusic]

Kinda bummed they nerfed that Mini, I would happily pay the same price as the X for a Mini that has the same features. I just want the smaller footprint.

[@cyndacat76]

I mean, it's got enough features to work with

[@BeniRoseMusic]

@@cyndacat76 As a performance tool, no doubt. But in the studio, I want it to be smart so I don't have to waste time configuring templates and stuff.

[@rokko_fable]

i was just about to buy the mini expextinf it to have built in scales mode... glad i researched it first. Lame that they purposefully left out fearures

[@fcf8269]

Same here, I don't care about the 50 dollars difference, but space is a premium for me, so I would like the option of smaller pad controller with all the features of the X

[@TheEpicPancake]

@@fcf8269 Launchpad 95 adds a good few features similar to the X, though seeing as I haven't been in the scene in a hot minute I'm a little out of date and I'm not sure the full extent of what was added to the X compared to the Mk 2

[@accountcreatoperidownload7321]

I decided to buy launchpad mini for both FLStudio and Ableton...it is really good 👍🏻👍🏻

[@9Lumberjack6]

Hey, I'm thinking about getting the Mini for finger drumming. I also use FL Studio. Are you happy with it? Unfortunately there are hardly any good alternatives. :(

[@HGCProd]

this vid just sold me on Ableton live. I was on the fence between Ableton and FL, mainly because I didn't know how the session view worked. now I see how powerful it can actually be 💯 thank you so much great video 👍🏾

[@adpt_music]

I imagine they are using the same LEDs in both launchpad models but because the smaller model has a smaller surface area per pad, it makes them appear brighter overall as there is less surface area for the light to diffuse through vs the big model's pads.

[@Neverkilltime]

You are correct, same led size just a bigger diffuser in the form of the pad surface. Good call out :)

[@jimgravesus]

Thanks yet again. I'm getting the mini. Best suited for my needs.

[@itsBoo]

I feel like this new launchpads are a real evolution from the other versions

[@lacramitus2128]

I love the mini! Wish it was velocity sensitive. Thats the only thing stopping me from buying one. Also a midi out would make it perfect.

[@user-gc2ne6is7z]

Super thorough, as always. What bought me to this review is that Expert Sleepers have recently added sequencer capability to the FH-2. The sequencer is controlled via the Launchpad. I've recently replaced my Squarp Hermod with an FH-2, to save case space. Now, having the sequencing capability and larger hardware surface for sequencing could be very useful. Expert sleepers have some tutorial videos on step sequencing, Euclidean sequencing via the FH-2 + Launchpad elsewhere on KZbin.

[@HOLODECK-MUSIC-PROJECT]

He is sooo fast ! ;-) (a review at the same day of press Release)

[@juschu85]

I would expect he received the devices earlier along with an NDA that he can't release the review or talk about the devices until a certain time today. Sonicstate released their video just a few minutes later.

[@dgenr8s]

super informative review, the setup / intro and the timeline on left give huge value! great going!

[@jc3drums916]

If Novation would make a LP Pro Mini with a built-in sequencer, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. Include CV/Gate outs and clock sync I/O, and I'd buy it even faster.

[@mikeexits]

Novation makes the Circuit already so I don't think they'll do that anytime soon. But man, wouldn't it be awesome to have an 8 track sequencer on a Circuit-style control surface? I sure think so. They'd need to add velocity sensitivity too of course. I think the biggest weakness of the circuit is only having 2 synth MIDI out tracks.

[@nathanksimpson]

There’s probably a way to program it to run a sequencer plugin.

[@strangersun7721]

Cool. Love Novation stuff. Not sure I'll dump my Launchpad Pro for one of these, but I'd sure like to see a "Pro" version on them.

[@pixelflow]

I love the pro's hackable firmware. But that layout editor is touchOSC levels of cool. I wonder if the aftertouch response is any better, pro needs a bit of a heavy press.

[@raresideb]

I have the Pro as well, but I'm considering getting the Mini (or X) for portable use. That way, I can keep the Pro at home and have the Mini/X with me at school.

[@juschu85]

1:47 That makes sense. It's probably the same type of LED but on the Launchpad X it has to illuminate a bigger surface.

[@Piyushrahi]

there is no type of led an led light is just led light. The only difference is of led size

[@juschu85]

​@@Piyushrahi I get what you mean. They're all based on the same principle. But I wouldn't agree that this means they're all the same type. "A different type" can describe more than just a difference in the core principle. In this case, it would mean they have the same part number. And in the end, my comment was just about my assumption that they have the same brightness. And I think we agree that not every LED in the world has the same brightness.

[@juschu85]

@Oli Chromoly I don't know what this has to do with my comment, but a playing clip is slowly pulsing in green and a triggered clip which is not yet playing is flashing a bit faster in green. So exactly the same as on Ableton Push.

[@LostStylus]

I wish there was a version of mini with velocity and pressure sensitivity - it would be awesome for travelling. I mean, why not created a pricier version of mini?

[@ps7ykLiTT]

Because then people (like myself) would question the need for the X. If the Mini had velocity pads, I wouldn't have purchased the X.

[@sethwaldo]

Damn yourperfect logic!@@ps7ykLiTT

[@thunderskins]

Thanks for answering every question I had about these and more. You’re the man.

[@Addy323]

time stamps helped a lot!

[@thelighthouse7671]

I have the launchpad mini and launchkey mini, both are awesome to keep on your desk!

[@lachlanrussell18]

It is so very worth noting that the session view of both of these launchpad’s session views are completely incompatible with live 9. I brought the launchpad mini and was super duper disappointed I couldn’t use it as a looping device. Novation told me it was because of the midi scripts included in live 9. They don’t advertise this at all

[@tomelwich49]

You are killin it Loo...keep up the great work!

[@Pummelfay]

Logic 10.5 now supports this too - maybe you wanna do an update? ✌️

[@carlosclaptrix]

Extremely clear and informative review.

[@agentmirv]

I had a knee-jerk reaction of wanting one of these, but now I realize that I get a good amount of functionality with the Launchpad classic I already have when I use it with the (free) Launchpad95 midi remote scripts.

[@Dhruvinator]

wow give this man a job at novation

[@pixelflow]

That midi layout editor is pretty OP considering you can have multiple midi channels right in front of you!

[@jeremjerem]

Custom layout !!! I’m so hyped 😁👍

[@mattitch2859]

i still use my mark 1. Thinking about getting the mini though. looks dope

[@SoulSheIS]

I'm curious how this works in other DAWs, also. At first, I couldn't quite wrap my head at how the Launchpad worked, but after watching I would be interested in the mini. Really digging the form factor and possibilities. Thank you for your overview.

[@Jatherton11]

Got one and could not get it to work with Studio One 3 Pro, or Native Instruments stand alone. Can only get it to work with Ableton Live. Novation stated it had to be “Mapped correctly; however, I use a decade old Roland MIDI Keyboard and had no issues whatsoever. Ready to trade it in for the Presonus Atom.

[@nagynorbie]

I'll buy the X as soon as it will be available in my country. The Push might still be better, but it's also a lot more expensive and has features that I'd never use. Thanks for the review !

[@raresideb]

Oh my god I want the Push so bad

[@OldTeaz]

1:47 you can see that the exact same LEDs between both of them it’s just one of them has less room to defuse and darken.

[@rakhit]

This makes complete sense if you don't have a Push 2 controller. At a fraction of the cost as well. I prefer my Push 2 and APC40 MkII but if I had neither I'd pick up the X. It incorporates a lot of the base functionality as the Push controller when controlling your scenes, playing drums and notes.

[@mikenoface]

These look awesome. I’ll wait for Pro mk2 or Pro X ... whatever they decide to call it.

[@fincorrigan7139]

A very wise decision given the launch of Pro Mk 3 last week :). It has a 4 track sequencer and is standalone with MIDI in/out via mini cable dongles and BPM clock out. Ordered it straight away,.

[@pontram]

Its always nice to see a midi controller, natively capable of polyphonic aftertouch, developed for a DAW that isn't natively compatible with polyphonic aftertouch ;-) Which means, without some Voodoo from Cyclick74 and Max4Live usage, nobody will get any Polypressure into Ableton with this. Am I right, even in V10 ?

[@mikeexits]

Honestly, with how hard you have to press before aftertouch even starts registering, I prefer not having it be polyphonic. My fingers would probably hurt after a while of playing with it.

[@MrSevenEleven]

No sir

[@DodaGarcia]

This was most thorough, thank you

[@Vitacity]

Good stuff man!

[@Podacastsdaily]

im thinking of buying one now im FOR SURE gonna buy one!

[@nathanksimpson]

Wow. Amazingly detailed!

[@JD-xo2wz]

The VERY SAME DAY I just bought an old launchpad mini!!!! ARRRGH!!!

[@JamieClark]

J D same... if the new one had pressure sensitive pads like Circuit, I would be real 😡 but I guess I could resell the mini at a bit of a loss and pick this up if it’s legit better for my uses

[@Eric-qi9us]

yo I'm so sorry

[@12copablo]

Gosh.. again no sequencer? I'm keeping my launchpad 95...First generation launchpad with melodic and step sequencer here...

[@discomonarch5744]

Very helpful video. Thank you very much!

[@marcellokabora]

Well done tutorial, thanks :)

[@fcf8269]

Is there a way with the mini, to arm record on a track to record a scene, switch to empty scenes and commit recorded patters? What most reviews does point out is that the mini is just to trigger clips, while I am looking for something I can put on my desk and use instead of the keyboard, to not only move around scenes and trigger them, but most importantly, to record

[@Eric-qi9us]

you can arm and record if you create a custom mode using the novation components

[@superstarenglish2989]

Thank you... you probably know how to use it in a more meaningful way than the developers themselves.

[@josephakinwusi9818]

thanks dude super helpful

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

That was such an informative comparison. Thank you and god bless. ❤

[@FoxxPrimeau]

Would I be able to use this in FL studio?

[@sebastianvega4576]

can you edit the session layout from these devices? like deleting and moving clips, not just starting them. that would be perfect for me

[@danbanfield]

Great review - does it have midi editing or step sequencer mode? It'd be nice if it had a mode something like the novation circuit that was linked to midi notes in the ableton editor.

[@loopop]

Thanks! Not currently

[@fakshen1973]

It looks like the LEDs are about the same size for both units. So in the smaller unit the LEDs are more tightly packed and there's less pad to disperse the light underneath. The moment the figure out how to put a readable LCD or the equivalent under a decent MPC-style button... that.

[@MarcWeertsMusic]

Excellent, really useful video!

[@fabianknuth5130]

I really don't like what Novation is doing there. Don't get me wrong, these are (or at least the X version) two really cool Midi controllers and they got features which are amazing. BUT I really don't like the seperation they are doing with these both controllers. On the hardware side the are pretty similar exept the preassure sensetivity and the rest is just software. It's like they don't want to make the MINI a good controller. They have the exact same count of buttons and transfering the exclusive "X features" to the MINI one can't be that hard.

[@AlfonxB]

This is what i was thinking too. I don't understand why the mini should not have the same features. They got the same Hardware... The difference is just Software. I think a lot of people would appreciate to have a mighty mini version. The same is going on with NI Komplete Kontrol M32/A25. I have the M32. It is limited by software (midi mappings/channel not changeable; bank not switchable in "Ableton Mode" (if you use the keyboard via midi mode to control Instruments with a lot of mapped parameters/configure you can just use the first 8. Otherwise you have to midi learn every parameter directly in your vst. Then you can use 4 pages * 8 knobs (32 parameters). In 2019 you have to write your own firmware to unlock the features you need. I wonder why NI don't sell an "onlineshop Software Upgrade" - you pay 49$ to unlock more features of your Hardware device. I think this could be the next level.....

[@eaman11]

@@AlfonxB NI should release midi templates for m32 and Aserie, yet they are clowns to release midi keyboards without the proper config tool by launch.

[@evanswanson6017]

Your totally right... honestly I like the TheoryBoard way more

[@eaman11]

@Blink Once Yet Novation has just deliberately castrated the firmware of the mini

[@insomniamachine8452]

You are totally right

[@davefk]

Are there any resources explaining what we are looking at if you long press Session/Drum/Keys/User on the LP Mini 3. Thanks

[@Artek604]

Nice, but it's pity to see they've still not added actual 8 or even better 16 knobs to them :(

[@null5753]

Knobs? On launchpad? Are you serious?

[@Artek604]

@@null5753 Sure. In device or mixer mode you can control parameters, so using knobs for that would be much more useful, not to mention you'd be able to do that while launching clips or playing. Why is this surprising?

[@null5753]

@@Artek604 cause the main idea of launchpad is universal programmable controller using pads only.

[@Artek604]

@@null5753 Is it? And then how come most MIDI controllers / keyboards come with 8 programmable knobs? I think absence of knobs comes from 2 things: 1) cost cutting, obviously, 2) some sort of non-compete agreement where Ableton is supporting Launchpads for Live but Novation doesn't compete with Push :)

[@null5753]

@@Artek604 it's marketing. If you want knobs - there is Launchcontrol. Want a keybord? Get Launchkey. Get them all and you will have a "modular" MIDI controller.

[@ketiumieram]

Where I can download this light show?

[@inspector-tech]

What's the sensitivity of the pads like say compared to Maschine MK3, Mikro MK3 orPush 2? Are they quite expressive?

[@kola7106]

Lightshows boutta be cool asf

[@SyncdAlien]

Spectacular!

[@pitouzoulou]

thx a lot ! you are the only one usfull tutorial on KZbin to explain well launchpad X, that what i was looking for. Discover lot of functionnality, no specially well explain in the online manual user. I got a question, does custom mode match with user mode ? If not, how i enter user user 1 or 2, because i have downloaded a project file, and i need enter user 1, but nothing work, cause no user button as other launchpad. Thx in advance !

[@loopop]

Thanks! I think light show project files might work slightly differently - I suggest you ask on a channel that focuses on that as I'm not a light show pro...

[@pitouzoulou]

@@loopop thx for reply back, between my question and your answer, i have looking for some other tips, nothing amazing, just, a projet file made with pro or mk, maye not be compatible with new launchpad X, song work, but unable to put any light show project file. Btw, thx to have take the time to reply back ;)

[@issiewizzie]

Good work you are my NO 1😮

[@tonywright3051]

Brilliant video

[@kai_onlineaaa]

you sold me on the customized midi.

[@mlostekk]

Is it possible to use just specific channels / groups in the scene triggering mode? I mean like track 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14 instead of just 8 tracks next to each other? Or just show "groups" instead of single tracks within groups?

[@davefreemanlive]

Great job! You answered EVERY question I had :-)

[@JosedaPedraza]

excelent tutorial, tnnnxxxx

[@marekstora]

It does not have a device mode like LP Pro? :c

[@Ericuf]

Is there any way to get a sustain pedal into the pro? AMAZING video thank you!

[@jefffstone]

Squares in square. MORE SQUARES!!!

[@argoneons]

I love the launchpad, however all those flashing lights just burn my eyeballs!! I hope this new version can work with some of the Ableton scripts ... with those the functionality on the old one was as good as using push!

[@KenminLin]

May I ask a question about Scale Mode @6:43? After select key/root note/scale and back to the Note page, can I custom the scale layout (like adding more different notes / put more than one scale on) ? Or Launchpad Pro can do it by hacking? or that's impossible? Thank you :)

[@loopop]

yes you can customize the scale using the software, no hacking needed

[@jacquibrookes8257]

Thanks! Can you customise volume controls on the midi?

[@alohamark3025]

Launchpad Pro X should improve the software to do more than 4x4 grids. It would be useful to have 2x8 grids based on 4 independent Midi channels. Less setup hassles for those who want to create four chord strips.

[@cls6200]

Novation's site says that the mini mk3 doesn't capture MIDI. Can someone clarify what that means to 'capture' midi - is that like storing sequencer data internally? I just ordered a mini mk3 and plan to use it primarily with ableton but also want to use it to sequence other VSTs in logic. It will send MIDI information via usb like this review says, correct? Thanks! Awesome work as always.

[@loopop]

Thanks! It's just a shortcut the Ableton Live's Capture MIDI function. You can always use a custom map and MIDI map a button to the Capture MIDI function so I wouldn't make a decision based on that limitation

[@SkarredKage]

LaunchnpadX is a lot like Push2 Excellent overview too BTW 👍

[@bootshausk39]

So how this device works with Groups in Ableton. What if I have a group or groups folded instead individual clips per track. Do I have them on the display and can control launch and mutes per folded group for example?

[@daniortiz3480]

Awesome! So the mini can't arm tracks? Thanks alot

[@Eric-qi9us]

you can do that by using novation components to create a custom mode

[@officialWWM]

Can you produce believable pop/rock beats with this thing, or do they all sound like 80s cop show theme music?

[@t1merickson]

LEDs could be brighter on the mini if they’re the same LEDs used on the X, but obviously don’t have to bloom over a larger pad surface area. Makes the most sense until i see a teardown

[@roadtonever]

Are chromatic fourths officially supported on Mini?

[@gguitarwilly]

got excited about the possibilities and bought a mini. Turns out it's a mark2, which doesn't work with the software. Is there a workaround?

[@nevio___2290]

Great video. How many scenes can we map with this pads? I m an owner of another launchpad but i can map only 16 scenes. Does this device can map more?

[@loopop]

Thanks! There's no such limit here that I know of - perhaps it's your version of Live or something

[@loksmyldmusic3151]

Hi, is this a way to arm a track with the launchpad mini mk3? Or just to not use the computer just to change track arm? Because when I'm making live performance, I just want to rec directly on one track and after that record on an other track but when hit on an empty clip it can,t rec, I have to arm the track before

[@Eric-qi9us]

you can arm if you create a custom mode using the novation components

[@Jdcrouch1972]

Great review as usual, with the midi faders you set up with cc control, do you get the same press hard closes quickly, press softly transitions slowly?

[@sodiumlights]

am I right in thinking that I could customise the Mini to allow me to have every pad as a mute track on Logic?

[@samprock]

Very cool, thanks! Does at least Mini powers by iPad directly, or same as X needs USB3 plug? Also do they work with their Groovebox app, like the Launchkey MK3 does? Can they also do custom scale or you only choose from several available?

[@afxtwinreverb]

I was really expecting a sequencer

[@squoblat]

Not going to happen, that will be the next generation of Circuit and they have the SL MKIII that also covers the sequencer footprint. You'd be chopping out a huge chunk of the selling points for their more expensive models.

[@Claidheambmor]

Long time Launchpad Pro user. Not seeing the point of these. The Pro can be had second hand for silly prices these days.

[@miss.antidote]

they have to sell you something right?

[@raresideb]

I'm also a Pro user, but I'm considering getting the X for portable usage

[@mwlodek6596]

Wait so what's the difference between the scale mode on the Launchpad X and the ability to set scales on the Launchpad Mini MK3?

[@steveforwarduk]

where is the record button?

[@loopop]

There is none. You can map it in one of the custom modes

[@Rorre404]

Since the the mini isn't velocity sensitive does it respond the same way as the X when using faders? Or is each button a fixed value when activating the faders?

[@burakeren]

Is the custom controller feature available for pro?

[@maksimus7711]

Very useful video. Thank you very much. Is it possible to control the hardware synth, like deluge or another, with launchpad X and chromatic keyboard represented on it ?

[@GaryR55]

Can either controller be used with DAWs other than Abelton Live and Logic Pro? For example, could they be used with Acoustica Mixcraft Recording Studio 9?

[@BenMilford]

I'd love an update on the 2.0 firmware!