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

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adds a good few features similar to the X, though seeing as I haven't been in the scene in a hot minute I'm a little out of date and I'm not sure the full extent of what was added to the X compared to the Mk 2

[@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

[@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 :)

[@Pummelfay]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@12copablo]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@JunkyardSam]

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

[@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

[@ketiumieram]

Where I can download this light show?

[@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.

[@FoxxPrimeau]

Would I be able to use this in FL studio?

[@inspector-tech]

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

[@mundaemundae8597]

Try the mini and if you like it sell it and get the x... Long story short

[@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

[@itsBoo]

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

[@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. :(

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@beatz04]

LP Pro still offers most functionality of them all and is only like 40 bucks more than the X. Likewise, the normal MK2 (not Mini) offers more than the new Mini MK3 but is about the same price. In terms of most bang for bucks, there's no sense of buying any of these new LP's. The Mini MK3 has neither even a record enable option or a dedicated mixer page (WTF).

[@Claidheambmor]

Exactly my thoughts, very confused by these devices. I have a Launchpad Pro and honestly it frustrates me immensely the way it works at times. These two devices seem to wilfully remove control from the user compared to the Pro and don't add anything other than the Components functionality, which is cool but... I have Arsenal_LPP custom scripts which allow for amazing things including step sequencers and 16 levels of velocity like the MPC.

[@Addy323]

time stamps helped a lot!

[@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

[@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,.

[@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

[@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.

[@marekstora]

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

[@pixelflow]

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

[@ShyEnkai]

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

[@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

[@pixelflow]

The selective inclusion of midi out these days is so infuriating :/

[@eaman11]

This things are made for ableton... You mean you don't have USB in the host that runs Ableton? No one wants to buy a midi adapter and yet having a usb cable to change the configuration.

[@pixelflow]

​@@eaman11 It has a host of midi friendly features, point is we have this mish mash of functionality. The pro has midi, the new launchkey does too. And with this wave of new desktop synths with midi IN means we have to route through a PC or usb host adapter when they could easily add a trs jack :)

[@jacquibrookes8257]

Thanks! Can you customise volume controls on the midi?

[@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

[@mattitch2859]

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

[@marcellokabora]

Well done tutorial, thanks :)

[@malachite535]

I will stil buy a launchpad pro. Is the best.

[@tomelwich49]

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

[@Ericuf]

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

[@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?

[@discomonarch5744]

Very helpful video. Thank you very much!

[@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?

[@abrew5]

Don't ever talk to me or my son again

[@artamisnova414]

Wtf

[@jefffstone]

Squares in square. MORE SQUARES!!!

[@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

[@Vitacity]

Good stuff man!

[@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.

[@JK20M]

Hello my launchoad is a launchpad mini mk3 and launchpad is Epic music gadget🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩.

[@friendlyphop9587]

uhh 14:00 I can't find any light show instruction for Launchpad X . can anyone help ?

[@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

[@SweetChinMuzik1]

No polyAT on the mini.....lame

[@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.

[@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.

[@jobananas3052]

Mini Help Pls: Trying to set up a custom for ableton. On my custom page id like to put Record arm, Tap Tempo, Transport controls...etc. I used CC buttons but I cant seem to map these funcions. Any advice?

[@Eric-qi9us]

you have to set the cc buttons in different channels

[@roadtonever]

Are chromatic fourths officially supported on Mini?

[@ssbeats2212]

Made some crazy Beats with this App version of this ! Check it out ! Leave a feedback! Appreciate it

[@Dhruvinator]

wow give this man a job at novation

[@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

[@stonekisser]

can anyone tell me if the aftertouch feature can be used to modulate the values of any given parameter of an effect(for example) within ableton?

[@jimgravesus]

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

[@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.

[@burakeren]

Is the custom controller feature available for pro?

[@yuva911]

hi there! I just bought my new LaunchPad Mini MK3 and using pretty well. But, when I'm using light show with Ableton Live Lite 10, I'm unable to midi map the pages. I can only do in single page. can u please help me to midi map all 8 pages where I can do lights show pretty well... that would be very helpful if u do a video on that. Thank you!

[@tobimm2]

New Logics, the Lightshow-needed - User Mode is not available per default. But don't cry, open components, make sure your firmware is up to date, then hold the session button down for a few seconds, press on the purple lit button, then "Legacy Mode" will show up and thats what you need.

[@jeremjerem]

Custom layout !!! I’m so hyped 😁👍

[@dgenr8s]

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

[@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

[@nyambe]

Anybody using it with looper pro?

[@MarcWeertsMusic]

Excellent, really useful video!

[@officialWWM]

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

[@rayankhelifati8946]

Why when I plug in my launchpad and press on the key it did any sound ?!? I'M DONE IT'S TOO HARD I DON'T UNDERSTAND

[@Eric-qi9us]

launchpad is a controller and it doesn't make any sounds by itself. you need software like Ableton live

[@rayankhelifati8946]

@@Eric-qi9us Ya, it's been a while tho. I know how to use it now 😂, but ty

[@carlosclaptrix]

Extremely clear and informative review.

[@MrCstone1]

What do I goto school for to learn this stuff? I'm lost.

[@razbuzz4147]

I think you forgot to review the RGB Novation logo....

[@loopop]

Indeed in that respect this review is totally flawed

[@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 ;)

[@MUNRO13]

No midi out just pisses me off.

[@kai_onlineaaa]

you sold me on the customized midi.

[@josephakinwusi9818]

thanks dude super helpful

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@_teddy0008]

Is it worth it to buy a launchpad mini mk3 when i have a mk2 and i cannot sell it?

[@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.

[@martifato6121]

For some reason I have 8 custom modes in launchpad X I thought I'm supposed to have four, explanation please?

[@htcpetr]

its a new feature after you installed newest software update ...

[@luke4800]

I don’t know which to get. X or mini mk3

[@rayankhelifati8946]

I have the mini mk3 for 2 month now. It's really cool and good as the X, but there is issues in both of them. Like if you want to do an live performance, you will not be able to atribut pages to your mk3, the all 8 buttons at the right dnt work as the mk2 for exemple. There is video about that and I buy a launchpad to do some light performance and i'm a bit confusing ...

[@Duy-kl2hy]

@@rayankhelifati8946 so mini mk3 cant cover a song, right? Sr im not good at english

[@Duy-kl2hy]

@@rayankhelifati8946 if i use unipad on moblie, can i run it on mini mk3

[@nathannnbrozeee6703]

Can you use this for garage band I really want to know?

[@saduko176]

Here we go Brownies Yes you can, I tried it and it works but I believe you can’t have a light show in it though.

[@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?

[@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.

[@Cerynis]

If You lack recordArm option on Launchpad MINI. Please DM me for a custom script that is adding this option to a StopSoloMute button.

[@JosedaPedraza]

excelent tutorial, tnnnxxxx

[@deroden724]

Fail. They should have added encoders or knobs, which is one of the biggest complaints from users in the past. Eight on top would have been great.

[@mattitch2859]

knobs break a lot. especially with little portable devices. They're usually the first thing to go. I think maybe a couple of touch strips would've iced the cake.

[@strangersun7721]

Yeah would have been nice. I use my Launchpad with a Launchcontrol XL right next to it on the desktop, but I rarely use more than 8 of the encoders on the LaunchControl. Would have been nice to have some on a new Launchpad. Here's hoping for a "Pro" version with them.

[@pixelflow]

@@strangersun7721 Or even just a launch control with some rgb leds/encoders vs the pots and fixed colors!

[@eaman11]

Ye knobs would be useful if you really want to play with a vst on it

[@enweih1855]

I think a month later they would publish a launchpad x pro? Launchpad pro mk2?

[@AmeyahOfficialTV]

the mini with aftertouch and velocity, would be amazing, but nahhh.

[@mikg2618]

Is this layouts modes same idea as defining behavior scripts from Arsenal NATIVEcontrol scripts ?