Novation Launchpad Mk2 Ableton Midi Controller

I am taking an Ableton LIve class and the bag is excellent for transporting my 25 key midi controller and laptop in one bag. Have plenty of space for notebook, sustain pedal and headphones...

I'm using this controller in tandem with the NanoKontrol (which has faders), to MIDI map all functions for Ableton Live. It offers plenty of programmable pads and 4 different scenes. The only drawback is its durability on the road (touring) over time...

I picked the Launchpad X up thinking it would work for several Max4Live instruments designed for the original Launchpad which, sad to say, it wasn't. I decided to keep it, thinking it would be a good supplement to my Ableton Push 1 but I didn't realize that, because of its convenient size, good velocity-sensitive pads, and clear labels that I'd be using it MORE than my Push. Specifically, when creating at my computer workstation I am used to getting up and walking over to a full-size 88-key controller or standing up to maneuver to my Push. Now, I have a (separately acquired) 25 mini-keys controller and this Launchpad X which I can, owing to long USB cables, bring to me rather than me going to them. The pads are more sensitive than those on the Push 1 but they are also less prone to false-triggering which means I can play them longer and more consistently. The clear (and limited) labels on the Launchpad X also mean I spend a lot less time hunting for functions compared to the Push. Switching from Session to Notes view, changing key and scale, and instant access to Ableton's Capture MIDI function have all been unexpected enhancements to my creativity. Does it replace my Push? No -but it's addressed ways my studio and using my Push have previously slowed my process down.

I bought this primarily to add functionality to Ableton Live and it does indeed do that - and extensively too. So far, so good. But what has astonished me is its incredible control over my Minilogue XD. The Launchpad Pro's ability to directly manipulate through MIDI sounds that I generate from the synthesizer gives me pleasure beyond reckoning. With the Launchpad Pro I find myself improvising for hours, literally, upon a Minilogue preset or one of my own devising, and the possibilities extend endlessly. It is solid, very well made and one of the best pieces of technology that I have ever owned.

I use my Novation Impulse for making basic beats in Ableton Live and Garageband. I don't have a great frame of reference, but can say that this keyboard has done everything I've expected of it and more. I'm particularly pleased with the drum pads that come with Roll and Arp settings which have allowed me to make some pretty unique rhythmic patterns I otherwise would be lost making. Finally, this keyboard is very handsome. Backlit buttons and drum pads along with a sleek design allow my modest little operation to look nearly legit. Surely not a reason to buy a keyboard, but a bonus nonetheless.

I use this to connect my Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 (which has a Type-A TRS 1/8 MIDI Out connection on the back) to the 5-pin MIDI In connection on the back of my recently-purchased Novation Circuit Tracks. Works like a charm!

I use the product to control Ableton Live and Reason and it is spectacular! It lets me have great hands-on control, the keys are amazingly expressive, the drum pads are great, and sliders are awesome too. This is for sure a great MIDI keyboard and easily compares to any MIDI keyboard out there. One con though is that the encoders are a little loose feeling, but it's not bad once you get used to it.

holds my midi controller perfectly, real nice.

Top quality cables. Work perfectly with my midi controller.

I'm using this controller with Ableton and it was very quick and easy to setup (my unit already had the latest firmware update too, which was nice). There's a program on the unit for Ableton which again made controlling aspects within the DAW seamless. It's obviously small (only 25 keys), but having the pads and encoders on such a compact unit is great. Fits right on my desk and lets me edit/perform parameters live, and is easy to throw into my bag and take with me. Only downside is that there's no midi out (just usb). So means I can't use with some hardware synths. But for DAW control, fantastic.