Novation Intros Launchpad Pro MK3

Right before the 2020 NAMM Show, Novation today announced the all-new Launchpad Pro [MK3]. The newest model of Novation’s Ableton Live grid controller combines deep Live integration with an intuitive built-in sequencer that, developers say, can drive any MIDI instrument.

What’s Different with Launchpad Pro MK3?  Key improvements over the previous Launchpad Pro include:

  • Powerful built-in sequencer allows Launchpad Pro [MK3] to control any MIDI synth, sampler or drum machine.
  • Transport controls, tap tempo, Print To Clip and Capture MIDI provides deeper integration with Ableton Live.
  • Eight Custom Modes and the Components editor help to make Launchpad Pro your own.
  • Chord Mode makes it easy to create and perform with sophisticated harmonies.
  • Larger, more expressive pads for a more rewarding playing experience.
  • More compact, more portable and more powerful as a standalone device than ever.
  • USB-C connector with USB powering for standalone use.

Made for Ableton Live, the new Launchpad Pro has dedicated controls for clip and scene launching, transport, quantizing and duplicating, enabling the user to spend less time mousing and more time making music. Launchpad Pro has on-device access to Live’s Capture MIDI function for recovering “happy accidents,” and Dynamic Scale and Note Modes ensure basslines, melodies, chords and leads are perfectly in key. Launchpad Pro’s Chord Mode allows the user to explore, build and play sophisticated chords straight from the grid, and Launchpad Pro can discern when the user is drumming, switching to show the drum rack on the grid.

For music production, Launchpad Pro is also a powerful MIDI sequencer. Launchpad Pro can be easily configured to control plugins or hardware gear using Novation Components, then the user can switch quickly among eight Custom Modes. The user can connect to their studio with MIDI In, Out 1 and Out 2/Thru ports, then sequence their hardware and software with the four-track, 32-step polyphonic sequencer. Chain patterns and scenes to create full songs. Probability and Mutation functions keep tracks evolving, while sync rate and play order enable performing with favorite patterns on the fly. Micro Steps lets sequences go off-grid.

Made to perform, its 64 super-responsive, velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads maximize the performer’s expressive potential. With a sleek, lightweight and tough design, Launchpad Pro is gig-ready, and is bus-powered over USB-C.

Launchpad Pro MK3 ships with a production bundle that includes Ableton Live Lite, plug-ins from XLN, Softube, Klevgrand and AAS, plus a free two-month Splice Sounds subscription and membership of Sound Collective, Novation’s ongoing program of free plug-in sharing. Novation’s new Easy Start Tool gets new users up and running in minutes with the software they need.

Pricing and Availability. To be announced on Tuesday, January 14, 2020.

To learn more, visit the Novation website.

8 thoughts on “Novation Intros Launchpad Pro MK3

  1. I just grabbed the mini mk3 for messing around in Ableton, but I might have held out for one that doubles as a standalone sequencer. It’s unclear from the description if it functions standalone or you need software, but I’m guessing the latter.

  2. but does the chord feature have a ‘spread feature’ so that all of the chords sound more natural as opposed to sounding mechanical?

  3. It’s got a lot of circuit in there. Still missing a lot of features but Novation is great in updating their gear so I think those will be added in the near future.

    Wish it had some knobs, display, storage, build in synths & fx though. Maybe 2030?

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