Novation’s iconic Launchpad controller was a genre-defining product for Ableton Live performance. The 8x8 grid of tri-colour LEDs has graced many a stage across the globe — and its success can be as much attributed to its flexibility and durability as its affordability. Now it's getting a fairly major cosmetic upgrade.
Only a few months after their announcement of the Launchpad Pro, an RGB backlit version of the Launchpad with a few extra features (read our news story from NAMM earlier this year), comes the brand new Launchpad. This new Launchpad also adds RGB backlighting so any clip colour in Ableton will be reflected on the hardware. If you’re into making fancy finger-based light shows, this will also undoubtedly help you up your game.
Like the previous Launchpads, the new model can be used to launch clips, play drums, start and stop loops, arm tracks, and control volumes, pans and sends — plus loads more with Max for Live.
Also in common with its predecessors, the new RGB Launchpad is eminently portable and fully USB-powered. You can also link it up with other Novation Launch family products.
It ships complete with Ableton Live Lite, 1GB of Loopmasters samples and the Novation Bass Station VST and AU plug-in synthesiser. It also supports the Novation Launchpad App, so you can use its RGB pads with your iPad too.
Shipping dates are as yet unanounced but the new Launchpad with RGB backlights should retail for £129, as opposed to £229 for the Launchpad Pro.
