Novation Launchpad Pro MK3

I ain't recommending it

Bought it because I saw various glorious reviews of it on YouTube ... but the reality for me is that I need to reconnect it several times when using it. Updating the unit is a living nightmare, every time. I have to reconnect it over and over, again and again before it accepts firmware updates holding the setup button down. In Ableton Live it never works as intended - programming it, for its intended use is a random hit and miss game. Using it with Melodics to practice on my finger beat skills sometimes works, but for the most part ... I end having to reconnect it many times between exercises, because either the light doesn't show the right buttons, or it simply doesn't connect.

My system is the latest OS X on an iMac.

To me, though the plastic and rubber feels like a somewhat sturdy quality, there's nothing pro about this device ...

Capable and fun (but also fiddly) controller

This is a bit of a strange animal — physically, it feels a bit fragile: the housing is plastic, and the unit is relatively thin and light. However, the actual pads and buttons are very responsive and feel *great* to the touch. So long as it can stay stationary on a flat surface it feels very good. I'd be wary of traveling with it though.

In terms of function, the Launchpad is incredibly capable, especially when using Ableton. Some of that functionality is difficult to reach, however. The basic operations are easy enough to access — the buttons, knobs, and grid arrangement are all clear organized and labeled. However, the lack of screen does make some of the more complex functions (e.g., scale mode) annoying or even daunting to use, as there is very little feedback on what setting is active. (This despite some clever workarounds using the colored pads to show settings.) The key combos for many hidden functions can be easy to forget, also; which has required me to keep the manual within easy reach. this kind of hampers the "spontaneous creation" this sort of controller is meant to inspire.

So overall a good product, but could be immeasurably improved with a small screen.

Cool controller, great pads

I received it a few days ago, so far I am very satisfied, there is a lot to learn, learning from the manual is a must.

Great implementation with Logic Pro and works well in BitWig Studio with associated scripts.

All in all, I'm satisfied, it would be nice if Novation adds a “sleep mode” in the future firmware.

A good product let down by a complicated user interface

The launchpad pro mk3 is built well and the pads are great. It integrates well with ableton. It has no screen which means you have to memorize quite a lot of functions! There are a lot of options but the ui is a bit too fiddly for my taste

Nice controller but....

The Launchpad MK3 is quality built, but there is a BIG flaw: the aftertouch does not work! Novation is aware of it but I suspect it is a hardware problem. If you use aftertouch, stay away from Launchpad MK3

The best ableton controller

I like this even more than Push 2 that I had and sold. This is so simple, doesn't want to be ˝do it all˝ like Push. But what it does, it does extremelly well. No display and endless parameters to divert from creativity. Chord mode and sequencer are extremelly good. I recomend it very much.

Great controller!

I bought it as a universal controller. It integrates perfectly with Ableton Live, but requires constant reference to the manual. I also plan to use it as a sequencer for hardware synths.

It is made of high quality, the surface does not get dirty.

I recommend it!

Great tool for new ways of thinking and working creatively

This device really pushed me to rethink my "normal" ways - super creative kick. And the lights are awesome #nerd ;)

It's ok when it works

Update: I've now updated the quality rating as my first Launchpad had an issues with pads self-triggering after a month of use and my replacement has noticeable pads discoloration. It's still a great and compact device, when it works.

It's the largest of the launchpads, even though it's still smaller than e.g. Ableton Push. The pads are nicely responsive and the pressure curve immediately makes sense.

It seems like a 8x8 grid at first, but as you work more with it you start to appreciate the layout and the features. I got to the point where I haven't touched my keyboard at all because I could program both drums and synths on pads alone.

Novation seems to prioritize the Ableton Live crowd and as such the controller has lots of great features specifically tailored for Live. Nevertheless, it's a joy to hook it up to an iPad (and avail of the built-in 4-channel sequencer). It also works really good with Bitwig.

Remarkable gadget

This really is a remarkable gadget.

I bought it as a controller for Ableton Live, which it does very well.

I have now 'programmed' two of the eight Custom Modes: one to control my tcElectronics Plethora X5; the other to control my copy of the Transcribe! software.

The 'programming' of the Custom Modes is via Novation Components software and is simple and intuitive.

And I have yet to play with the Synthesiser mode.

The touch-sensitive pads are a joy to use, and who can resist coloured lights?