Launchpad Mini - best option for simple jamming?

[Agent_Trig]

I'd like a simple controller for what I'm jamming within Session view.

I like to play around within Session view before committing to Arrangement.

I dont want to take up loads of desk space and I dont want anything that can do loads of extra things that I'll never need either.

Is the Launchpad Mini the best option for me?

[timday]

Yes

[chapelier fou]

and yes

[3dot...]

yes.. but get yourself some knobs as well
this looks like a good fit
http://global.novationmusic.com/midi-co ... ch-control

[TomViolenz]

yes.. but get yourself some knobs as well
this looks like a good fit
http://global.novationmusic.com/midi-co ... ch-control

I love the Launchpad (got the original one) but I think this thing is not so well designed.
To make it a good companion for the LP they should have added two buttons per encoder for a total of three (Mute, Solo, Arm) and a ninth "slot" of two encoders and one button for the master section). That would make for a decent mixing companion.
For device (and .vst) control a Novation Nocturn is the much better buy IMO.

[3dot...]

nocturn only runs through Automap which is a disadvantage imo

[Agent_Trig]

Thanks for the comments

Unless I'm misunderstanding what the alternatives you've listed can do, they dont seem to be able to do exactly what I'm after.

I just want to be able to trigger my clips within Session view in a jamming session so that I can play about with various pattern combinations before committing to Arrangement view.

So surely for this to be achievable, I would need something that has a grid of pads to emulate the Session view?

As for knobs, I have an Oxygen 25 midi keyboard which has about 8 knobs on.

I just need something purely for jamming than anything else.

Thanks

[TomViolenz]

nocturn only runs through Automap which is a disadvantage imo

I do too, but if you learn to except that, you'll see how powerfull the Nocturn can be. I for instance use it with wiffbi's STC script and couldn't be happier! (Blue hand, device switching, mixer and device control...)

[TomViolenz]

Thanks for the comments

Unless I'm misunderstanding what the alternatives you've listed can do, they dont seem to be able to do exactly what I'm after.

I just want to be able to trigger my clips within Session view in a jamming session so that I can play about with various pattern combinations before committing to Arrangement view.

So surely for this to be achievable, I would need something that has a grid of pads to emulate the Session view?

As for knobs, I have an Oxygen 25 midi keyboard which has about 8 knobs on.

I just need something purely for jamming than anything else.

Thanks

No they were not meant as alternatives (Get the Launchpad in any flavour, it's great!), but as additions.
The Launchcontrol would give you Mixer controls (Imperfectly IMO), while the Nocturn is great for device control (But only runs through Automap, which is suplied for free, but is a hassle at times).

[gp23]

Is the LP Mini compatible with 8?

[Agent_Trig]

Is the LP Mini compatible with 8?

What he said ^^

?

[TomViolenz]

Is the LP Mini compatible with 8?

What he said ^^

?

I don't see why it wouldn't be, it's just the Launchpad in small.
But I don't have one, so what do I know...

[gorskkr]

If $$ isn't an issue I'd recommend going with a Launchpad S. I was just at Sam Ash and picked up a Novation Launchkey mini (I'm not a keyboardist by any means) and it's definitely very small. I had a look at the Launchpad mini and the box was so small it was almost hard to believe (looks bigger on youtube and in the articles, JUST like the launchkey mini did). If you're mostly going to be using the launchpad mini on the go and/or with your ipad then maybe launchpad mini might be the ok choice. When I held the box in my hand it looked like you could barely fit a big mac on the box.

I'm actually wondering if I should return my launchkey mini and get the regular 25 key launchkey or maybe something else. Does anyone know if the smallish keys hinder your ability to play and compose? I got it mostly for at home recording so I could record midi clips and have them feel more alive as opposed to just drawing them on (again, I'm not a keyboardist). I'm a guitarist, bassist, and ableton junkie

[maylortaylor]

If you go with the Launchpad, you should also get this.

http://motscousus.com/stuff/2011-07_Nov ... e_Scripts/

well worth it IMO.

It gives you many Push style controls

[TomViolenz]

If you go with the Launchpad, you should also get this.

http://motscousus.com/stuff/2011-07_Nov ... e_Scripts/

well worth it IMO.

It gives you many Push style controls

mots is also a regular poster here and gives great help to people using his free(!) script in his Lauchpad95 thread. Highly recommended!