Novation LAUNCHPAD: new dedicated controller for Live!!!

[SubFunk]

@ dom

you are right, it is not the right product for me, but i do somehow like it, that is why i said, a switch option would be nice, it's not design fault and of course most users want / need visual feedback...

Still i can compare the APC or launchpad for that matter to an existing instrument, because as you mentioned none of the other matrix switches have the contextual functions like scene navigation, mixer, device control, etc.

Interesting point is that at the last ALUGB meeting ALL people i talked to said it would be a wicked option to run either via USB power or PSU, the design would only allow it, with the lights off in USB mode... And many more people could use it the way they feel more comfortable with, it's not like i don't think the visual feedback is not great, but i happily trade it for USB powered.

and it's the layout and the tailored control for live... Not the led feedback that makes the unit worthwile.
In my book.

[SubFunk]

But whatever, this is not going to happen anyway.

[DRStudio]

I don't know it this has been posted yet, but anyways:

Video - First review of the LaunchPad (by Dj TechTools):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSNnCz8zfow&feature=sub

[Sarrova-Q]

this is definitely sweet, maybe not the best if you're doing live looping with instruments/voice like I am. The one thing I'm really curious about it is what was the horn sound? Was he using some kind of brass synthesis module? It seemed like he was morphing from a trumpet to a sax sound. That would be amazing if it were, I've never heard any convincing, organic-sounding vst or sampled horns..

I'm pretty sure it's a soprano sax (beautiful instrument imo).

I totally love the launchpad concept, I just hope the pads are OK (didn't like the drumpads from the novation SL series that much)!

[DRStudio]

I don't know it this has been posted yet, but anyways:

Video - First review of the LaunchPad (by Dj TechTools):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSNnCz8zfow&feature=sub

And this also: http://www.djtechtools.com/2009/10/01/n ... eton-live/

[alex.the.forge]

@ dom

you are right, it is not the right product for me, but i do somehow like it, that is why i said, a switch option would be nice, it's not design fault and of course most users want / need visual feedback...

Still i can compare the APC or launchpad for that matter to an existing instrument, because as you mentioned none of the other matrix switches have the contextual functions like scene navigation, mixer, device control, etc.

Interesting point is that at the last ALUGB meeting ALL people i talked to said it would be a wicked option to run either via USB power or PSU, the design would only allow it, with the lights off in USB mode... And many more people could use it the way they feel more comfortable with, it's not like i don't think the visual feedback is not great, but i happily trade it for USB powered.

and it's the layout and the tailored control for live... Not the led feedback that makes the unit worthwile.
In my book.

I see what you're saying - using a controller ONLY Bus powered can be problematic in my experience, depending on the laptop, so if you have a laptop with lower voltage from USB then it would be worth conserving where you can if you wanted other things from a controller like this

I think it looks cool, but I'm still not really that sure I'd like to control clips in that way - I agree with the few people here who have said it's too hard to keep track of what's going on that way and I wonder if I would only find it really useful if it displayed names

I like to make heavy use of scenes- I think they are a brilliant and elegant way of managing clips, especially with the new "group track scenes"

if I don't want clips to stop or trigger on scenes I remove the clip slot stop buttons or deactivate the clips

It's just too hard to keep track of millions of clips in lots of different positions, scenes give you a really clear and easy to see layout so it's worth using them, and if you're making proper use of them then you have no need for a clip matrix as the clips are neatly organised - that's such an easy way to do it I don't see the point in complicating things

so I'm pretty happy with the VCM600 in this regard because I just use the knob to select the scenes.....etc

I think I'm also one who doesn't need that kind of feedback

although I'm pretty sure I'd find a use for one - step sequencer for one!

[dna598]

DOM :Why is that in your case? Is it because they're not drum pads that don't move and react directly to pressure instead of the button action in case of the APC buttons (the way it moves down a few millimeters when pressed)?
If so, the Launchpad buttons are bigger, but have nearly the same height as well as nearly the same travel distance as the APC.

thanks for the info!

Perhaps this few millimetres is causing the apc to be less "triggerhappy". Padkontrol is "instant" when hit. Makes more accurate sequencing of clips at high tempo.

My feeling on this brief meander is that there is more instant gratification with the Padkontrol pad response, thus making it more useful as a beat tool. Apc, beautiful though it is, is feeling big and heavy to me. Perhaps ending up being more of a studio arranging tool. I just wish it was motorised!! I would have paid!

It is very interesting as ableton seems to have given more functionality to novation on this one. I've been looking at my apc wondering why i cant call up drumracks on it!

[SubFunk]

poster wrote:

you really are ignorant aren't you? no, arrogant even..
do you really think you are the one and only person who sees Live as an instrument?
think again mate.. Live's conception was all about it being an instrument rather than the next DAW..

the reason i said that is exactly because it WAS the aim, but it seems more and more that they loose that first aim and developed slowly more towards a DAW, at least it's my observation. that is the only reason i said it, besides i don't read much anymore about people calling it an instrument, do they?
and hit over to the future wish list, what the majority of people want, it's less and less of an "live attitude"

that all is what i gather, you might think different.
peace
axel

p.s. and i don't see that reflecting in the controllers, as good as they are, either... even a single cable spared in a live situation is a bliss!
we as electronic artists, hardly ever have the chance (unless you are really big!) to have a soundcheck or any other good conditions, like setting up your gear in peace and having sufficient space, mostly it's dark and dirty overfilled DJ booths with a cable mayhem you arrive at 3am or something to set stuff up, while someone is playing already next to you, i just refer to the reality, therefor i like it as extreme simple as human possible... compared to us, even every unknown starter band has usually better conditions to get there gear sorted and setup then any of us.

that is the reason why an extra PSU, e.g. is such a big deal for me...

peace again.

[Hidden Driveways]

Wow Forgie, you got a VCM600? That thing is nice.

Something occured to me yesterday... since the Launchpad has these "user defined" modes, and it comes with a default preset that is mapped to drumracks, are the user modes and the Novation software some sort of poorman's Max4Live? I mean, of course, it's not Max, but, how deep does the included Novation software go in regards to these user defined modes?

Also, is there any way us APC users can get in on this software? The way the drum & bass video on the Ableton site plays out, it just looks like fun to sequence drums in one mode, and switch back to Session control in another. I don't think this will help my music, I just get off on flashing lights.

[AceLuby]

It seems cool, but I still prefer the APC. The way you can easily scroll through effects makes it a better controller IMO, plus the fact that you are always in control of whatever is circled from faders, solo, record arm and clips really helps me navigate and know where I am since I have 40 tracks + 5 return tracks.

I also thought about selling my MPD18 toward a purchase of one of these, but I don't really need to be in control of other clips (though having my drum section constantly highlighted would be a value add) but most of all the deal killer is that the pads aren't pressure sensitive.

As much as it would be cool to play w/ one, I just can't justify it w/ my setup at this time (not enough space since I have 3 controllers already).

[Poster]

you really are ignorant aren't you? no, arrogant even..
do you really think you are the one and only person who sees Live as an instrument?
think again mate.. Live's conception was all about it being an instrument rather than the next DAW..

the reason i said that is exactly because it WAS the aim, but it seems more and more that they loose that first aim and developed slowly more towards a DAW, at least it's my observation. that is the only reason i said it, besides i don't read much anymore about people calling it an instrument, do they?
and hit over to the future wish list, what the majority of people want, it's less and less of an "live attitude"

that all is what i gather, you might think different.
peace
axel

seriously, dont try to worm your way out of your own statements mate..
if that was not how you meant it I suggest you take some writing lessons, the same as you suggested we have to take reading lessons.. maybe we could go together

anyway..
the argument that Live has wandered off of it's original ideas and concepts is totally BS imho..
it's the marketing department that took off the phrase 'Sequencing Instrument'; the basics of Live on the otherhand did not change one bit.. at least not in a counter productive way for you to use it as an instrument..
you can still use Live as you could at v.1
granted, Session view is long due a serious overhaul, but really Live is as much as an live instrument as you make it..
besides that the current controller line up is only expanding the way you can interact with Live..
and have you forgot how MFL will totally change the way you can play Live, the Instrument..?
not saying Live is perfect, but name one other app that gives me this level of control and expression..

p.s. and i don't see that reflecting in the controllers, as good as they are, either... even a single cable spared in a live situation is a bliss!
we as electronic artists, hardly ever have the chance (unless you are really big!) to have a soundcheck or any other good conditions, like setting up your gear in peace and having sufficient space, mostly it's dark and dirty overfilled DJ booths with a cable mayhem you arrive at 3am or something to set stuff up, while someone is playing already next to you, i just refer to the reality, therefor i like it as extreme simple as human possible... compared to us, even every unknown starter band has usually better conditions to get there gear sorted and setup then any of us.

that is the reason why an extra PSU, e.g. is such a big deal for me...
peace again.

ooh come will you? just because the APC takes one cable more (PSU) it is not designed with performing in mind?
just deal with it.. real musicians don't whine about their equipment, they just get things done..

[smartass303]

im so sold...
this and my bcr makes it a poor mans apc. for freggin 150,- EUR`s?

a no brainer,

303

[gvh]

But APC40 on the other hand, is also great for those who wants an all-in-one gear or for those who is in the market for a new Ableton controller.

Wouldn't say it's "great". The faders suck. Other than that, it's nice...but that's a big flaw to some.

Disagree. For a $399 controller, I think the faders are very well done on the APC.

The $399 price may be someone's constraint on what defines a great controller...but not mine.

As the APC was the only game in town until two days ago, such limitations made it less than optimal. So much so that I delayed purchase, despite the affordable price tag. I was hoping that Akai or some other vendor would either (a) come out with a simpler model to augment more sophisticated control surfaces, or (b) come out with a higher-end model that came closer to a Mackie CU or Euphonix MC with launch pads. Now we have the former, so I'm happy.

[pulsoc]

Wow. This looks completely sick.

John Gordon please report to the music store!

[djsynchro]

I just bought the new UAD EMT-250 reverb plug-in. Same price as the Novation Launch Pad. It will sell like hotcakes!
Just got a call from MIDI Amsterdam and the guy's like... hey we finally got the APC-40 in stock.... too late....