This review would not be complete without mentioning that the Launchpad app also works with the Novation Launchkey hardware. These addition sections all functioned very well and the quality of the filters and effects sounded great. The FX button transforms the lower 2 rows of the grid into effects buttons, allowing you to add synced beat repeats (loop rolls) and filter effects. Both the Filter and Volume buttons open up 8 sliders when pressed and each slider affects the output of each corresponding column on the sample grid. The Filter, Volume, and FX section of the Launchpad app allow the flexibility to fine tune your composition. Overall, I was pleased with the flexibility of the grid area and enjoyed being able to layout the samples on the pads exactly to my liking.
By default, the names of the loops and samples are not displayed on the individual pads, but this can be changed easily at the press of a button. From there, you are able to jump right in and start playing around, or you can further edit the pads by altering the triggering (making it either a one shot sample, looped sample, trigger after 4 beats, etc.) or changing the pad locations for specific samples. Once the session is selected, the app takes a bit of time to load the samples and loops onto the pads. Launchpad calls these sample packs “sessions” and upon selecting the musical style of your choice, you are given the option to select the global tempo of your composition. Loading a sample pack is pretty straightforward, and the app comes preloaded with Breaks, Drum & Bass, Dubstep, Hip Hop, House, House 2, Tech House, and Trance samples. On the lower right hand side of the screen are three buttons to enter the Filter, Volume, and FX sections of the app. The button grid of the app contains six rows of eight buttons, used to trigger the samples and loops. The graphic interface of the app looks just like the hardware version of the Launchpad, with a few additional features thrown in. Once I got over the additional disappointment of not being able to use the app for any “real life” practical application, I still had a fair amount of fun messing around with the various features of the Launchpad app. It’s a stand-alone app that comes preloaded with a decent selection of samples and loops from Loop Masters. Surprisingly, unlike the LIVKONTROL app that I previously reviewed, the Launchpad app has no connectivity capability with Ableton Live. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I might as well shut down Ableton, grab my iPad, and go sit on the couch.
NOVATION LAUNCHPAD APP LOOPS FREE
I downloaded the free Launchpad app, opened up Ableton Live on my iMac, and sat down to see what the Launchpad app was all about. Recently, the Launchpad controller was used as inspiration for an iPad app bearing the same name. In addition to Dicers, Novation also has a healthy offering of other midi controllers including the Launchkey, Impulse, Twitch mixer, and Launchpad. Most DJs are already familiar with Novation, the company behind the extremely popular “ Dicer” midi controllers.
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