Novation Launchpad Pro MK3

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.

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.

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 ...