Novation Launchpad Pro: 64 Pads with Aftertouch for Ableton Live
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
The Novation Launchpad Pro packs 64 pressure-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch, a standalone sequencer, and deep Ableton Live integration into one grid controller.
The Novation Launchpad Pro is a grid controller that has served for years as one of the central interfaces between hardware and Ableton Live. With 64 pressure-sensitive pads, full aftertouch, and a built-in standalone sequencer, it targets producers and DJs who want clips, scenes, and sounds right under their fingertips instead of buried in a mouse.
At a glance
- 64 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch
- 42 backlit tactile-click buttons and 106 RGB LEDs
- Four-track, eight-voice standalone sequencer with 32 steps
- USB-C port plus three MIDI ports for computer-free operation
Pads instead of a screen
Novation doubles down on the pad surface as the main interaction point with the Launchpad Pro. No display distracts from the tactile feel; instead, 106 RGB LEDs sit under the pads and buttons, making clip status, scenes, and note layouts distinguishable by color. The 42 additional tactile-click buttons handle transport, mixer access, and mode switching, so you can steer sets during a live performance without ever looking at your laptop.
Aftertouch and Custom Modes
Polyphonic aftertouch per pad lets you keep applying pressure to individual notes after the initial strike—for example, to shape filter, volume, or modulation of an Ableton instrument in real time while other pads play unaffected. Via Custom Modes, the grid can be freely mapped and used as a universal MIDI control surface for other software or hardware that accepts the relevant scripts.
Standalone sequencer without a laptop
Away from the computer, the Launchpad Pro brings its own sequencer: four tracks, eight voices of polyphony, and 32 steps per pattern, plus pattern chaining, probability, and mutation functions that inject variations on the fly. For standalone operation, a dedicated power supply is included, so the controller works as a standalone instrument far from the studio.
Integration with Ableton Live and Logic Pro
The manufacturer describes the device as designed for controlling clips, scenes, mixer, and transport in Ableton Live and Logic Pro. In practice, that means launching scenes, adjusting levels, and switching views without touching the mouse—a workflow that really shines in live sets built around prepared clips.
| Pads | 64 Velocity-sensitive Pads, polyphonic Aftertouch |
|---|---|
| Buttons | 42 backlit Tactile-Click-Buttons |
| Lighting | 106 RGB LEDs |
| Connections | USB-C, MIDI In/Out 1/Out 2 (Thru), Kensington slot |
| Dimensions | 268 × 268 × 18 mm |
| Standalone Sequencer | 4 tracks, 8-voice polyphonic, 32 steps |
"64 Velocity Sensitive Pads with Polyphonic Aftertouch" – Novation on the Launchpad Pro’s pad section.
"Most powerful and playable grid controller ever" – Novation’s description of the device for production in Ableton Live and Logic Pro.
If you rely on hardware that delivers beats without a computer, the Native Instruments Maschine+ offers a comparable standalone concept for everyday studio use. For sets focused more on stems and live remixing, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 is worth a look.
FAQ
Does the Launchpad Pro absolutely require a laptop?
No. The built-in standalone sequencer with four tracks and 32 steps per pattern runs on its own, provided the included power supply is connected.
What is the aftertouch actually good for?
Polyphonic aftertouch lets you keep pressing on a specific note after striking a pad—for instance, to tweak filter or modulation of an Ableton instrument live, without affecting other pads.
Source: Novation, official Launchpad Pro product page.
