Break out of the mouse-and-screen workflow and take full control of your music with the Novation Launchpad X, a compact grid controller designed for producing, performing and experimenting in real time. Built around 64 velocity-sensitive RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch, Launchpad X lets you launch clips, play melodies, trigger drums and shape your mix with expressive precision. While long associated with Ableton Live, Launchpad X is equally powerful with Logic, Bitwig, Cubase and other DAWs, making it a versatile controller for virtually any setup. Add in visual feedback, Mixer Mode, deep customization via Novation Components and included production software, and Launchpad X becomes a flexible, performance-ready tool that adapts to your workflow from studio to stage.
64 RGB Pads With Expressive Performance Control
At the core of Launchpad X is its responsive 8×8 grid of RGB pads, designed to give you a clear visual overview of your session while delivering a highly playable surface. Velocity sensitivity and polyphonic aftertouch allow for dynamic, expressive input, whether you're launching clips or performing instruments. Each pad lights up to reflect clip status, making it easy to track what’s playing, queued or recording without looking at your computer. This intuitive feedback system turns your DAW into a hands-on instrument, ideal for both live performance and studio production.
Clip Launching, Mixing and DAW Integration
Launchpad X is built to streamline your workflow by putting essential DAW controls directly under your fingertips. Launch clips and scenes in real time, trigger arrangements on the fly and access key functions like Stop, Solo, Mute and Record Arm instantly. Switch into Mixer Mode to transform the grid into a tactile control surface for adjusting volume, pan and send levels across your session. Deep integration with Ableton Live unlocks advanced features like Capture MIDI, but its flexible MIDI implementation ensures smooth, effective control across a wide range of DAWs—not just Ableton.
Play Melodies, Chords and Drum Patterns
Beyond clip launching, Launchpad X doubles as a powerful performance instrument. Note Mode converts the grid into a playable keyboard with chromatic and scale layouts, making it easy to create melodies without traditional keyboard skills. Drum Mode offers a familiar 4×4 pad layout for finger drumming and sample triggering, with velocity and aftertouch adding a natural feel. The consistent layout across keys and scales helps you stay musical while exploring new ideas, making it especially approachable for beginners and inspiring for experienced producers.
Custom Modes and Flexible Workflow Design
With Novation Components, Launchpad X adapts to your exact setup through fully customizable control layouts. Create up to eight Custom Modes featuring virtual faders, MIDI CC assignments, note layouts, program changes and more. Whether you're controlling plugins, hardware synths or building a dedicated performance rig, you can design your grid exactly how you want it. This level of flexibility reinforces Launchpad X as a true multi-DAW controller, capable of integrating into nearly any production environment.
Portable Design With Powerful Software Bundle
Designed for portability without sacrificing capability, Launchpad X is lightweight, bus-powered via USB-C and compact enough to fit in a backpack for music on the go. It includes Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE and a curated selection of instruments and effects, giving you everything needed to start creating right away. Additional finger-drumming lessons from Melodics help build performance skills, while the Easy Start tool ensures a fast, hassle-free setup. Whether you're producing tracks, performing live or learning the fundamentals, Launchpad X delivers a complete, hands-on music-making experience across virtually any DAW.