Novation has unveiled Launchpad, an easy-to-use audio controller that works with Ableton Live 8 performance software to let you create musical compositions. You can start a rhythm from a library of provided samples, layer additional sounds, and edit to create a finished song. Launchpad, which is available for $199, consists of a panel of buttons, each of which can be used to launch an audio event-a sound sample, a rhythm, a melody loop, and more. You can also use your computer's microphone input to add live vocals or other sound sources.
Designed for DJs, live performances, or studio work, its price and ease of use are designed to appeal to musical hobbyists, as well. Launchpad is a dedicated controller for Ableton Live, co-developed by Novation and Ableton. Load the Ableton Live 8 program into your computer and plug Launchpad into the USB port. These are lit by LEDs displaying clip status in real time: Yellow means a sound clip is loaded; green shows a sound is playing; red shows a clip is recording. Launchpad features a multi-color 64-button grid for launching clips and eight dedicated scene-launch buttons.
Multiple Launchpads can be connected at the same time, so people can create "Launchpad bands" in which one person launches rhythms, another bass lines, and a third melody samples, the company says. You can mix, record, add new layers, play back, adjust pitch and volume, and explore panning and various production effects. The sound sources are included in the Ableton Live software. Launchpad is USB bus-powered and measures about 9.5 inches square and less than an inch high. Launchpad comes with a custom software package: Ableton Live 8 Launchpad Edition. The recommended configuration is an Intel Mac running OS X 10.4 or later with 1GB of RAM, though it will work with a Power Mac G4 or later, 512 MB of RAM, and OS X 10.3.9 or later.
It features eight audio and eight MIDI tracks plus eight Session View scenes. Launchpad requires Ableton Live 7 or higher. It also includes Live's classic effects and allows custom mapping.
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