Novation Launch Control – a box of many uses

Novation’s box of many pads aka the Launchpad has got itself a sibling in the shape of the Novation Launch Control. The problem with the Launchpad is that it’s… well nothing but pads, making tweaking of non-pad like functions a bit of a pain. And that’s where Launch Control fits in, bringing 16 assignable knobs, as well as 16 more buttons… you know, just in case 64 weren’t enough.

Some words from Novation:

Launch Control is a robust, compact and portable control panel with 16 assignable knobs and eight pads that’s ideal for hands-on control of mixers, instruments and effects. The perfect partner to Novation Launchpad, Launch Control works with all major music software – and with the iPad. Launch Control’s three colour pads can be used to play loops and samples, while the knobs can tweak filters, effects, levels, panning, and more.

Launch Control is the perfect partner for Novation’s Launchpad, the controller that changed the face of modern music performance with its grid of 64 multicoloured pads. To Launchpad, Launch Control adds 16 knobs, enabling you to transform performances and studio workflow – and another eight three colour launch pads.

With the iPad, Launch Control can be used out of the box with the Launchpad App to trigger samples and effects. Launch Control connects direct to the iPad with the Apple Camera Connection Kit (not included) with no need for a power supply. The Launchpad App allows control of samples with Launch Control’s pads, while using the knobs to tweak filters and change levels to provide a compact and impressive portable performance system.

Launch Control also works with all the major music software on Mac and PC and is fully class-compliant, controlling MIDI-compatible software like Cubase, Reason, Logic and FL Studio with no need for drivers. Both Ableton Live Lite and an extensive Loopmasters sample pack are included.

Launch Control’s 16 knobs and eight launch pads can be set up with templates that let you flip them to control different software parameters. There are eight factory templates and eight of your own to create and play, whatever your choice of software, giving an effective arsenal of up to 448 controls.

Physical Controls

• 16 rotary pots with 300 degree motion
• 8 three colour Launch pads
• 6 function buttons

Connectivity

• Class Compliant USB
• Kensington Lock Slot

Weights & Dimensions

• 240mm x 118mm x 23mm
• 470g

Nutshell version – the Novation Launch Control is designed to make using the Launchpad that little bit easier, as well as giving a very handy sized controller for standalone iPad app use. It’s also fully MIDI compatible too, which for me makes this a pretty neat controller for Serato’s sample player.

It comes with Ableton Live Lite, and costs just $99/£79 — quite the no-brainer purchase for a lot of people. Here’s hopping that we begin to see a lot more specific modular controllers like this.