Novation reveals Launchpad X and Launchpad Mini MK3

Novation has revealed its latest additions to the Launchpad family of MIDI controllers — Launchpad X and Launchpad Mini MK3. 

Respectively priced at £179.99 and £99.99, the former is the first full-sized model in the range since 2015's Launchpad Pro arrived, packing 64 pads with pressure and velocity sensitivity which the company says are its most responsive to date. 

The unit also offers the choice of switching between Drum and Note Mode— logically percussion and melody— and has the ability to recall sequences that have been played even without users hitting record. Music can be kept in key easier than ever thanks to Dynamic Note and Scale options. 

Launchpad Mini MK3, meanwhile, now has RGB pads that again have Drum and Note programmes. Both have customisable visual grids, come bundled with Ableton Live Lite, and AAS, XLN Audio, Softube and klevgrand plug-ins. Two months free subscription to sample platform Splice is also included, alongside a membership to Novation's Sound Collective for free access to new plug-ins. 

Check out the video below to see what KiNK can do with the Mini, then have a look at Novation's new Summit synth, unveiled this summer and one of our favourites from 2019's music tech conference, Superbooth.