novation Launchpad Pro MK3 Daw Controller User Guide
Introduction
Update V1.2 for the Launchpad Pro [MK3] brings new features that expand the creative and performance capabilities of the controller. Read on to find out how to use each of the newly added features.
The firmware update may be installed to your product for free via Components at https://components.novationmusic.com/.
If you’re having trouble updating your unit or with using any of the features in the guide, don’t hesitate to contact our support team at https://support.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb.
Update V1.2.1 brings Legacy Mode in-line with Launchpad X and Mini [MK3].
Unquantised recording
With the unquantised recording feature you may record directly to micro steps in the built-in sequencer. This is great for capturing the organic feel of your live playing and getting your beats off-grid.
By default, live recording is quantised to steps, i.e. Record Quantise is enabled. This is indicated by the [Quantise/Record Quantise] button lighting green when shift is held.
To disable Record Quantise, press the [Quantise/Record Quantise] button while holding shift – it will turn red to indicate that Record Quantise is disabled. You are now able to record your playing unquantised. Simply repeat the same action to re-enable Record Quantise.
Record Quantise is enabled on the left (green), while it is disabled on the right (red).
Note that the selection for the Record Quantise setting will persist when the device is power cycled.
Performance Velocity, Probability and Mutation
Step parameters may now be performed live, allowing you to get hands on with your sequences and create interesting and intricate rhythms on the fly.
To perform with any of these parameters, first make sure sequencer playback is active by pressing the play button in any of the sequencer views. Next, ensure that there are populated steps in the currently playing pattern for the currently viewed track. Now press [Velocity], [Probability] or [Mutation] to enter a step parameter view. You may now press any of the Velocity, Probability or Mutation values to momentarily override the values assigned to each step.
This feature can be very useful for creating dynamics in drum beats, melodies or basslines rapidly, particularly with velocity which is often mapped to the amp level of a synth or sample.
Live performance of these step parameters may be recorded to a pattern. Press record to enable recording, perform with Velocity, Probability, and/or Mutation, then press record once again to stop recording.
Pad Trigger Threshold
t is now possible to change the trigger threshold for pads. That is, you may customise Launchpad Pro’s pads to respond to very light touches, or to be more forgiving to compensate for a heavier touch, triggering only when a pad is pressed harder.
To choose a trigger threshold, hold [Setup] and press the second Track Select button to enter the Velocity menu. The four pads on the right-hand side represent the different trigger thresholds available. The selected setting is lit blue, while the others are lit dim white.
The left-most pad represents the lowest trigger threshold. With this setting selected, the pads will trigger at a very light touch. This is the default setting, and it is particularly useful for responsive pad feedback when using Note or Chord modes.
The updated Velocity menu for v1.2, now with Trigger Threshold selection.
The right-most pad represents the highest trigger threshold. With this setting selected, the pads will only trigger once a greater force has been applied to them. This is useful if you wish to use Launchpad Pro primarily for triggering clips in Ableton Live, where accidentally launching a clip could heavily impact a live set. This setting also allows you to rest a finger on a pad more comfortably without triggering it.
Legacy Mode
Legacy Mode re-introduces the User layout of the original Launchpad Pro. This brings a level of backwards compatibility that allows you to interface with legacy applications and lightshow performances designed for the original Launchpad Pro.
The layout is as seen below. Unspecified numbers represent note numbers, while CC numbers (control change) are labelled as such. See the programmer’s reference guide for more information on lighting pads.
Note that while the top row of buttons sends out CCs upon being pressed, note messages may also be used to light them. This allows for the entire view to be lit using only note messages.
Pads & buttons may also be lit via SysEx messages in Legacy mode. The layout for doing so matches that of Programmer Mode, which you can read more about in the Programmer’s Reference Guide.
Above the note & CC values are shown in decimal format.
Above the note & CC values are shown in hexadecimal format.
Documents / Resources
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novation Launchpad Pro MK3 Daw Controller [pdf] User Guide Launchpad Pro, MK3, Daw Controller |
