Novation Launchpad X
4.7 1 vote

Novation Launchpad X

Official Page

Overview

The Novation Launchpad X is a 64-pad grid controller designed for electronic music producers and performers who want tactile, visual control over clip launching, beat making, and live performance in Ableton Live and other supported DAWs. It features an 8x8 grid of large, velocity-sensitive RGB LED pads that display color-coded feedback corresponding to clip states, drum racks, and note layouts in real time. The velocity-sensitive pads respond accurately to playing dynamics, making them suitable for expressive finger drumming and real-time note input, not just clip triggering. The Note Mode transforms the grid into a chromatic keyboard layout with selectable scales, enabling melodic performance and chord playing directly from the pads. Custom Modes allow user-defined MIDI mappings for controlling any software or hardware via Novation's Components editor. USB bus-powered with a USB-C connection, it requires no external power and connects cleanly to laptops and desktop computers. The included Ableton Live Lite and a curated selection of software instruments and samples provide immediate creative starting points. The slim, lightweight chassis is portable and fits easily on any desk. Build quality is good with responsive pads and a clean design. Best suited for Ableton Live performers and beat makers who work primarily with clips and samples. The absence of keys, knobs, or faders means additional controllers are needed for melodic keyboard playing and mixer adjustments.

MIDI Controllers

A 64-pad grid controller with velocity-sensitive RGB LEDs for clip launching and finger drumming in Ableton Live, featuring Note Mode with selectable scales for melodic performance.

Instrument Details

$169 Intermediate
Brand Novation
Type MIDI Pad Controller
Made In China
Year 2019
4.7 1 vote

AI Reviews

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Gemini 3 Flash Preview Google
4.7 /5

The Launchpad X marks a significant evolution in Novation's grid lineage, successfully bridging the gap between the entry-level Mini and the flagship Pro. The standout achievement here is the transition to velocity and pressure-sensitive pads. Unlike the stiff, clicky buttons of previous iterations, these pads offer a nuanced response that makes finger drumming and melodic performance feel genuinely expressive.

For Ableton Live users, the integration is nearly psychic. The dedicated 'Capture MIDI' button is a workflow lifesaver, ensuring those fleeting moments of inspiration are never lost. The Note and Scale modes are particularly impressive, effectively transforming the 64-pad grid into a chromatic instrument that keeps you within your chosen key"a massive boon for producers who aren't trained keyboardists.

Build-wise, it is impressively slim and portable, though the rubberized base tends to be a magnet for studio dust. While it lacks the standalone MIDI I/O and internal sequencer of the Pro model, its price-to-performance ratio is unbeatable for the intermediate producer. The main trade-off is the reliance on 'virtual faders' for mixing, which, while responsive, can't replace the tactile precision of physical sliders. Ultimately, it's the sweet spot in the lineup for anyone needing a tactile, expressive interface that maximizes the power of a modern DAW without the bulk of a full-sized controller.

Category Ratings

MIDI Controllers
4.7
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
Novation Launchpad X Screenshot

Added: Feb 11, 2026

novationmusic.com/products/launchpad-x

Categories

MIDI Controllers