In the dynamic world of music production and sound engineering, tools and technology continue to evolve at a rapid pace, offering fresh possibilities for creativity and innovation. One device that has made significant waves in this sphere is the Novation Launchpad S. As a successor to Novation’s original Launchpad, the Launchpad S has established its own identity while taking a number of cues from its predecessor.
Novation Launchpad S: Table of Contents
The Launchpad S, like its predecessor, is a grid-based controller designed with an intuitive layout that is accessible to music creators of varying levels of expertise. It was developed with the goal of optimizing interaction with digital audio workstations (DAWs), most notably Ableton Live, enhancing the user experience in live performances as well as in studio settings.
Comparing the Launchpad S to the original Launchpad, it becomes evident that Novation has taken a strategic approach of enhancement rather than a complete overhaul. The Launchpad S maintains the appealing simplicity and portability of the original, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go musicians and producers. Yet, Novation has clearly taken on board the user feedback from the original Launchpad, implementing key improvements in the Launchpad S that make it faster, brighter, and more powerful.
The Launchpad S shares the same grid layout as the original, featuring an 8×8 grid of pads that serve as a versatile canvas for triggering loops, samples, effects, and more. However, it’s when you start exploring the under-the-hood changes where the real magic lies. The device boasts a new, faster processor, improved LED circuitry for brighter display, and an updatable firmware layer. These enhancements address some of the original Launchpad’s key criticisms, leading to a faster, more responsive user experience that is certain to be appreciated by music creators and performers.
Unboxing and First Impressions about Launchpad S
As you lift the lid off the Launchpad S packaging, you’re immediately met with a vision of neat design and compact practicality. Nestled securely within, the Launchpad S itself takes center stage, its grid of unlit buttons offering a tantalizing promise of the light show to come. Accompanying the device, you’ll find a concise ‘Getting Started’ guide, a registration card, an array of software template stickers, and Novation’s unique right-angled USB cable.
Novation’s decision to forgo a CD or DVD for software and instead opt for an entirely digital approach aligns with the current trend of reducing physical media. It also accounts for the fact that many modern users, particularly those operating slimline laptops or tablets, no longer have access to DVD drives.
Upon unboxing the Launchpad S, the initial setup begins with an online registration process. While it’s admittedly a tad more intricate than one might prefer, it’s a small hurdle to clear for the extensive software suite that becomes available once you’re through. This suite includes Ableton Live Launchpad Edition, Loopmasters Content loops, additional manuals, and crucially, the Windows drivers necessary for those users on a Microsoft-powered machine.
In terms of aesthetics, the Launchpad S presents an air of understated professionalism. It retains the same dimensions as its predecessor, making it equally compact and portable. Its slightly metallic dark grey finish (not unlike the ‘gun metal’ shade fondly remembered by model enthusiasts) represents a shift from the original’s black, lending it a sleek, modern feel. The device feels solid and well-made, a reliable companion for both studio recording and live performances.
Upon closer inspection, you’ll note that the Launchpad S doesn’t feature any printing on the buttons themselves. Instead, the necessary text and icons have been moved onto the case or removed altogether. This is a clear nod to user-friendliness and efficiency, allowing you to focus on what matters most: making music.
In the first moments with the Launchpad S, it’s clear that Novation has not only listened to the feedback of its user base but also understood and acted upon it. The Launchpad S emanates an aura of improvement and evolution, a promise of a better user experience. From unboxing to initial setup, the anticipation builds for what this enhanced device can bring to your music production endeavors.
Technical Specifications of Launchpad S
Diving into the technical heart of the Launchpad S, it becomes apparent that this grid-based controller has been meticulously engineered to offer a smooth and responsive music production experience. What might appear at first glance as a simple redesign of its predecessor, on closer inspection, reveals a suite of updated and optimized features.
Among the key features that make the Launchpad S stand out is its adherence to class-compliant MIDI device specifications. This seemingly techy term translates to a significant advantage: the Launchpad S does not require any specific drivers to operate. This marks a departure from its predecessor, making the setup process smoother, especially for Mac and Linux users. In addition, for Windows users who wish to share the device between multiple applications or utilize Novation’s Automap, proprietary drivers are available.
This class-compliant status also extends the Launchpad S’s compatibility beyond traditional computers. Musicians can seamlessly integrate it with an iPad using Apple’s Camera Connection Kit. This feature opens a new avenue of portability, enabling you to compose, mix, and perform on-the-go, whether you’re in a cafe or in the green room before a gig.
The dimensions of the Launchpad S have remained consistent with the original model, keeping it compact and light, which is ideal for those looking to include it in a portable setup. The device measures 240mm in width, 240mm in depth, and a slim 25mm in height, making it an unobtrusive addition to your workspace.
In terms of design, the Launchpad S features an 8×8 grid of square pads, each capable of lighting up in red, green, and amber at varying intensities. The LED lights beneath these pads have been enhanced for greater brightness and improved color fidelity. Furthermore, with the upgraded LED circuitry and a faster processor, the Launchpad S exhibits speedy refresh rates, ensuring a lag-free response to your creative impulses.
All in all, the Launchpad S’s technical specifications showcase a device that’s not only evolved to keep up with the demands of modern music production but has been thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of musicians on the move. The mix of class-compliant characteristics, wide compatibility, and compact design truly allows the Launchpad S to shine brightly in the vast universe of music production tools.
Getting Started with the Launchpad S
Venturing into the realm of music production with the Launchpad S is a surprisingly streamlined process, considering the power this device wields. From installing the necessary software to interfacing with your preferred Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), it’s evident that Novation has made a concerted effort to simplify the experience.
Embarking on your journey with the Launchpad S doesn’t involve fumbling with CDs or DVDs, thanks to Novation’s online resources. Once you register your device online — a process that requires a touch of patience — you gain access to the array of ‘bundled’ software. This includes Ableton Live Launchpad Edition, an iteration of the popular DAW tailored for the Launchpad. In addition to this, you receive Loopmasters Content loops, user manuals, and Windows drivers if required. It’s worth noting that the Launchpad S is compatible with Novation’s Automap controller mapping system, making customization a breeze.
Now, with software installed and ready to roll, the fun part begins. The Launchpad S is fully integrated with Ableton Live, allowing you to navigate sessions, launch clips, control volumes, and more, directly from the grid. The device auto-configures with Ableton, taking the stress out of setup and freeing you to focus on crafting your unique soundscapes. While Ableton is the recommended companion for Launchpad S, the device can work harmoniously with other DAWs as a MIDI controller.
And what if one Launchpad S isn’t enough? For those seeking to elevate their musical endeavors, the Launchpad S supports multi-unit functionality. This means you can use two or more units together to extend your control. The device ID configuration option facilitates this, enabling software to differentiate between connected Launchpad S units.
In essence, getting started with the Launchpad S is a straightforward process. From installation to configuration and multi-device setup, Novation’s thoughtfulness in user experience design shines through. This ensures that you can quickly transition from unboxing your Launchpad S to immersing yourself in the creative process, building beats, mixing tracks, and launching loops in no time.
In-Depth Feature Analysis of Novation Launchpad S
The Launchpad S may seem deceptively simple on the surface, but beneath its sleek, metallic-grey exterior lies a world of intricate features that play crucial roles in enhancing the user experience. Key among these are the device’s LED performance, its speed and refresh rate, and a subtle yet noticeable lack of RGB LEDs.
Taking center stage is the Launchpad S’s LED performance. The device makes an impressive stride forward in this area compared to its predecessor. The LED brightness levels have seen a notable boost, addressing one of the significant drawbacks of the original Launchpad.
The Launchpad S features two operating modes: low-power and full-power. In low-power mode, the device is suitable for use with an iPad, where power supply may be limited. However, if you desire more luminescent feedback from your session, shifting into full-power mode illuminates the Launchpad S with a radiant glow that is markedly brighter. The transition between modes requires a bit of tweaking as per the Advanced Features Guide online, but once set, it provides a vivid and engaging user experience.
Beyond brightness, the Launchpad S flaunts a more refined color representation. Its green LED color, for instance, shines with an emerald intensity as opposed to the pallid pea-green of its predecessor. This enhancement adds a touch of vibrancy that complements the creative process.
Where the Launchpad S truly shines is in its speed and refresh rate. With its new, faster processor and improved LED circuitry, the Launchpad S refreshes at lightning speed. Transitioning between mixer pages, for instance, is virtually instantaneous, freeing users from the lag of the original model. This feature alone significantly enhances the smoothness of the overall user experience.
However, despite these improvements, the Launchpad S doesn’t feature RGB LEDs, a feature increasingly common in comparable devices. While this doesn’t detract from its performance, it does mean the Launchpad S lacks the ability to represent a wider array of colors on its pad matrix. While this may not impact functionality significantly, it is a cosmetic feature some users may miss.
Performance and User Experience with Launchpad S
The true measure of any piece of music gear lies not just in its technical specifications, but in how it performs in real-world applications. In this respect, the Launchpad S makes its presence felt with significant enhancements that boost its utility and deliver a refined user experience.
In comparison with the original Launchpad, the Launchpad S showcases noticeable improvements in speed, responsiveness, and overall performance. Thanks to a faster processor and an optimized LED circuitry, users can now enjoy near-instantaneous feedback, a key requirement in the world of live performance and electronic music production. This leap in performance also puts the Launchpad S on par with other grid controllers in the market, making it a worthy contender for anyone seeking to step into this arena.
A clear illustration of this enhanced performance can be observed in the handling of LED refresh rates. In the original Launchpad, refreshing a large number of LEDs simultaneously often resulted in a visible lag, with a scrolling effect appearing as the pad matrix was updated. With the Launchpad S, this has been comprehensively addressed. The device’s new processor, coupled with an improved LED circuitry, ensures that the entire pad matrix is updated almost instantaneously, eliminating any distractions that could interrupt the flow of a live performance.
In terms of real-world utility, the Launchpad S is equally adept at managing complex performances or providing an interactive way to explore new musical ideas. Its class-compliant MIDI device status ensures that it integrates seamlessly with a variety of devices, including iPads, further enhancing its versatility.
Notably, the impact of the improved LED circuitry extends beyond mere performance metrics. It allows for a more immersive and engaging user experience, with brighter LEDs providing clearer visual feedback, especially in low-light environments or during high-intensity live performances.
Finally, the faster processor not only increases the device’s speed but also contributes to a smoother and more intuitive user experience. This, coupled with the potential for software updates, ensures that the Launchpad S remains a relevant and powerful tool for music creators, both now and into the future.
Potential Issues and Workarounds
Just like any product, while the Launchpad S exhibits several advancements, it also presents a few minor challenges. Thankfully, for any potential obstacles that users may face, there are workarounds and solutions available.
One aspect that some users might find a bit tedious is the online registration process. The system could feel somewhat more complicated than necessary, which can result in a bit of frustration. However, it’s worth remembering that this process is an integral part of protecting the software and applications bundled with the Launchpad S from unauthorized use. It’s a one-time operation that, once completed, grants access to valuable resources such as Ableton Live Launchpad Edition, Loopmasters Content loops, additional manuals, and Windows drivers. So, patience during this initial stage will certainly pay off.
For Windows users, it’s important to note that the standard drivers only allow the Launchpad S to be accessed by one software program at a time. In cases where you wish to share the Launchpad S between applications or plan on utilizing Novation’s Automap controller mapping system, you’ll need to install Novation’s drivers. While this might seem like an extra step, it opens up additional possibilities for flexibility and control, making it a worthwhile investment of time.
Then, there’s the full-power mode setup. By default, the Launchpad S ships in a low-power mode, which is great for situations where it is powered by an iPad, but doesn’t necessarily take full advantage of the device’s enhanced LED brightness. To unlock the full intensity of the LEDs, users need to switch to the full-power mode. It might be easy to overlook this setting, as it’s only mentioned in the online Advanced Features Guide. So, keep in mind to consult this guide and follow the steps to enable the full-power mode for an optimal visual experience.
Additional Insights
The versatility and compatibility of the Novation Launchpad S extend beyond traditional desktop setups. Notably, it pairs seamlessly with an iPad, opening up a new world of mobile music production. When connected via Apple’s Camera Connection Kit, the Launchpad S becomes a dynamic and portable beat-making machine. However, it’s essential to remember that the Launchpad S must be in low-power mode to function with iPad power alone. Yet, for users desiring full intensity LEDs, a powered hub can facilitate this, creating a bright, immersive music creation experience right from your iPad.
Delving into the MIDI capabilities of the Launchpad S, it’s clear that Novation has placed considerable thought into making the device as adaptable as possible. Whether triggering loops or punching in effects via the pads, the Launchpad S behaves as a robust MIDI controller, generating notes and illuminating LEDs based on the notes sent back. For those feeling adventurous, the MIDI specification for the Launchpad S is readily available online. Armed with this, music enthusiasts can possibly code their support system, further customizing their music production experience.
To facilitate the user experience and provide ongoing support, Novation offers a wide array of online resources for the Launchpad S. From an Advanced Features Guide that sheds light on the nuances of the device like setting it in full-power mode to the online community forums where users can connect, share, and learn, ample help is available. Moreover, Novation is known for providing prompt customer service and continually releasing software updates to address any potential issues or bugs.
In summary, the Launchpad S represents an impressive combination of usability, adaptability, and comprehensive support. Whether using it with an iPad for portable production, diving into the depths of its MIDI functionality, or utilizing online resources to enhance your user experience, the Launchpad S ensures that your music production journey is expansive and rewarding.
Reference and Resource List
- Novation Launchpad S: Official Product Page / Source: Novation Music
- Launchpad S Advanced Features Guide / Source: Novation
- Launchpad S User Guide / Source: Novation
- Launchpad S Compatibility with iPad / Source: Apple Support
