There’s something about a Launchpad that just pulls you in. Maybe it’s the sea of glowing pads. Maybe it’s the way beats and melodies seem to pour out of it so effortlessly. Or maybe you’ve seen someone absolutely kill it on stage or online—launching clips, layering loops, finger drumming like it’s second nature—and thought, how do they do that?
That’s where this guide comes in.
Whether you’ve just unboxed your first Launchpad or you’ve had one gathering dust waiting for the right moment, this is your starting line. We’ll walk you through what the Novation Launchpad actually does, how to set it up, and how to start making real music with it—without getting lost in technical jargon or buried under YouTube rabbit holes.
The Novation Launchpad is a grid-based MIDI controller—basically, a creative tool you connect to your computer to control your music software. But calling it just a MIDI controller feels like underselling it. The Launchpad isn’t just a piece of gear—it’s an instrument. A performance canvas. A playground for beatmakers and producers alike.
The Launchpad is best known for its RGB pad grid, usually 64 buttons arranged in an 8x8 format. These pads can be used to launch clips in Ableton Live, trigger drum samples, control effects, and even play melodies. It's tactile, visual, and wildly customisable.
And yeah—it looks amazing in a dark room.
Novation makes a few versions of the Launchpad, tailored to different needs:
Each one connects via USB and is built to work especially well with Ableton Live. That said, you can use them with other DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) too—FL Studio, Logic Pro, even Bitwig.
Getting started with a Launchpad is surprisingly painless. Here’s how:
That’s it. No secret passwords or ritual sacrifices needed.
Let’s break it down:
Each pad can launch a sound, loop, or full musical section. Build live sets or arrange songs in real-time, playing them like a digital instrument.
Pair your Launchpad with a drum rack, and you’re finger drumming like a beat machine. This is where Melodics comes in—we help you learn to drum with confidence and groove through structured, interactive lessons that respond to your playing.
Some models, like the Launchpad Pro, let you switch into Note Mode to play synth lines or chords directly on the grid—no keyboard required.
Use custom mappings to assign pads to control filters, reverb, delay, or any effect you love. Perfect for live performances or just having fun in the studio.
Here’s where things start to click:
And above all: play often. That’s where the magic is.
You don’t have to be a tech wizard or classically trained producer to make the most of your Launchpad. But, like any instrument, there’s a learning curve.
That’s where Melodics comes in.
We’re here to guide you from those first clumsy taps to confident, musical performances. Our lessons are designed for real humans—fun, bite-sized, and full of feedback that helps you grow. You’ll go from "What does this button do?" to "I just built a beat set from scratch" faster than you think.
Imagine logging in each day to a session that feels like a game, but sharpens your timing, accuracy, and creativity.
Unlock your musical potential with Melodics. Because when learning feels like playing, you don’t want to stop.
Not necessarily. While it’s optimised for Ableton Live, you can use it with FL Studio, Logic Pro, or even custom software. Just expect some extra setup.
Absolutely. Many DJs and producers use it in live sets to trigger samples, manipulate effects, or create entire performances.
Check out our guide to the best DAWs for live performance
Yes! It’s intuitive, fun, and doesn’t require years of training to get started. Especially when paired with guided lessons, like those in Melodics. If you're serious about learning drums, there's a lot you can do with just a pad controller and some solid lessons.
The Novation Launchpad is more than just a flashy pad controller—it’s an invitation. An open door into a world where sound is visual, performance is tactile, and every session brings new discoveries.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never touched a DAW before, or if you’ve been making beats since MySpace was still a thing. The Launchpad is ready when you are.
And when you're ready to go deeper, explore the joy of learning with Melodics—your partner in making music feel natural, expressive, and genuinely fun.
Start your journey with Melodics today. Your future self—with better rhythm and some jaw-dropping pad skills—will thank you.
NEW LESSON DROP!
NEW LESSON DROP!
Doo Wop (That Thing)
As made famous by Lauryn Hill
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