Musikmesse 2013: Novation unveils the Launchpad S

MUSIKMESSE 2013: Novation has unveiled the Launchpad S, a second generation version of the company's popular Ableton Live clip-launcher and controller.

The updated controller will feature brighter LEDs behind its 64 pads, has a faster refresh rate and supports plug-and-play use with an iPad via Apple's Camera Connection Kit. The controller works natively with FL Studio too, and will ship with custom control overlays in the box.

The Launchpad S is due to start shipping later this month and will retail at £149.99/$169.99/€179.99. Check out the press release below for full details.

Novation Launchpad S press release

Launchpad S is an update to the best-selling grid controller for Ableton Live: the Novation Launchpad. The 64 tri-colour pads can launch loops and clips, trigger drums and samples, and also control effects, volumes, mutes, solos and more. Launchpad S can do all this but has vastly brighter LEDs, a significantly faster refresh rate and is now plug and play with other software such as FL Studio. It also now works with iPad!

Launchpad S is an evolution of the ubiquitous Launchpad, the Ableton Live controller that re-defined the way we perform music with computers. A grid of 64 'launch' pads allows hands-on control of music software such as Ableton Live and FL Studio. It is especially designed for launching loops/clips and triggering effects as well as getting full mixer control including volume, effects sends, pan, mute, solo and track arm. The grid can also trigger drums and one-shot samples. A second user mode allows users to freely assign pads to control other software parameters.

Key features

64-button music software controller: Launch loops/clips, trigger drums and samples, and control effects and volumes.

Brighter, faster and works with more software: Launchpad S is an update to the best selling original Launchpad.

Comes with Ableton Live Launchpad Edition: Feature-packed version of Ableton Live lets you create music straight out of the box.

Plug and play with FL Studio and other software: Now including custom software control overlays in the box.

Now supports iPad: Launchpad S connects toiPadwith the Apple Camera Connection Kit —no drivers required!

New #1 iPad music app: Trigger loops and remix on the fly with just a Launchpad S and your iPad.

Create and perform anywhere: Launchpad S is bus powered, even from an iPad, so you don't need to connect it to mains power!

Launchpad S comes with the Launchpad Edition of Ableton Live, so you can start making music straight away. It also comes with custom overlays for using other grid-based music software such as FL Studio.

Novation has developed a Launchpad iPad app that enables loop triggering and effects from your iPad, independent of Ableton Live. Launchpad S can be connected to, and powered by, an iPad using a standard Camera Connection Kit. The app features a 1GB sample pack ofbrand new hand-pickedloops curated by Loopmasters, ranging from drum samples to artist packs across a variety of modern genres.

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I'm the Managing Editor of Music Technology at MusicRadar and former Editor-in-Chief of Future Music, Computer Music and Electronic Musician. I've been messing around with music tech in various forms for over two decades. I've also spent the last 10 years forgetting how to play guitar. Find me in the chillout room at raves complaining that it's past my bedtime.