Novation Launchpad Mini review

iOS-compatible mini MIDI pad

  • £80
  • €109
  • $129
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The Launchpad is strong in many areas; with other iOS apps, and with Live, Reason, FL Studio... anything on your computer that receives MIDI

MusicRadar Verdict

A hugely flexible device with bonus points for the quality of Novation's documentation and support.

Pros

  • +

    Super portable. Works brilliantly with iOS apps and other MIDI-compatible programs.

Cons

  • -

    Not a lot!

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Launchpad Mini? Wasn't the original small enough? Ah, but this one's iOS compatible, and the smaller size makes it even more compact and manoeuvrable.

All controls from big brother are present: 64 three-colour pads (not velocity sensitive), 16 buttons, still works great with Ableton Live for clip and scene launching, drum programming, effect sends, and basic volume control.

"It's a great alternative to a keyboard, for playing grid-based patterns, or programming drum parts"

Novation loves to advertise this as an input device for its Launchpad app, and it does that perfectly, especially when you use the Launchpad to fire clips, and the app to view track volume faders and effect controls.

The Launchpad is strong in many areas; with other iOS apps, and with Live, Reason, FL Studio... anything on your computer that receives MIDI. It's a great alternative to a keyboard, for playing grid-based patterns, or programming drum parts and basically whatever the 'big' Launchpad does this does it too, with a low-power mode for iOS use.

Even as a box with 64 illuminated buttons it's not too shoddy in a 185 x 185 x 16mm shell, but with everything else it can do it's a no brainer buy.

Martin Delaney
Martin Delaney
Freelance Gear Reviewer

Martin Delaney was one of the UK’s first Ableton Certified Trainers. He’s taught Ableton Live (and Logic Pro) to every type of student, ranging from school kids to psychiatric patients to DJs and composers. In 2004 he designed the Kenton Killamix Mini MIDI controller, which has been used by Underworld, Carl Craig, and others. He’s written four books and many magazine reviews, tutorials, and interviews, on the subject of music technology. Martin has his own ambient music project, and plays bass for The Witch Of Brussels.