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I'm thinking of buying a Novation Launchpad, but I use fl studio (used it for a year and a half some time ago but Im still a nooob). I've read that it doesn't fully work with fl studio, unless it's fl studio 10, and still, so I have some questions
Can fl studio 10 use it to the same extent as ableton for example
Is it worth learning ableton just for using launchpad? what difference is there between these two softwares (like, in workflow for example)? is it friendly with new producers?
And now that I'm at it, what does this type of controller fully do? I've heard it doesn't control velocity. Is this true? or can it be done in ableton?
What's it really for? producing or live performances? can I produce with it?
Is there any type of similar hardware within the same price range (150-200) that's more software friendly? is novation the best in the market?
I wouldnt switch DAW just for launchpad, but it is kinda pointless if you dont have FL10. Live mode is pretty meh in 9. I dont know the full functionality of the thing, but at the very least you get 64 buttons that can act as on/off switches for anything you can automate, or triggering samples. Thats awesome already tbh :p
Buddy KEKE wrote:So it's worth the buy if i have fl studio 10?
Launch pads are good.. I use an Akai MPK Mini w/Traktor, and it doubles as my production midi controller... I use Ableton, and I love it.. Used to use FL Studio a long time ago, but Ableton just grabbed onto me... I thought about getting a launch pad too, but the next hardware upgrade I am getting, are some Monitors, then an S2, or an S4 Mixer... Maschine's are nice also, for stuff like triggering, and effect textures, for sampling live...
Buddy KEKE wrote:I'm thinking of buying a Novation Launchpad, but I use fl studio (used it for a year and a half some time ago but Im still a nooob). I've read that it doesn't fully work with fl studio, unless it's fl studio 10, and still, so I have some questions
It actually only natively works with FL10.5 I believe. I've seen some nifty videos of it, but honestly, I don't see it being that useful in FL.
(I primarily use FL, but have a launchpad and use it with Ableton.)
HOWEVER, I'd imagine you can use Automap or MIDIKatapult to assign the Launchpad to various FL functions, but... I don't see this being all that useful.
To share my experience, what I've done in the past is write my tune on FL Studio, bounce out the stems to Ableton, cut them up, and trigger them with the Launchpad for live performance. Best of both worlds.
Buddy KEKE wrote:Can fl studio 10 use it to the same extent as ableton for example
No. FL Studio and Ableton have 2 different work flows (as far as Ableton with the clip launcher business).
Buddy KEKE wrote:Is it worth learning ableton just for using launchpad?
I would suggest learning Ableton (or any other DAW you can legally get your hands on!) regardless as learning a new DAW can expand your business production opportunities, and Ableton has it's own great set of tools and what not. The Launchpad comes with a free limited version of Ableton, so you may as well.
Buddy KEKE wrote:what difference is there between these two softwares (like, in workflow for example)?
Well, FL has just the playlist arranger. Ableton has this, as well as the "clip launcher" (or whatever it's called). Clip Launcher mode is what you use with the Launchpad.
Basically, clips are just loops you can mess around with. So, you'd trigger the loop with the Launchpad.
Buddy KEKE wrote:is it friendly with new producers?
Considering the plethora of tutorials and other Ableton members on the forum, I don't see it being that hard to learn the basics.
Buddy KEKE wrote:And now that I'm at it, what does this type of controller fully do?
Basically, it's a bunch of buttons. You can assign them to do whatever you want.
Here is a video I made of me running FretPad with Max4Live. I'm using it as a keyboard, essentially.
I also went through and made all the keys in a scale light up so I knew what to play.
(I wouldn't really recommend buying the Launchpad just for this feature. It's a nifty thing to play with, but isn't that practical.)
Mostly, you'll be using it to launch clips in a live scenario (IE, I don't really know anyone who uses the Launchpad in production. You can, but it's not really that useful.):
The guy is using the left Launchpad to trigger clips, and the right Launchpad is running MIDIKatapult to trigger various effects:
There are also various Max4Live apps that people make for the Launchpad, so there are still uses for it being invented. One is using it as a drum step sequencer, etc... people are even designing basic games on the damn thing!
I also use it with Virtual DJ (through a script I found), basically it REALLY helps with looping and stuff in the software, as my DJ MIDI controller makes looping a pain. I love it for that use as well.
Buddy KEKE wrote:I've heard it doesn't control velocity. Is this true? or can it be done in ableton?
The buttons on the Launchpad are not velocity sensitive. This means, if you are using it as a MIDI drum controller to record drums, if you tap the pad lightly or smack it hard, it will register as the same velocity in Ableton.
Buddy KEKE wrote:What's it really for? producing or live performances? can I produce with it?
Mainly it's for live performance, although you *can* produce with it. It's not very useful for that in my opinion, though.
Buddy KEKE wrote:Is there any type of similar hardware within the same price range (150-200) that's more software friendly? is novation the best in the market?
For the price range, the Launchpad really is fun. There is the Korg NanoSeries, which offer little faders or a little drum pad or a little keyboard (I think, not sure), they seem nice too. Depends what you need really.
Buddy KEKE wrote:Thanks in advance
Yeah no problem, hopefully Novation sends me a damn check for that!
I'd advise you not to just buy one for the sake of it (unless you're rich or something). It seems like you don't entirely understand the hardware and it's purposes, make sure you'll actually use it, lots of people buy it just to have it sit around and not use it.
I don't use mine all that often, but it does come in handy a lot (especially when DJing). I'm glad I bought mine.
