Novation Launchpad X

I bought the Launchpad X as an affordable replacement to my Ableton Push 1 after the USB gave up the ghost. As a musician who has had guitars etc. for more than twenty years with no issues, I'm not impressed when expensive technology simply ups and dies.

The Launchpad X is obviously a simpler affair, but I do love the ability to programme the controller to suit oneself. I do miss the kind of scale and mode selection that came with the Push, but as an instrument for playing, the Launchpad has a much more sensitive, finger-friendly feel. The pads are wonderfully comfortable compared to the Push.

I miss things like a modulation strip and indeed, basic transport controls, but as a controller for integrating with Ableton and triggering scenes, etc., it's perfect.

If you're looking for something to 'play', then this is a great choice.

I got this specifically for use with Bitwig, which is made possible thanks to custom scripts by Drivenbymoss.
As it relies on these scripts, functionality could change in the future, so I suggest you do your research first, but as of Bitwig 4.3 it works quite well.

I got this instead of the Pro, because this is slightly smaller.
However, if I was to choose again, I would probably have gone for the Pro and try find room for it on my desk, for the extra functions.

But I'm reviewing this for what it is, not for what it isn't.
Great pads, solid build quality, very light and easy to pack in a bag with a laptop too.

I'm a guitarist, bassist and a little bit into live looping and I'll tell you this is the best ableton and keyboard controller I've ever seen! 64 dynamic keys are more than enough for finger drumming and sample triggering, and if you're a guitarist, it's easy to make friends with local synth controls! just like in a guitar one step - one semitone and they are also arranged in groups of 5, just like on your fretboard! the desired notes of the scale are highlighted, you can select the key, scale, give it to your non-musical friend and jam with him! Yes, it's much easier to play ))) 4 octaves of any instrument in the form factor of a small tablet! and of course I can't help but mention the mixer control - novation has singled out the most important functions and put them on pre-prepared buttons, you can control your project without touching the mouse or keyboard at all! I am absolutely delighted! watch a couple of YouTube videos on how to use it, customize your launchpad for yourself and you will never want to part with it again! Wow Wow wow!