Novation Launchpad speaks Ableton Live's language... on video!

Look for a new slate of buttons to control Ableton Live? Even if you're shaking your head as if to signify "negative, Jim," you still owe it to yourself to peek the video in the read link. The newly announced Novation Launchpad is the self-proclaimed Ableton Live controller, with an 8 x 8 grid of do-anything keys, dedicated scene launch buttons and nearly limitless possibilities. It's up for order now from a variety of respected e-tailers, and based on the preview alone, we'd say it could very well be the best $199 you've ever spent. (This month.)

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 1st 2009 10:12PM]

first!

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 1st 2009 10:13PM]

It's like a mini version of what Imogen Heap used on her recent Letterman appearance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmR1AWdBErw

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 1st 2009 10:52PM]

That would be a Monome, and the mini version of hers (256) would be the 64.

[Tpebop Posted Oct 2nd 2009 8:53AM]

I've always wanted to build a monome, but lack of spare time/resources to build and program one of these makes this an interesting alterrnative. For $200 it's also at a nice price point. I'll keep my eyes on this one.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 1st 2009 10:13PM]

i like my apc40

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 1st 2009 11:29PM]

Where is everyone getting APC40's for $199?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 2nd 2009 10:07AM]

If you use ableton live, you have already dropped tons on the program and oodles on VST plugins and sample packs.

400 dollars is well worth it for an apc40 because not only does if have 9x6 grid, it also features 9 faders, an amazingly slick crossfader, and 16 control knobs and various buttons here and there. In my opinion for something that does 3 times what this can do, its well worth the double price.

[DrDr Posted Oct 1st 2009 10:17PM]

Wheres the Steampunk version?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 1st 2009 11:19PM]

in the 7th circle of hell, where it belongs!

[Yan Posted Oct 1st 2009 10:24PM]

That pricing is amazing. This would be a fun little gift for a DJ. Definitely no replacement for my KORG gear, however.

[RyanTV Posted Oct 1st 2009 10:30PM]

Definitely not as good as the APC40

[MoShang Posted Oct 1st 2009 11:10PM]

That would depend entirely on your requirements - the fact that this is entirely USB bus-powered tips the scales for me.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 1st 2009 11:35PM]

I was waiting for Supernova III

[thehamsterman Posted Oct 1st 2009 11:43PM]

i want that so bad.

plus i'd have a legit copy of live ;-)

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 1st 2009 11:41PM]

For $199 that looks pretty sweet! Reminds me of Christmas.

[Mushrooshi Posted Oct 1st 2009 11:48PM]

Reminds me of those things from childhood... it was a math toy... with addition and stuff like that... you would press a semitranslucent button, and the answer would come up.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 2nd 2009 12:12AM]

I hope there is a driver and API included so it can be used for custom apps. I already have some sweat ideas for this baby.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 2nd 2009 4:41AM]

Just out of curiousity but whats the engadget version of musical electronic instruments?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 2nd 2009 8:58AM]

http://createdigitalmusic.com/

They go a little more in-depth with the novation preview. It seems the APC40 has some competition.

[SirNoDroin Posted Oct 2nd 2009 2:08PM]

No Knobs?

No Thanks.

You can make music w/o twisting knobs.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2009 9:30AM]

wow, a bunch of buttons... for 200 dollars, damm this is sweet [/sarcasm]

[danbo1984 Posted Oct 5th 2009 6:49AM]

Looks wicked; cue at least three more incredibly dull Imogen Heap albums...