The Novation Launchpad Pro is a very versatile USB and MIDI controller that functions with the 64 velocity sensitive pads as well as a grid instrument. The Launchpad Pro shows great synergy with the Ableton Live sequencer software because of its seemless integration and the workflow improvement. It offers 4 different modes in combination with the Ableton Live digital audio workstation. Those modes are selectable via one RGB backlit and labelled button for each mode. One of the modes is the Session-mode which is for transfering the Session screen of Ableton Live to the Launchpad Pro Grid-surface and control it via the pads. The Note-mode ist another mode that makes the Launchpad Pro to an real instrument, which can be recorded directly in the selecte track. The Device-mode offers advanced control options and some handy tools like mixing and effect layer options. User-mode is the last selectable mode that provides the user to individualize its Grid surface to improve the Novation controller for personal preferences. So the Launchpad Pro is a fusion of a controller and an instrument with a very versatile application range. To this comes that the power supply can be ensue via USB through the buspowered property or via the included DC power adapter.
Novation Launchpad Pro overview:
Controller for external hard- and software - especially Ableton Live
64 velocity- and touch-sensitive pads with RGB backlight
32 RGB-backlit buttons
4 selectable modes: Session-mode, Note-mode, Device-control-mode and User-mode
MIDI I/O via 3,5mm Jack
Power supply: buspowered via USB or with DC power adapter
Kensington Lock
On- / Off switch
Includes USB-cable, 12V DC power adapter, Ableton Live Lite 9, V-Station and Bass-Station plugin
Launchpad Pro is extremely well made. The pads are easy to play and there's 3 velocity modes with poly aftertouch. There's also dedicated modes for playing drums, notes and faders. It is very well integrated into Ableton Live (well, of course, since it's an Ableton Live controller, after all), but it also works well in Bitwig with external script. There's no drivers/special software required on Windows & Linux (and Mac OS X, I presume, although I haven't tested it). Also, all faders are touch-sensitive, so they will reach targeted level relative to the force of your touch.