Gearank

Gearank Recommendation

The Launchpad Pro MK3 appeared on our recommended list for MIDI Pad Controllers from June 2021 until May 2022 when it was out-ranked by higher rated controllers.

Overview

The third iteration of Novation's Launchpad Pro series promises deeper Ableton Live integration, larger buttons and a slimmer overall profile.

New outer buttons add more flexibility with assignments while two MIDI outputs enable integration outside the box with your other hardware.

Novation also points out that the pads on the MK3 are their most responsive yet. This is important since Novation expanded the pads to be more than clip launchers. The Pads can be used as sample pads and even chromatic keys; this is where velocity sensitivity is important.

Like its predecessors, it integrates seamlessly with Ableton Live with a few added bonuses like track select and capture.

The MK3 still retains the open-source nature of the device's firmware and people have found that their "hacks" still work on the unit. Novation actually supports modifying some of the functions of the Launchpad Pro and even provides resources to tweak things under the hood.

The MK3 still doesn't have a screen. With the built in complexities of the unit, coupled with user-made customization, a screen would be on the top priority of future upgrades in an eventual MK4.

"Don't mess with a good formula" seems to be Novation's approach in this third iteration of their Launchpad Pro line. It still retains everything people love about it while adding a few bonuses and small improvements for an overall better experience.

Specifications

• Pads: 64 Velocity and Pressure Sensitive RGB pads
• Buttons: 40 x Multi Purpose buttons for transport, clip control and settings, 1 x shift, 1 x setup
• Analog Inputs: 1 x 1/8" TRS Type A (in),
• Analog Outputs 2 x 1/8" TRS Type A (out)
• Standalone Mode: no
• Power: USB bus power
• Compatibility: macOS 10.13 or later, iOS 9 or later / Windows 10 or later
• Software Bundle: Ableton Live Lite, AAS Session Bundle, XLN Addictive Keys, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Novation Sound Collective
• Dimensions: 10.55 x 10.55 x 0.71 inches
• Weight: 3.96 lbs