NOVATION Launchpad X and Mini Mk3 £179.99 X & £99.99 MINI

The original Novation Launchpad was designed to be a physical representation of the clips and scenes available in the Session View of Ableton Live. Since then, the ‘Launch’ range has developed, while at the same time competition from other companies has intensified. Now, Novation celebrate ten years of the Launchpad by releasing the Launchpad X and the Launchpad Mini Mk 3. Let’s see if these new Launchpads have future-proofed the concept for the 2020s.

LAUNCH SEQUENCE ENGAGED

Each package contains the relevant Launchpad and a USB C-A cable. The Launchpad X is the larger of the two devices, measuring 241 x 241 x 17.5mm, which is still pretty svelte. There’s USB C and Kensington at the back, and a mini jack for MIDI out. Navigation and mode buttons are arrayed along the top. From left to right, they