Background
All devices are 64 Pad MIDI controllers compatible with Windows, macOS, and iOS devices. They all include Ableton Live Lite.
Launchpad Mini & Launchpad MK2
The Launchpad Mini and Launchpad MK2 are all USB bus-powered units, which means they can be powered just from the USB connection. Note for iOS connectivity, the Launchpad MkII requires a powered USB hub.
For the connection, the Launchpad Mini uses the micro USB connector and the Launchpad MK2 uses a type B port. Both devices include a cable to connect to USB Type-A ports. For more information on ports, please see our article here.
The main difference between the Launchpad Mini and Launchpad MK2 is the RGB light system. The Launchpad MK2 has an RGB light system that provides more information, such as the colours of Ableton clips, shown on the hardware. The Launchpad Mini MK1 and 2 do not have the RGB light system and contain only 4 colours (Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red).
The operation of the two Launchpads is the same. Due to the smaller size of the Launchpad, Mini MK1 and MK2 are labelled with numbers and letters, while the Launchpad MK2 has full labelling to correspond with their functions in Ableton Live.
Launchpad Pro (Original)
The Launchpad Pro extends the main features of the Launchpad Mini and Launchpad MK2, as well as adding:
- Velocity-sensitive pads with aftertouch
- Expanded note mode for advanced instruments playing (chromatic and scales)
- Additional editing functions for extended use in Ableton
- Ableton Device controls
- Standalone OPTIONS make it a grid-based controller that offers options outside of Ableton.
- This includes features a standalone Note mode, Drum Mode and a Programmer mode.
The Launchpad Pro also has a DC power connection and MIDI I/O to be used as a standalone device with other hardware.
Launchpad Mini MK3 & Launchpad X
The Launchpad Mini MK3 and Launchpad X also feature RGB pads. Both of these Launchpads use a USB-C port. In the box, you’ll get a USB-C to A cable. Both have the option of setting brightness and customisation through Components (see our guide HERE). You can store up to 3 custom modes.
Both need a lightning connection for the camera adapter or a powered USB hub to work on iOS devices.
When using faders, these Launchpads have a higher resolution, as you can press a pad 4 times to go through 4 different values.
The Launchpad X features velocity-sensitive pads which respond to how hard they are pressed and after-touch allowing you to push the pad after pressing it for additional MIDI control.
These Launchpads also let you choose functions on the pads, changing how the grid works with Ableton. For example, the Mini can be set to have the bottom row of pads being Stop/Solo/Mute controls, while the other pads still show the Session grid.
The Mini MK3 and X work with Ampify apps on the iPhone, whereas the older ones do not.
Launchpad Pro MK3
The Launchpad Pro MK3 is at the top of the Launchpad range, it features the most sensitive pads, the most controls for Ableton Live, a standalone Sequencer and a standalone Chord mode. It also features the Note mode and Custom modes seen on the Launchpad X, with 8 available slots for Custom Modes.
The Launchpad Pro MK3 offers track select buttons to allow you to move quickly between tracks without sacrificing any other functions. It also has a Fixed length feature, so clips recorded in Ableton are the desired length and the Sequencer can print its patterns into Ableton.
The Launchpad Pro comes with the same software as the Launchpad X and Mini MK3.
It has a USB-C port, can be powered with a supplied USB wall power supply and has a Type A TRS MIDI In port and two Type-A TRS MIDI Outputs. The second of which can be changed to a Thru port. It comes with 3 Type-A TRS to MIDI DIN Adapters.