Novation has updated the firmware for the Launchpad Pro MIDI controller, adding Scale Mode, which lets you play basslines, melodies, chords and more.
Here’s what they have to say about the update:
With the Scale function, simply press Launchpad Pro’s Shift and Note buttons, then choose from a roster of 32 keys and modes, from major and minor, through phrygian, whole tone, bebop minor, iwato, etc. Once selected, Launchpad Pro’s 64 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads will assign themselves contiguously to only the notes of the selected scale, removing all the rest. Launchpad Pro is turned into a deeply expressive instrument that lets you focus on the music, rather than precise finger positions.
Scale mode isn’t just for Ableton Live – you can use it to play virtual instruments in any other DAW, as well as your hardware synths. Launchpad Pro does not require connection to a computer; it can send MIDI via its 1/8th-inch output (and an included 5-pin Din adapter), so you can play external synths without a keyboard controller.
The update is a free download from the Novation site.
Nice! Been holding out on buying LP Pro because no scale mode. Gotta get one now, no question. Watched the above video couple times, and have to say that is
one of the better demo songs ive heard in a promo video. Kind of a funky-world beat-synth mashup. Way to go, Novation!
This has been available via extension/apps like this forever: http://www.fabriziopoce.com/isocontrollers.html
Works with old launchpads.
Scale mode should’ve been there at launch. Only benefit is not using a computer as middle man.
Does that let you use the scales without a computer?
can you finally create your own custom scales now?
ok, found out the answer is no….
Lights don’t indicate root notes? WHY!! I’m a crap player, I need the visual aid.
Also, doesn’t work as advertised. No matter which scale I select, the moment I hit Note again, I’m back to the default scale. Well, maybe there will be a fix sometime in the future.
It shows the root… Also, are you enabling it by pressing the green pad on top-right?
Thank you, that was the missing piece. I was judging the layout by the video from which it’s not very apparent that it shows root because all the lights look pink. Well, that’s enough for me, this is great!
I honestly love my Launchpad Pro more then I like Push 1. With Launchpad now, I can use the scale mode with any synth to play. It is so cool