Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3

At 268mm square and just 18mm thick, it’s a slab of tightly packed potential—bright, dense, and humming with grid-based promise.

Overview

The Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3 is the flagship iteration of Novation’s long-running grid controller line, released to mark the 10th anniversary of the original Launchpad. It’s not just another pad controller—it’s a 64-pad MIDI grid controller built for hands-on production, equally at home driving Ableton Live and Logic Pro as it is commanding standalone hardware via its 3.5mm MIDI ports. At its core is a powerful four-track, 32-step sequencer with eight-note polyphony and pattern chaining, a feature set that pushes it beyond mere clip launching into full arrangement territory. This isn’t a passive interface; it’s an active production tool meant to be played, programmed, and pushed hard.

Owners report it delivers on its promise of deep control, but not without a learning curve. The device relies heavily on button combinations and menu diving to unlock its full capabilities, a trade-off for its compact form and feature density. One user noted the experience could feel clumsy—"I just need much bigger hands and probably more fingers. Plodding..."—a sentiment echoed by others navigating tight pad spacing during fast sequences. Yet another user, after mastering the workflows, found it became "really fast to create full arrangements and even songs." It’s a machine that rewards investment, demanding familiarity before revealing its speed.

Despite its modern release, the Launchpad Pro Mk3 fits within the vintage technology conversation not by age, but by ethos: it’s a dedicated hardware instrument in an era of software dominance, a tactile node in increasingly abstract workflows. Its design philosophy—minimalist front panel, maximum functionality through layering—echoes the pragmatic density of 1980s MIDI gear, even if its build and connectivity are firmly 21st century.

Specifications

Key Features

64 Pressure-Sensitive RGB Pads

The grid is the heart, and these 64 pads are more than triggers—they’re expressive surfaces. Pressure sensitivity allows for dynamic control beyond simple velocity, enabling aftertouch-like modulation when used with compatible software or hardware. The RGB feedback is crisp and responsive, essential for visualizing clip states, note data, and navigation layers. In practice, the pads strike a balance between firm click and rebound, though some users report a slightly cramped feel during complex polyphonic sequences, particularly with larger hands.

Four-Track, 32-Step Sequencer with Pattern Chaining

This is where the Launchpad Pro Mk3 separates itself from simpler clip launchers. The built-in sequencer runs four tracks with eight-note polyphony, allowing full chord progressions and layered drum patterns without external gear. Pattern chaining lets users link sequences into longer arrangements, a crucial step toward complete song creation within the unit. Transport controls and tap tempo are integrated, making start/stop, tempo setting, and synchronization immediate. According to available documentation, the sequencer is powerful enough to drive an entire hardware rig—synths, samplers, drum machines—via the MIDI outputs, turning the Launchpad into a central brain.

Hardware Integration via 3.5mm MIDI

Unlike earlier models focused solely on computer integration, the Mk3 includes full MIDI In, Out, and Out 2/Thru via 3.5mm TRS jacks, with adapters included. This bridges the gap between modern USB control and classic DIN MIDI gear, letting it slot into hybrid setups. A user considering it “for its hardware step sequencer as a second option” underscores this flexibility—it’s not just a Live controller, but a standalone sequencer for analog synths and vintage drum machines. The USB-C port handles both data and power, with a dedicated power supply included for standalone use.

Historical Context

The Launchpad Pro Mk3 was announced on January 14th, 2020, following the release of the Launchpad Mini MK3 and Launchpad X, cementing its position as the largest and most feature-rich model in the lineup. It arrived as the flagship Launchpad Pro MK3, celebrating a decade of grid-based performance and production. While the original Launchpad pioneered clip launching in Ableton Live, the Mk3 iteration represents a shift toward self-contained music creation, integrating sequencing and hardware control into a single, compact unit.

Collectibility & Value

Currently listed as secondhand, the Launchpad Pro Mk3 maintains a steady presence in the used market. Original pricing was reported at £300 in March 2020, and current new prices start around $266. Used units have been seen as low as $149.99, though availability varies. One user noted “It’s still a great and compact device, when it works,” hinting at potential reliability concerns, though no widespread failure modes are documented. Its collectibility remains more functional than nostalgic—valued for its utility rather than rarity.

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