Launchpad Mini MK3

Launchpad Mini MK3 is the most compact grid controller in the Launchpad line, built for launching clips and scenes in Ableton Live from an eight-by-eight grid of 64 RGB pads. The pad colours match the clips and scenes in your session, so one glance tells you what is playing and what is queued, with no need to read the screen.

Ableton Live integration covers clip and scene launching plus Stop, Solo, and Mute controls on the 16 side and top buttons, which keeps performance moves off the mouse. Drums and Keys modes turn the grid into a playing surface for drum racks and melodic parts. Firmware version 2.0 added a Custom Mode keystroke widget, so DAW shortcuts can be assigned to pads through Novation Components, and three Custom Modes store your own MIDI mappings.

It also works as a Live Loops controller in Logic Pro, where cells can be triggered from the grid to sketch arrangements and record performances. Setup is automatic once the Launchpad is selected in Logic's Control Surface Setup, and orientation options cover vertical or rotated layouts. Logic Pro 10.6 or later is required.


At 1.10 lb and just over eight inches wide, it fits in a bag with a laptop and runs on USB-C bus power, so a full performance surface travels with no adapter. A Kensington MiniSaver slot covers shared studios and stage use.

Software included: Ableton Live Lite, the AAS Session Bundle of three synths, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, Klevgrand R0Verb and DAW Cassette, and the Softube Time and Tone bundle. The Easy Start tool walks through setup with step-by-step video guides. Novation hardware carries a three-year warranty.