Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3
← Back to Gear Reviews

Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3

★★★★★
5/5 — MIDI Controller
~£249
Approx. UK RRP

64 RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch, standalone MIDI operation, 5-pin MIDI I/O, and full Ableton integration — the most capable pad controller at this price.

Specifications

Pads64 velocity & pressure-sensitive RGB pads
AftertouchPolyphonic on all 64 pads
MIDI5-pin MIDI in and out
Standalone ModeYes (no computer needed)
ConnectionUSB-C + standalone MIDI
BundleAbleton Live 11 Lite

64 Pads with Polyphonic Aftertouch

Polyphonic aftertouch on 64 pads is genuinely exceptional. Each pad independently responds to pressure after the initial strike — modulate individual notes in a chord differently. With pressure-sensitive software instruments, the Launchpad Pro Mk3 becomes a remarkably expressive instrument.

Standalone Mode & MIDI I/O

Connect MIDI cables to the 5-pin DIN ports and the Launchpad operates as an autonomous MIDI controller and step sequencer without any computer — sequencing hardware synthesisers, drum machines, or any MIDI instrument.

Custom Modes

Any application can use the 64 configurable pads with individual RGB colours. Pre-built custom modes for Bitwig, Reason, Logic, and other DAWs.

Who Is It For?

Serious Ableton Live users and producers who want the most expressive pad controller available. The polyphonic aftertouch justifies the premium over the standard Launchpad X.

Pros & Cons

✓ Pros

  • 64 pads with polyphonic aftertouch
  • Standalone MIDI operation without computer
  • Physical 5-pin MIDI I/O
  • Custom modes for any application
  • Ultra-slim, professional build

✕ Cons

  • No keyboard keys
  • Premium price for a pad controller
  • Deep functionality has a learning curve

Verdict

The Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3 is the best pad controller at this price. Polyphonic aftertouch, standalone MIDI operation, physical MIDI I/O, and deep Ableton integration make it a genuinely professional tool. If you're serious about Ableton performance or expressive pad playing, this is the one.

Check Price on Amazon UK →