Pad Novation: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Novation Pad controllers are ubiquitous in studios and live rigs because they offer responsive pads, intuitive controls, and integration with major DAWs. But "Novation Pad" encompasses multiple models at different price points, each designed for different workflows and budgets. Knowing which model suits your production setup, rather than simply buying the most famous one, saves money and ensures you're not paying for capabilities you'll never use.

Understanding What a Novation Pad Controller Does

A Novation Pad is a compact keyboard controller equipped with velocity-sensitive pads (usually 8, 16, or more) for triggering drum samples, notes, and effects. It connects to your computer via USB and works with music production software (DAWs like Ableton, FL Studio, Logic, etc.). The pads let you perform drums and percussion live, whilst knobs and buttons let you control synthesis parameters or effects in real-time. Unlike a traditional keyboard, Pads focus on rhythm and beat-making rather than melodic playing.

The Novation Pad Lineup: Key Differences

Novation's current and recent-generation Pad options vary significantly in size, pad count, and feature set. Understanding these differences is essential for matching the right controller to your workflow.

Novation Launchpad (Entry-Level)

The Launchpad is Novation's most affordable and compact Pad controller. It features an 8x8 grid of 64 light-up pads, each velocity-sensitive and colour-coded for note and drum assignment. The Launchpad is specifically designed for Ableton Live integration—it's the quickest way to get performing clips, drums, and effects inside Ableton without deep setup.

The Launchpad costs around £80–120 depending on the specific model variant (Launchpad X, Launchpad Mini, etc.). It's ideal for bedroom producers working entirely in Ableton, busking musicians who need a compact controller, and anyone wanting Pad functionality without spending significantly. The trade-off is size—with only pads and limited buttons, you'll still need a keyboard or mouse for parameter control.

Novation Launchpad Pro (Mid-Range)

The Launchpad Pro adds 16 velocity-sensitive pads around the central 8x8 grid, resulting in a denser control surface with 256 possible pad assignments. More importantly, it includes RGB lighting, aftertouch sensitivity (the ability to modify sounds by pressing deeper into pads after initial strike), and a wider range of hardware knobs and buttons for real-time parameter control. The Pro is an evolution of the Launchpad, adding professional performance features.

Launchpad Pro costs around £160–200. It's ideal for serious Ableton producers performing live or recording beats, musicians who want hands-on control beyond just playing pads, and anyone combining Ableton with external instruments. The Pro represents the sweet spot for many producers: enough features to feel professional, without the bulk of larger controllers.

Novation Impulse (Full Keyboard Controller)

The Impulse is a hybrid between a keyboard controller and a Pad controller. It includes 16 velocity-sensitive pads arranged in a grid (like Launchpad), plus a full 25, 49, or 61-key keyboard section. This hybrid approach suits producers who want both pad-based beat-making and melodic keyboard playing in one instrument.

Impulse pricing varies by size: 25 keys around £200, 49 keys around £320, 61 keys around £400. If you're equally comfortable making beats with pads and playing melodies on keys, the Impulse eliminates the need to switch between two controllers. However, if you primarily do beat-making, the keyboard section is wasted space and budget. Choose Impulse only if you genuinely use both pads and keys regularly.

Novation Launchpad X (Current Standard)

The Launchpad X is the newer version of the Pro, offering improved responsiveness, better lighting, and tighter Ableton integration. It features the same 64-pad grid (8x8) with 16 additional pads, RGB lighting, and a redesigned layout for easier access to controls. The X is essentially the Pro's successor with modern refinements.

Launchpad X costs around £180–220 and represents Novation's recommended option for most producers. It's the default choice unless you have specific reasons to choose differently.

Comparing Specifications That Matter

Model	Pad Count	Keys	Price	Best For
Launchpad (Mini)	64 (8x8)	None	£80–120	Budget Ableton users, compact setups
Launchpad Pro/X	64 + 16 extra	None	£160–220	Serious producers, live performance
Impulse 25/49/61	16	25/49/61	£200–400	Hybrid pad + keyboard players

Key Specifications to Evaluate

Beyond the model name, several technical specs influence your experience when buying a Novation Pad.

Velocity Sensitivity: All Novation Pads include velocity sensitivity—the harder you hit a pad, the louder the sound. However, velocity curves differ slightly between models. Pro and X models have more refined curves. For beat-making, sensitivity differences are subtle; you won't regret either option.

Aftertouch: Some Pads (Pro, X, Impulse) include aftertouch—the ability to modulate a sound by pressing deeper into a pad after striking it. This creates expressive effects like filter sweeps or pitch changes mid-note. Aftertouch is useful for live performance but unnecessary for purely grid-based drum production. If you're primarily laying down beats in Ableton, aftertouch won't matter.

Pad Material and Response: Launchpad pads are rubber buttons; Impulse pads are more piano-like. Neither is objectively better—rubber pads feel more responsive and snappy, whilst piano-style pads feel weighted. Try both if possible; the feel difference is significant enough to influence your playing style.

DAW Integration: Launchpad models work best in Ableton Live. Impulse integrates with most DAWs (Ableton, Logic, Cubase, etc.). If you use a non-Ableton DAW, Impulse is the safer choice; Launchpad will work but with less native integration.

Price Tiers and Value Analysis

Budget Option (£80–120): Launchpad or Launchpad Mini. Suitable for Ableton users, compact home studios, and producers exploring pad controllers before committing to more expensive gear. You genuinely don't need more for beat-making in Ableton.

Mid-Range (£160–220): Launchpad Pro or X. The jump from basic Launchpad is noticeable—better buttons, more responsive pads, and additional controls. Worth the investment if you're playing live, recording beats professionally, or using Ableton daily. Most producers settle here.

Premium (£200–400+): Impulse 49 or 61, or high-end alternatives from other manufacturers. Only justified if you genuinely use both pads and keyboard frequently. Many producers buy Impulse thinking they'll use the keys, then discover they only ever use the pads.

Common Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid buying an Impulse because it feels more "professional" than a Launchpad. Professionals choose the tool that fits their workflow, not the most expensive option. If you don't regularly play melodies on keys, the Impulse's keyboard section is money wasted.

Don't skip Novation's compatibility check with your DAW. Launchpad is tight with Ableton; if you use FL Studio, Logic, or Cubase, verify that integration before committing. Launchpad works in other DAWs, but with reduced native support.

Resist the temptation to buy the smallest Launchpad thinking portability matters if you'll primarily use it at home. The Launchpad X or Pro isn't much larger, but the extra button real estate and pad responsiveness make a genuine difference in your workflow. Save portability for a subsequent purchase if you need it.

Matching Your Workflow to the Right Model

If you're an Ableton producer making beats at home and want responsive pads without excessive controls, the basic Launchpad or Launchpad Mini handles everything. If you're performing live, recording regularly, or want hands-on parameter control whilst playing, jump to Launchpad Pro or X. If you genuinely play melodies and write chord progressions on keys alongside beat-making, Impulse solves both needs in one device.

For a deeper exploration of Novation Pad capabilities, setup, and integration with music production software, see our complete guide to Novation Pad controllers, which covers advanced techniques, effects control, and workflow optimisation.

Your Actual Buying Decision

Start with a specific use case: "I make beats in Ableton and want responsive pads." That immediately points to a Launchpad model. Specify your budget: if £120 is your limit, Launchpad Mini is sensible. If you can spend £200, Launchpad Pro or X offers noticeably better experience. Only consider Impulse if you write melodies regularly on keys. Many producers overthink Pad selection because they assume more features equal better results. In reality, a basic Launchpad in skilled hands produces better music than an Impulse in the hands of someone who rarely uses the keyboard.