Launchpad Pro is the latest controller released by Novation for the Ableton Live digital audio workstation. It combines a simple and compact form factor, and has a deeper, more flexible set of functionality. Like the original device, Pro includes 64 backlit pads which are surrounded by 32 buttons.

Pro became a bit larger in size, and noticeably heavier than its predecessor, but still retains its portability. The quality of the assembly is impressive: a combination of a metal chassis with a rubberized outer coating means that the instrument is quite durable, and could withstand even the most brutal "beating" onstage. The BLC buttons provide clear visuals in any lighting conditions.

An increased number of buttons with modes are responsible for navigating deeper functionality of the Pro. As with the classic Launchpad, the 8 buttons on the right side are used to start the clips in the Live Session view. Along the top, you’ll navigate the Ableton Live interface including Session, Note, Device, and User modes. In Note mode, depending on the selected instrument or drum rack, the center grid will be highlighted as 4x4 – for drums, or chromatically from left to right.

8 modes, located to the left of the pads, open a variety of editing functions: record, duplicate, quantize, delete, redo, undo. Here you can also find the "Shift" button which will help you to access more detailed parameters. Finally, the bottom line replaces the old mix mode, and allows you to select the track, mute it, activate the solo, adjust the volume, pan and send.