Novation FLpad grid controllers for FL Studio launch

Novation has launched two grid controllers specifically made for use with FL Studio. A smaller FLpad Mini and the larger FLpad both offer deep integration with the DAW, though they can also be used with other software as a standard MIDI controller.

Anyone familiar with grid controllers will already have a fair idea a of what can be achieved with them — these just have a particular fruity flavour to them.

Uses include beat making in the channel rack, step sequencing, finger drumming, playing of baselines, chords and melodies, track building with Patterns, and general navigation/control of FL Studio.

The integration should be tight as Novation worked with Image-Line.

Both models feature an 8×8 grid of RGB-backlit pads, the mini offering fixed velocity and the larger sibling offering velocity sensitivity.

Bundled with either model are a range of plugins (UVI Prime 8+, Klevgrand Slammer and LUXE, and a trio of powerful synthesisers from GForce), a selection of bespoke lessons from the Melodics app, and (perhaps strangely) six months of FL Studio Producer Edition — presumably if you’re drawn to try the DAW for the first time.

Novation already makes the Launchpad range of grid controllers for use with other DAWs.

Specifications Comparison

	FLpad Mini	FLpad
Hardware
Pads	64	64
Pad size	Mini	Full size
Grid layout	8×8	8×8
Velocity-sensitive	N	Y
Bus powered	Y	Y
Performance views
Sequencer	Y	Y
Note	Y	Y
Patterns	Y	Y
Channel Rack	Y	Y
Channel Rack Mixer	Y	Y
Graph Edit	Y	Y
Custom Modes	x4	x4
Shift views and functions
Clone Loop	Y	Y
Octave Up and Down	Y	Y
Pattern Length	Y	Y
Channel Rack Mutes	Y	Y
Channel Rack Pan	Y	Y
Transport and workflow buttons
Record	Y	Y
Play	Y	Y
Undo/Redo	Y	Y
Clear	Y	Y
Tempo	Y	Y
Quantise	Y	Y
Score Log	Y	Y
Weights and dimensions
Width	180 mm (7.10 in)	240 mm (9.45 in)
Height	180 mm (7.10 in)	240 mm (9.45 in)
Depth	15 mm (0.57 in)	18 mm (0.69 in)
Weight	0.38 kg (0.85 lbs)	0.83 kg (1.83 lbs)