Using Launchpad X's Custom modes

Four custom modes are available by default on the device.

To access custom modes, press the Custom button. The top four Scene Launch buttons light, and you can switch between Custom modes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Custom modes 1 and 2:

Custom 1 is a Drum layout, similar to the Note mode drum layout. What differs is that this is a static layout – it is not representative of the current Ableton Drum rack and will not respond to changing octaves. This mode is useful for playing Drum machines other than the Ableton Drum rack.

Custom 2 is a chromatic layout that is representative of a traditional piano/keyboard. As with all custom modes, this mode will not respond to changing octaves.

Custom modes 3 and 4:

Custom 3 is a non-lit version of Custom 1. Sending MIDI notes to this layout lights the pads according to the velocity of the incoming notes.

Custom 4 is a non-lit layout with note values different to Custom 3. The note values match Programmer Mode but for the 8×8 grid only.

You can create and edit Custom Modes in Novation Components. Components in two versions, a browser-based app or standalone desktop app. When you open Components app or load the website on your computer, your Launchpad X connects automatically.

If the product name next to the home icon (in the top right-hand corner) is not Launchpad X, click the home icon and select Launchpad X from the list of products.

In a Custom Mode, each pad on the 8×8 grid may act as a Note, a MIDI CC (control change), or a Program Change message. In Custom Mode, faders and CC pads respond to incoming CCs, adjusting their position and lighting according to the incoming CC value.

The pads may behave either as toggles, triggers or momentary switches. Momentary behaviour will turn on a note when the pad is pressed and release the note when unpressed. Triggers will always send a specified CC value or program change message.

Full rows and columns of pads may also act as faders. Faders can be assigned CC values and may be unipolar or bipolar. You can position faders horizontally or vertically.

You can assign Pads within a Custom Mode an “On” and “Off” colour when pads within the 8×8 grid are pressed/toggled. (e.g. when a note is being played or a temporary CC change is toggled). There may only be one “On” colour per Custom Mode, but each pad may have a unique “Off” colour.

Custom Modes may have any combination of notes, CCs, program changes and faders – you can set up your own personalised control surface for your studio.

For more hands-on information on how to create your own Custom Modes, visit Components for an interactive tutorial – it’s easier than it may sound!

By default, Custom 3 and 4 have all pads unlit. MIDI Note messages sent to Launchpad X will light pads according to note number and velocity. The note sent will determine which pad lights up, and the note’s velocity will determine the colour. This is useful for creating light displays using 64 RGB pads.

The RGB LEDs are capable of outputting 127 colours, the index of which can be found in the Programmer’s Reference Guide.

Additionally, all pads and buttons can be lit in Programmer Mode.

For detailed information on lighting pads and using Launchpad X as a control surface for software, see the Programmer's Reference Guide, which can be downloaded at downloads.novationmusic.com.

Ghost mode is a special sub-mode of custom views. When triggered, this turns off any function button LEDs around the edge of Launchpad X during the use of a custom mode. To enter Ghost mode, press Note and Custom in quick succession. Following this action, only the 8×8 grid will be lit. To re-enable the button LEDs, press any button outside the 8×8 grid.