MIDI Polyphonic Expression: allows MPE-capable devices to control multiple parameters of every note in real time for more expressive instrumental performances. Additionally, the USB-C connector means connectivity speeds are fast and latency is lower than ever. Novation have delivered an intriguing clutch of MIDI controllers aimed at the laptop or iPad musician. The Novation Launchpad Mini MK2 is Novation's most compact and affordable Launchpad grid instrument for Ableton Live.

The rubberised orange underside makes you want to hold the device in your hands, and it's certainly of a size that it could be operated handheld, with only a slight stretch of the thumbs, and the minor inconvenience that the main grid area is off-centre to accommodate the rightmost column of mode buttons. Since the Launchkey Mini is pretty much a pre-shrunk version of the 25-key Launchkey, I can point you at Paul Nagle's review of the full-sized version in last October's issue of SOS. And explore a world of ready-made instruments, effects and tools produced by the Max for Live community.The lights are exellent and the included software has evrything someone needs to get started right away. With its hands-on controls, tonnes of sounds in the box and Novation’s step-by-step interactive platform to get you set up, Novation have gone further than ever to make it easy to get started. MPE compatibility: get your hands on an MPE controller and add bends, slides and pressure for each individual note in a chord, make subtle expression variations, morph between chords, and create evolving sonic textures. Get new free plug-ins every few months from some of the biggest names in the business, along with offers, discounts and more. This great bundle includes the Novation Launchpad Mini Mk3 controller with the upgrade to Live 11 Suite from the included Live Lite.

This app will allow you to plug the Launchpad Mini MK3 directly into your iPad with an externally powered Lightning to USB-3 adapter, and layer DJ-style effects to chop and change your sound as you see fit. All the pads are backlit with multicoloured LEDs that show you which clips are loaded, playing and recording. Launchpad Mini is Novation’s most compact, portable and lightweight grid controller, so you never have to leave it at home. Great care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this article but neither Sound On Sound Limited nor the publishers can be held responsible for its contents.

You're also expected to know which device controls fall into which banks, unless you don't mind exploring as you go along.

Once connected to Live, the Mini MK3 can be used to launch clips and scenes, navigate through your Session View, and Stop/Solo/Mute your tracks without losing sight of your clips. Launchpad Mini gives you everything you need to start performing in Ableton Live - and it'll fit in your bag. At this stage I'll refer you to the Launchpad S review, since everything I said there applies equally to the Launchpad Mini. The update brings the ability to trigger cells from the grid, get more hands-on with producing and performing, and projects can be easily navigated.Pioneering companies such as Softube, Klevgrand and many more have provided you with a selection of their products – granting you the tools needed to increase the variety and quality of your sounds. Wherever you happen to be in the world, you can rely on a three-year warranty if any Novation hardware needs repairing or replacing due to a manufacturing fault. Clearing and duplicating cells and quantising of the notes recorded into a cell are effortlessly controlled through dedicated buttons. To get you started, Mini Mk3 ships with Ableton Live 10 Lite, a two-month trial for Splice, and add-on software from Softube, Klevgrand, XLN Audio and Sound Collective.