FLpad 8×8 grid comes to FL Studio — can you add a grid to a speedrun?

The Novation Launchpad grid has its original lineage in Ableton Live integration. But it’s now come to the land of Fruity Loops. FLpad is available in both a standard, velocity-sensitive model and an FLpad mini. For a user base known for shortcuts and speedrunning, can finger-drumming and pad programming find a home?

Stretch keys — Novation rounds out the MK4 Launchkey range with 88 keys

Novation’s Launchkey remains a go-to, no-hassle standard for MIDI controllers. Now they’ve rounded out their MK4 lineup with an 88-key model that adds the extra octaves without the weight or bulk that usually entails. They opted for semi-weighted keys to keep from bulking up.) It’s the compact MK4, all stretched out. Here’s the latest on the full MK4 lineup.

Peter Kirn - July 15, 2026

Novation Launch Control finally brings back the smart, little encoder box

The best thing about Launch Control XL is that it has faders. The best thing about Launch Control is that it doesn’t — and fits into a small space. It really is that simple, if contradictory, thanks to intelligent features shared between the two.

Peter Kirn - March 3, 2026

Black Friday: pimp my Live with the best add-ons

Peter Kirn - November 28, 2025

New in Bitwig land: Brazilian beats, controller tips, v6 beta this month

Peter Kirn - August 15, 2025

Sit back and take in a half-hour Novation Bass Station documentary

Peter Kirn - July 30, 2025

Novation’s Launch Control XL 3 fader box, the update we were waiting for

Peter Kirn - May 8, 2025

Whatever the Weather II: Loraine James talks about the alias and the album

Peter Kirn - March 14, 2025

Novation Bass Station gets a GForce software model and it’s perfect

Peter Kirn - January 21, 2025