Ableton LAUNCHPAD User Manual

OvErviEw
Launchpad is a unique controller for Ableton Live, designed by Ableton and Novation. This ‘Getting
Started Guide’ will help you set up your Launchpad and briefl y introduce its capabilities. It should be
noted that Launchpad is not restricted to use just within Ableton Live 8. For use with Applications other
than Ableton Live, the Novation Automap Software can be used (See the end of this guide).
insTALL ABLETOn LivE sOfTwArE & drivErs
The DVD contains a folder called ‘INSTALL SOFTWARE & DRIVERS’:
Windows & Mac OS Set-up
STEP 1: Install ‘Novation USB Drivers’
STEP 2: Install Ableton Live 8 ‘Launchpad’ Edition
STEP 3: In Live’s ‘Help’ menu go to ‘Check for Updates’ and download the latest version
hArdwArE sET-Up
Connect your Launchpad to an available USB port on your Mac or PC Computer using the supplied
USB cable. Up to Six devices connected simultaneously are supported in Ableton Live 8 (NOTE: using
multiple Launchpad devices may require a powered USB Hub not supplied).
insTALL LAUnchpAd dEMO sEssiOn
STEP 1: On your DVD navigate to Content>Launchpad Demo Project and double-click ‘Launchpad Demo’
STEP 2: You will be asked to save the Live Pack to your Local Hard Drive
STEP 3: Once the Live Pack has been successfully installed, Load Ableton Live
STEP 4: Choose ‘File>Open Live set...’ and navigate to the ‘LaunchadDemo’ session on your local drive.
gETTing sTArTEd gUidE
USB

Ableton LAUNCHPAD Specifications

General

Connectivity	USB
Type	MIDI Controller
Pads	64
Software	Ableton Live
Compatibility	Mac, Windows

Summary

Overview and Installation

Overview

Introduces Launchpad as a controller for Ableton Live and its capabilities.

Install Ableton Live Software & Drivers

Provides steps for installing Novation USB Drivers and Ableton Live 8 Launchpad Edition.

Hardware Setup

Instructions for connecting the Launchpad to a computer via USB.

Install Launchpad Demo Session

Guide to installing and loading the Launchpad demo session from the DVD.

Using Launchpad with Ableton Live

Setting Up Launchpad

Steps to configure Launchpad as a control surface in Ableton Live's preferences.

Product Overview: Ableton Live

Details Launchpad's integration with Ableton Live, focusing on Session View.

The Session Mode

Explains the Session Mode, clip launching, and navigation using the pad matrix.

Session Overview

Describes navigating large Live Sets quickly using the Session Overview mode.

User Modes

Details User1 and User2 modes for custom assignments and Max for Live presets.

Mixer Modes

Explains how to access and use mixer controls for tracks in Ableton Live.

Advanced Mixer Controls and Software

Mixer Mode Pages

Details the Volume, Pan, Send A, and Send B pages for track control in mixer mode.

Using Ableton Live 8 Launchpad Edition

Information on accessing the full user guide for Ableton Live 8 Launchpad Edition.

Using Launchpad in Other Music Software

Introduction to Automap software for controlling various music applications.

Installing & Loading Automap

Guide to downloading and installing Automap software from the DVD or website.