Novation FLpad: New Grid Controllers Turn FL Studio into a Hybrid Groovebox
The new Novation FLpad and FLpad Mini are the first purpose-built grid controllers for FL Studio, offering a groovebox-like workflow with the Channel Rack.
Novation FLpad: Grid Controllers for FL Studio
While it’s obvious that the new FLpad and FLpad Mini were derived from the Launchpads of the same size, there’s more to them than just a new badge. Novation says that it teamed up with Image-Line to integrate the controllers deeply with FL Studio’s Channel Rack, creating an intuitive, groovebox-like workflow with the software. To achieve this, they made some changes to the user interface, as well as the firmware and DAW scripts.
Both controllers offer 64 RGB-backlit pads arranged in an 8×8 grid. The larger version has slightly larger, velocity-sensitive pads. The highly portable FLpad Mini, on the other hand, is a great choice for making beats on the go, as well as for smaller setups.
In addition to the grid, both controllers offer dedicated controls for navigating the sequencer and channel rack. You can create tracks, switch between modes, control the transport functions, and much more, all directly from the FLpad. Configuration is handled by the Novation Components app, which also allows you to create custom layouts that suit your workflow. While they’re optimized for FL Studio, both versions also work as universal MIDI controllers for other software and hardware.
Novation throws in a generous software package that includes a six-month license for FL Studio Producer Edition, a bunch of instruments and effects from UVI, GForce Software, and Klevgrand, and some fingerdrumming lessons from Melodics.
Price and Availability
The new grid controllers for FL Studio are available from our affiliate partners Thomann* and Sweetwater*.
More Information
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One response to “Novation FLpad: New Grid Controllers Turn FL Studio into a Hybrid Groovebox”
So no new launchpads on the horizon? 😢