Launchpad - Music & Beat Maker Reviews

by Filter_Emphasis

With all the great feature updates this app has had, it is becoming a strong contender for center spot in my live rig, however poor MIDI outboard control options when coupled with the loss of digital audio (it's one or the other with Apple IOS) are holding Launchpad back from live greatness.

Everyone including the developers know that getting Live digital audio out of a iPad cannot be done if you want to plug a MIDI controller into the iPad. So if like me you plug a this app MIDI controller into the iPad to bring the this app app outboard in a fantastic way, the big sacrifice is audio quality, as you are forced by Apple to use the headphone socket as your audio source for integrating the live output of this app into a mix with other instruments. Now this developer already provides Bluetooth MIDI for one of their other apps, so it's not as if they don't know how to do it! My dream is to connect my this app MIDI controller to the iPad via Bluetooth, use it to play the this app app and get back the digital audio output the iPad offers. There are 3rd party Bluetooth dongles on the market that could make this connection tomorrow if this developer brings Bluetooth Midi support into this app.

I want to use Launchpad a lot more as it continuously evolves in good ways but the lack of bluetooth is a show stopper as i won't sacrifice audio quality live.

by HueyMadeMeDoIt

Launchpad and it’s sister apps are truly amazing, is there anyway to change them from minor to major, or are we stuck with sad minor keys. Believe you me, I LOVE minor scales I have all my musical life, but there comes a time where the major sets a completely different tone. I would give Launchpad 5 stars, but without major keys or the many variants that exist in the world of music. I cannot give complete support to them anymore.

I love making music with your apps, and yes there are many time where the keys don’t really matter as far as making high energy “happy music”. Please maybe see if you fantastic men and women can give it a shot!!!
I love you work and it’s made me a better musician even when I thought music was over and done in my life. I’ve given up a lot for my musical dreams, foolishly at times, so would you make it happen for all of us who enjoy your app....

Or if I’m that air headed could you please redirect me to what I should be doing? Maybe there’s something I over looked. I’ll try my own methods of changing the keys for now, but having that power within your app would give me the JUICE I’ve been looking for. I think the people who listen to my music would appreciate it too. Right now my work sounds like Mozart just before he di3d....not too fun eh?

by Robungar

Unless I’m missing something, there’s still no way to move projects between different iOS devices. In other words, there’s no way to start working on my iPhone and then pick up on my iPad. Launchpad desperately needs iCloud syncing. I can bounce a project from Wave to this app but somehow can’t go from this app to this app. Also, the store navigation experiences are completely different among this app, Wave, and Groovebox. Things like the menu and store should be unified across all three apps. Also, there needs to be integration between Groovebox and this app and Wave. Currently, my work is siloed in Groovebox. Lastly, for playing back recordings in this app, it desperately needs background audio playback and precise standardized playback controls - pause, fast forward, rewind, etc. Right now, if I close the screen or move to another app during playback of my recordings, it completely stops the song and I have to restart it from the beginning. It’s extremely frustrating when I’m trying to listen to what I just did and have to constantly restart from the beginning of the track.

by FilteredArt

this app is a very important part of my production workflow but the crashing during recording is starting to frustrate me. I have a high end 2 gen iPad Pro 12.9”. I can handle multiple hardcore apps at the same time with no issue but this app crashes every other session while recording. I have lost multiple perfect sessions due to this. You all need to do one of two things, preferably both. Add a saving option so you can come back to the same point in your project or, better yet, add a timeline that we can record directly to with a save option. And before anyone yells at me about how “that’s not the point of this app”, why not. I love Launchpad, please fix this. One more thing, the entire app does not crash, just sound output. Once it crashes Launchpad is still running but sound is no longer present. Meters move, everything works, just no sound and that is where the recording ends.

by ÄV3?Ø

I’ve been on Launchpad for a while now and made some music with it. However it’s limited to a couple of sound packs when you start off. Yes, there are free packs in the store, but there are only three currently as of writing this review. In my opinion I think in order to enjoy Launchpad fully you have to purchase sound packs or additional add-ons. However this issue can be resolved by having free sound packs every month or so because 1. Some people on Launchpad are young and probably don’t have any iTunes or money to spend on Launchpad. 2. It’ll be cool for people who make music regularly and may want to spice things up with a new and free sound pack. Other than that, I love Launchpad!

by Hello Hola Hi Die

So this app is amazing and is getting frequent updates, sound packs, and is always open for review. The free sound packs are amazing and the ones you buy could be better or worse depending on perspective. The one thing I don’t like about it is that once you’ve purchased something then exit out of the soundtrack you can’t restore your purchase so I might be missing something or I’m just stupid. I would really like if one of the developers could help me out here. I just read some of the reviews and saw that 2yrs ago someone had the same problem I did so where is the restore purchases page and by restore I mean get rid of the sound packs and get my money back because I bought one and realized it was the wrong one. If you could reply pls do ASAP. But this is still an amazing app and I would recommend people to download it. 20/10. Other than my bug it’s amazing so much appreciated developers for all you’ve done for Launchpad.

by EdgeLourde

Launchpad is amazing! It’s fun, easy to use, and has a multitude of sound packs for users to purchase; many of which I have bought myself. Now, I recently got an iPad and re-downloaded Launchpad and previously purchased sound packs, everything working smoothly. Then comes my one and only issue with Launchpad. There is no way to transfer previously made songs to new devices. In my opinion, an email account system would be nice to allow the transfer of all app data, including songs, to new devices.
Other than that, I have absolutely no issues with this fantastic this app app, which has allowed me and many others to explore the magic of music! 🎶

by Whriter183618461946

I love Launchpad, there are no ads, professional performance and tons of pallets to choose from. The one bad thing about it is that you have to get a membership for most of the pallet’s. although they are good deals, you still have to pay. It also has automatic
transfers so whenever you press on a different tab on the pallet in the same line it times it so that it sounds professional.
And to the developers, you should make it so that two people on different devices can make music you should also make it possible upload the music or beat’s that people make.

by Ojawn

I've been using this app for years and it's become my secret weapon. So much that I hardly tell people I'm using it to make full tracks. However, my only wish is that some time in the nearest future it becomes possible to edit each pad. Things like being able to switch the note of an individual melody or drum, or even the tempo of some of the instruments. I think this fine tuning capability would really kick this app up another notch.
Will continue to use this app regardless but as a person without full access to a DAW setup and program, I'd love to be able to get as close as possible in the meantime. Keep it up!!!

by Icedragon0790

I. LOVE. this. Game!!!!!!!!!
So I’m young and all my life I wondered what to be when I grew up, like most kids my age, I never tried being D. J but i got this game today because my friend told me about it and I am obsessed I have so many recordings. I forgot to charge my headphones so it kinda annoys my dad because he’s working at home now so like, yeah. But I like it and my dad doesn’t complain because he knows I’m having a good time trying out knew rythems. Bye music class! Hello D.J’s. AND ALL THE PARENTS OUT THERE SAYING “ BEING A DJ IS A WASTE. GET A REAL JOB!” JUST HE HAPPY YOUR KIDS ARE HAPPY AND WEALTHY AND NOT DRUG DEALERS!!!!!!!!!!!! Please no one be a drug dealer. I’m over reacting again. Just great game!

by TEMPTxNOVA

I really don’t know why Launchpad isn’t #1 on the Apple store. Loops that can be altered and moved onto another sound loop with key adjusting and recording with publishing is definitely worth the download trust me and everyone else on this! I’ve ran into ZERO bugs and and created amazing songs that I jam out to! All the sounds in every pack comes with something unique and I love it. I love how you can mash sounds together in different sounds and slap some reverb on it too! You also have the option to input your own audio! Comes with a small price but it’s totally worth it! You have my 5 star review and now go write yours!!!

by XxxFORSAKEN1xxx

I’ve been using Launchpad for 6 years.
The sound packs are so unique and creative that you get so much more than just what your looking for. Customizing your own pack using different samples is a breeze. The sound packs are way ahead of their time and you can literally generate song ideas from the first bar of these riffs.
Worth every single penny and very inexpensive. No problems with syncing right into garageband. No ads no bugs. Honestly my favorite app. Extremely user friendly, I’ve made so much music with Launchpad I could go on all day and I literally hate just about every music app out there.

by Vesbal

I like the game but it gets boring after a while and sometimes gives you and others a headache 🤕 it used to be my favorite game but sorry my favorite game is now among us go check it out on Launchpad Store. If you guys (or girls) give more music 🎵 i will play it but for now I don’t want to see it on my iPad again. I wanted the makers of the game to please make more free music and add so people can sing 🎤 on it but you don’t have to do the singing one this is an update on the review. P.S. thank you for the update on the game! So I’m back and I liked the update it’s nice 👍🏻 good job this is the last time I’m going to be on my review so thank you bye 😃😺 👁👄👁

by ...::mybffs4evr::...

First, thanks to the developers and loop makers, you make a composers life so much easier. It is easy to not only generate ideas, but build compositions that are deep and theatrical. Second, my biggest wish is for more environmental and subtle orchestral loops. Other than that, you will not find a better or more versatile loop music creation app anywhere. The ability to move loops between sets you have onboard or have created (yup...you can do that) means I can customize any set anytime. I have scored both TV shows and movies with Launchpad and it constantly exceeds my expectations as a creator, composer, and musician. Build off Launchpad with a decent keyboard, guitar, or other instruments and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in production.

by B-dub1111

this app is a great app, one of my personal favorites. There is no better app that I’ve ever seen for playing back existing tracks broken down into loops and remixing them with effects. I love the fact that we can import our own loops that’s what makes it the most usable app. It is an app of endless possibilities and satisfying results. The one thing missing however came with the update today which is the labels on each pad. Unless there is a way to turn the labels back on in which I am missing, I see this is a step backwards, although I do like the design. I cannot remember which sample is on every pad and without the labels it makes it difficult especially when playing unfamiliar kits.

by Avmarko

Great fix, adjusting to the new layout but all in all this is easily one of the best initially free apps for sketching out sound/song ideas. The in app purchases are typically a good buy and you can preview much of the sounds in the packs. The effects are very good, some are brilliantly realized. I applaud Novation and Ampify for creating such a deep, immersive app for everyone.....Free! The response to my inquiry into a bug with the update was addressed very quickly and within a a few days they had fixed the bug, so kudos to Launchpad support team for their acknowledgement of the bug and their response time! Indispensable as a tool in my studio and the audio import feature is beautifully streamlined, useful and awesome! Great job!

by Prymiads

Hello I have some update ideas. These really don’t matter I think but who knows if you read this or not. So really about the music packs I have Idea for it when you get it so I feel like me and some people would like it if it would tell us what sounds you used like what we heard in the sound pack. And my last idea for the lines. So here it is could we titles ares like work music and others and like there is a alert 🚨 if it notices we are changing it and like there is answers like go on or leave it the same cause one time I changed my that was my relaxing to hard time rock. So those are my ideas thanks for listening If you are reading this

by DOGGOS ARE MAGICAL

I’m able to make so many different beats!!!! It’s awesome because you press something at the top and you could change the beats! I am so grateful for this game❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ this is the most awesome music game ever I was like mom you you like this game don’t you? And she said “this is no game this is a DJ app!” My mom likes this up too I was searching for music games I am obsessed with music all of the music apps were stupid but this game😱😱😱😱😱😱❤️❤️❤️❤️😎😎😎👑👑👑 oh my goodness I make the craziest beats ever thank you so much for this game. I gave this game five stars even though I should give it 10 stars but it doesn’t give me the option to do that that’s how much I love this game this app is the best DJ app ever!!!!! This game should be famous! Super duper famous pls make more awesome music games like this I was just on your DJ app! Again thank you so much for this DJ app

by Is It Here?

I didn’t think Launchpad was gonna be this amazing!!!! Along with blocs wave and Groovebox and a couple other apps along with my this app using a focusrite itrack dock for my audio interface and the possibilities are endless. I can design almost any sound I want now, sorry not much need to buy your sound packs anymore even tho I still get em sometimes for a few newer sounds. I’m really just starting to touch the surface of what it does. Tomorrow I have a volca sample coming in that I’m hoping I can integrate into this setup. It has midi sync so we’ll see. Buy the pro versions of their apps and a little hardware and almost no use for a DAW anymore. Super impressed!!!! Oh yeah. So a way to automate key changes would be awesome too and more than just the minor scale. Every time I update a sound from Blocs Wave to this app, this app stops responding.

by DJChill85

I’ve been using this app since the early days when I got my first iPad, I have to say it’s the best music app on Launchpad Store. Initially I was able to put it down just due to the lack of features I felt that kept me engaged, but now with the addition of audio import and it working with blocs wave as well as their incredible, and extensive library of handcrafted loop packs...it’s a clear cut above the rest. I do wish there was a bigger board outside of a 6x6, as well as the limitation of having to play a specific loop for each row or it will turn off the other in that row, but maybe someday soon, it’s not a big enough pain for me to mark it down. Must have for any music enthusiast.

by 🔒

I purchased the “audio import” feature thinking it would do what it claims – I was sorely mistaken. Launchpad continually locks up when trying to import any of my sounds which essentially makes it useless. It’s also very disappointing that upon submitting a support ticket to Novation I only receive a canned response with irrelevant faq links two days later. Apparently I’ll have to contact Apple in order to get the money back I paid for this complete piece of crap!

EDIT: In regards to the developer response; It was too much trouble going through all the hoops and confusing support process so Apple refunded my money. Honestly I don’t like apps with fake reviews and inflated five star ratings. Judging by the real ones Launchpad would barely be 3/5. Maybe instead of paying for bogus reviews work on the product that customers are deceived into paying for and not getting.

by Jiffy Church

Launchpad is simple easy to use. But there are tons of fun fun sounds to put into your music. And it would be hard for me to pick a favorite sound pack. Maybe drum and bass. there are so many sound packs that cost money, why not make some of those free? Now I do completely understand that you are a company and a company does need to get paid, but just a few of those to be free would be nice. I have lots of music apps, and this one is my favorite. And I have checked out your other apps. I really liked groove box, but I wasn’t a big of blocs wave. But really do love you company and would like to see you make more amazing things!

by MatthewAV

• Pretty much anything Novation presents to the world is a smashing work of art and technology.

• Empowering the iPhone is a brilliant idea—the User can transition to larger devices if desired. The strong iPhone offerings from every Novation app puts the ability to create meaningful art within everyday behavior.

• Supremely stable. Powerful juggernaut of 0’s and 1’s that are transformed into the art of music.

• My only sad-clown face is the fact a creation such as this app—so technologically complex, beautifully designed, sprawling yet intuitive IA/UX, supremely efficient backend, foundations, and collaborative soul—is EXPECTED to be free.

•• “To enhance their lives”, people will spend a few hundred $$ to install an open-source surveillance device in their own freakin’ home...Alexa...Echo,(***)...DO YOU ACTUALLY BELIEVE THE MICS ARE NOT ON 24/7?
(***)Allegedly, of course, as covered by media around the WORLD—“Googs” and “Amázo”, please don’t send black helicopters for me in the night.

•• Yet they whine for shelling out <$20 for Apps (¡PRODUCTS!) that are coded and designed into masterpieces like this app?
•• We must not forget that app Devs and Artists need lovin’, too. (And probably want to eat every day—just like greedy, bloodsucking billionaire tycoons!!).

• Thank you Novation! I’ve evangelized several folks into buying add-on packs!

by InkJetFuel

...and I can't wait to try out your hardware next. Shot out to Dibia$e. I really only have one request: Please, (please, please), allow all of 'em, esp. this app & Blocs Wave, to sync projects across all my iOS devices, (via wifi, bluetooth, LTE whatever)—in the background.

Spending gobs of time setting up my joints on my iPhone while running around the city... and then having it all show up on my iPad when I perform that night, would be theeeee' killer feature. Better than the next 10 sound packs combined ;) Thanks Novation.. now back to the beats!

PS. A this app trigger system for stage vocalist on the Apple Watch would be crazy ✨🔓👀