Novation announces Launchpad S with better MIDI support, we go hands-on

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Novation announces Launchpad S with better MIDI support, we go handson video" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05438launchpadshero.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">A couple of years is a pretty good run in MIDI controller-land. It was 2009 when Novation's Launchpad turned the Ableton world onto its simplistic charms. It appears, however, the firm's decided it was long overdue a refresh, so that's exactly what it's done. Say hello to the Launchpad S. What does the S stand for? We're not entirely sure, but it could be for speedy, as Novation has ramped up the refresh rate to give a snappier response when you switch between modes.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">It could also be for superior lights, as the brightness has been dialled up in response to user feedback. It's also worth noting these pads are entirely USB-powered, making it trickier than simply sucking down more juice. One other superficial change -- perhaps more to give it its own sense of identity than anything else -- is a change of color. It's out with the original's black, and in with an almost metallic gray. So far so good, but we're really thinking that S stands for "software." Why? Because thanks to standards compliant MIDI implementation, the Launchpad S is now plug-and-play with a whole host more applications, not least core-MIDI iOS apps such as the popular <i>FL Studio Mobile</i>. We took a few minutes to get to know the Launchpad S a little better, which you can see in our video past the break.</div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="title"><b>Novation Launchpad S hands-on</b></h3><br /><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05450-1365610861_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05451_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05452_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05448_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05449-1365610866_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05446_95x95.jpg" /> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">As you can imagine, the Launchpad S is pretty much identical to the original it revizes. But, given that that was four or so years ago, it doesn't hurt to remind ourselves. First and foremost, it's still an Ableton controller, with those 64 multi-colored pads letting you control your sessions all from the small, lightweight device. There are different modes, so that you can cleverly use columns of the pads almost like faders (slide your finger up the squares, watch the lights follow). The new iteration claims to be have an improved refresh rate, which means jumping between these user modes should now be a much smoother ride. Sadly, though, the devices on the stand at the show weren't connected to the right software to either test this out, or show it off. The lights do, indeed, look substantially brighter, and this should go a long way to silencing folk who thought this was an issue with the original. As for the visual update, well, we're not sure if it's an improvement, or if we simply find it fresh looking after staring at the old black one for so long. Either way, it definitely remains a handsome enough device that we'd still be happy to include it in our set-up. If you agree with us, you'll be able to do so starting April, for $169. Keep heading south for the video tour.</div></div>

Novation announces Launchpad S with better MIDI support, we go hands-on

A couple of years is a pretty good run in MIDI controller-land. It was 2009 when Novation's Launchpad turned the Ableton world onto its...

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Numark Mixtrack Edge ultra-portable DJ controller announced, we go hands-on

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Numark Edge ultraportable DJ controller announced, we go handson" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05397-1365597450.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Just when you thought Numark couldn't invent any more DJ controllers, it's done it again. This time it's MusikMesse at Frankfurt, with the little guy you see above -- the Mixtrack Edge. It's described as "ultra portable" and when you see how big it is -- roughly the size of an iPad -- we're inclined to agree with that. In fact, when you see the device cooped up in its protective case with the lid down, you'd be forgiven for thinking that's exactly what it was (a tablet). But, no... this is another attempt at forging a new DJ controller category. Numark's done small before (like the DJ2Go), but the Mixtrack Edge has a significant trick up its sleeve -- a built in audio interface. This means no cable splitters, instead plug headphones right in, and line your audio out to your speakers. Sound good? We went hands on to find out, plug in after the break.</div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="title"><b>Numark Edge hands-on</b></h3><br /><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05434-1365596916_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05396_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05397_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05399-1365596918_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05400_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05401-1365596920_95x95.jpg" /> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Looks-wise, it's a bit of a mixed bag, and reminds us somewhat of the MPC Fly from sister firm Akai. The brushed metal-effect finish aims to give a quality appearance, but touch any of the controls and that soon evaporates. The buttons feel decent enough, but the faders and rotary controls will test the patience of anyone above even the most casual user. Those platters? Yeah, you can leave those scratching ambitions at the door -- but they do let you get hands involved in the mix. That said, these are the considerations of someone who probably shouldn't be buying one of these in the first place. The Mixtrack Edge is clearly aimed at house parties, small gatherings, absolute beginners or even mixing on the road. As such, it offers all the essentials you need to do just that (apart from controls for EQ, which might have been preferable over the included FX dials). There are even semi-advanced options such as loop and sample triggering (again, we argue some would prefer EQs). The Mixtrack Edge is fully USB-powered and also adheres to the MIDI standard making it compliant with a whole host of software, and we'd suggest that likely includes core-MIDI iOS apps.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">In our brief time with it, it's hard not to overlook the things that might seem minor now. One example being the faders. Clearly in an attempt to shrink the overall footprint, the controls have been designed to sit as flush with the main surface as possible. While this works for the aesthetic appeal, it makes quick and animated adjustments very difficult. Did we mention there are no EQ controls? Perhaps the choice of controls on offer are indicative of a new breed, more interested in a quick mashing together of sounds, rather than drawn out, musical mixing? All things said and done, we're sure Numark has created something that will please a very precise section of the (potential) DJ market. We'll just have to wait and see exactly how well it does, given that, as yet, Numark's keeping the volume down on price and availability.</div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-3ad82a10" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/3ad82a10/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=82372448&disablebranding=0&view_secret=82372448" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>

Numark Mixtrack Edge ultra-portable DJ controller announced, we go hands-on

Just when you thought Numark couldn't invent any more DJ controllers, it's done it again. This time it's MusikMesse at Frankfur...

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