Novation Launch Control XL MkII, Ableton Live Controller, Black & Launchpad and Launch Control XL Neoprene Sleeve

Super handy little product. I use it not for Ableton or Pro Tools or anything (not yet, anyway) but rather to control a bunch of guitar-effect parameters in Guitar Rig 5. Basically, I was just looking for a controller about this size with a good amount of assignable knobs, to basically simulate the knobs on a real guitar pedal board. It has been working pretty well so far!

4.5 stars. I needed more knobs and bought this to use in conjunction with my Livid Ohm64 to control live visuals via Arkaos GrandVJ. For less than $100, I didn't expect Novation's quality to be top-notch, so I was pleasantly surprised to find smooth high quality knobs that don't feel cheap or flimsy. (To compare, I also have an Akai MPK Mini that I never use because every part of it feels like a cheap lightweight plastic toy to me. I was expecting the knobs on the LC to feel like that, but instead the knobs and pads feel quite similar to those on my Ohm, which is great.) The overall build quality feels quite durable. The 16 templates are amazing; essentially I have the capability to control 256 different parameters using 16 knobs. It's perfect for the way I've mapped it to my software. The compact size is great, too. I just placed it over my laptop keyboard and it doesn't take up any more space than my setup did before. The grippy no-slip orange rubber on the bottom of the controller keeps it in place well. The USB cable it came with is sturdy and more than long enough for my needs.I only took off one (half) star because it is not a simple process to edit the LEDs on the pads to do what I want, compared to Livid's Ohm editor software that makes it very easy. Unlike the Ohm, there is no option to edit any LED controls from the Novation editor software; it appears I would have to program it myself using other software, which I am not knowledgeable about whatsoever. It came with a programmers manual but it's like another language to me. I was able to individually map all the controls to GrandVJ very easily, but since I'm not using Ableton or a program that has a template for the Novation, the LEDs only light up momentarily when I am switching templates, and are otherwise off all of the time. So for now I'm basically using it without any LEDs, and those are half the fun of a controller, especially this one since it has four different colors. I don't even need the LEDs to have feedback; I was hoping to have the row of pads be set to one color LED per template, and have them be constantly on simply so I can see the controller better. That's how I have my Ohm set up and it was slightly disappointing to get the LC and not be able to easily configure it like that.

Using this to control Waves. Love the Novation products, great brand and great quality.

Good controller for the money. Knobs are really smooth and feel good to the touch and turn nicely. The potentiometers used are very high quality and move super smoothly without bumps or grinds. The quality shows on all points, the bottom of the unit is covered in a stick rubber which keeps it from sliding all over your desk. Went through a few other midi controllers in this price range and this one won on all points.

This is my first working control surface so there some things I gotta learn how to work around/through in cubase but everything works fine. It also has a pretty cool feature where the lights race from left to right when I put my mac to sleep

The material covering the knob I use most frequently seems to have reacted with my finger oils, and rubbed off. Once the black grip wore off into flakes, that particular knob stopped working. Maybe some of the debris got into the potentiometer? Whatever the case, it's now a pain because I have to reassign my projects to another knob in all of my projects in Live, and I expect this to happen with all the others as well.I don't really have time to be screwing with poorly made equipment. Novation, start some QC and fix this issue.

I love using this for DJing with Ableton Live. My custom layout uses knobs for auto filters, fade-to-grey, and beat repeats. I use pads for EQ cutoffs and transitioning to new tempos (check out TEMPO by 4live.me). You can do a lot with 16 knobs.The knobs are sturdy and easy to grip. The pads are responsive, but I wouldn't recommend using them for finger drumming. They're good enough as on-off switches.

This is an excelent product but unfortunately the disigners didn't add some faders too it, but other than that you can't go wrong with this product its well crafted and inexpensive, indeed agreat compainon to my Launchpad S