With Apple’s release of Logic Pro X 10.5 comes Live Loops, which for the first time brings cell-based looping playback and performance to the popular music software platform. Launchpad, with its 8×8 grid of colourful and expressive pads, extends the Live Loop experience and makes the Logic workflow more hands-on.
Live Loops is a new update that enables users to trigger cells within the Logic workflow. Cells in the Live Loops grid can contain one-shots, loops, MIDI patterns and automation data, and can be dragged-and-dropped or recorded live into Logic’s tracks area, to build song arrangements quickly.
Setup is automatic: Just plug in a compatible Launchpad and Logic’s Control Surface Setup window will appear to notify a connection, then rotate the device 90 degrees to match the layout of the Live Loops grid. You can even attach multiple Launchpads to use them simultaneously, with additional options for the top-down orientation of your devices. Set up can be adjusted for control either 90 degrees to the right or to the left. Rotation is always required.
Launchpad has become the de facto device for live performers, experimental musicians and anybody wanting to make music out of the confines of a linear timeline. Logic’s Live Loops feature is designed for exactly these creators, and helps get ideas down fast. Even before Live Loops, Launchpad was a close partner to Logic users: either as a programmable pad of triggers, buttons and virtual faders, or in note mode as an expressive grid-based MIDI controller. Now, with Live Loops, Launchpad is an integral part of the Logic Pro X journey.
Logic Pro X 10.5 is required. Compatible Launchpads are: Launchpad Original; Launchpad S; Launchpad MK2/RGB; Launchpad Mini MK1; Launchpad Mini MK2; Launchpad Mini [MK3]; Launchpad Pro MK1; Launchpad X. At the time of writing, there is no support for Launchpad Pro [MK3].
