Novation have teamed up with FL Studio developers Image-Line to create another dedicated controller for the popular DAW, but rather than another keyboard to the collection, the latest offering draws its inspiration from the Launchpad family. The new arrivals are the first 8x8 grid controllers made specifically for FL Studio, and bring a fast, groovebox-style workflow to the software’s Channel Rack. 

The new range comprises two units: the FLpad and FLpad Mini. The former features a larger grid and velocity-sensitive pads, while the latter is geared towards compact and portable setups. Both models are equipped with 64 RGB-backlit pads that can tackle everything from step sequencing and finger drumming to melodic playing —  both chromatically or locked to a user-selected scale. Alongside the 8x8 grids, both models are kitted out with an array of dedicated controls for navigating FL Studio’s Sequencer and Channel Rack, building tracks with Patterns, mode switching, transport control and more. Everything is configured to work straight out of the box, although those who want to customise their layouts can do so using the Novation Components software. 

Novation say that while the FLpad shares the form factor as their Launchpad range, everything going on behind the scenes is entirely new ‚ the user interface, firmware and DAW scripts have all been designed specifically for integration with FL Studio’s Channel Rack. All FLpad controllers include six months of FL Studio Producer Edition, along with a range of premium instruments and effects from UVI, GForce and Klevgrand, and finger-drumming lessons from Melodics!

• Made for FL Studio: Get hands-on in the Channel Rack, sequence drums and melodies, play parts live and create Patterns directly from FLpad.
• Make Beats In The Channel Rack: Select and trigger your samples directly from the pads. The full-size FLpad features velocity-sensitivity for expressive playing.
• Step-sequence Your Ideas: Quickly create and edit melodies, basslines and drum patterns for up to four instruments at once.
• Play Drums Live: Tap in drum patterns with dedicated layouts for FPC, Slicex and Fruity Slicer.
• Perform Basslines, Melodies & Chords: Note mode allows you to play and sequence melodic instruments — either locked to your chosen scale or chromatically.
• Build Tracks With Patterns: Develop your ideas directly from FLpad. A dedicated view makes it easy to create, select, clear and duplicate Patterns.
• Edit Every Note Directly On The FLpad: Get hands on with FL Studio’s Graph Editor, directly from the grid.
• Control The Channel Rack Mixer: Turn FLpad’s grid into a row of faders with Channel Rack Mixer mode.
• Dedicated Transport Controls: Stop and start playback and recording, undo actions and more from FLpad’s buttons.
• Make It Your Own: With Novation Components, it’s easy to make your custom layouts for FL Studio — or your other software and hardware.
• Everything You Need To Make Beats: FLpad comes with six months of FL Studio Producer Edition, a selection of instruments and effects and finger-drumming lessons from Melodics.

“We’re proud to partner with Image-Line once again and build on the momentum of FLkey 2 with a new line of hardware controllers. Through our previous collaborations with Image-Line, we’ve gained a deep appreciation for what makes this DAW so beloved of beatmakers. This understanding has led us directly to the FLpad — a grid controller made specifically to augment FL Studio’s unique workflows in intuitive and inspiring new ways.” — Mario Buoninfante, Product Manager, Novation

The FLpad and FLpad Mini are available now, priced at $139.99£99.99 and $219.99£179.99 respectively. Prices include VAT.

novationmusic.com/flpad