Novation launches FLpad and FLpad Mini grid controllers for FL Studio

Novation has released FLpad and FLpad Mini, two 8×8 grid controllers built for FL Studio, Image-Line's music production software. According to Gearnews, they are the first grid controllers made specifically for FL Studio, developed together with Image-Line to integrate deeply with the Channel Rack for a groovebox-like workflow.

Both models have 64 RGB-backlit pads. The full-size FLpad has slightly larger, velocity-sensitive pads, while the Mini is aimed at portable setups. According to CDM, the hardware is identical to the Launchpad X and Launchpad Mini MK3; what differs is the printed labelling and the firmware. Novation confirmed to CDM that existing Launchpads cannot be switched to the FL firmware.

The controllers handle navigation of the sequencer and Channel Rack, pattern building including Clone Loop and Clear, transport, Quantize and Undo/Redo, and the Graph Editor is fully mapped to the grid. Novation's free Components editor allows four Custom Mode slots for user layouts. Gearnews adds that both also work as general MIDI controllers for other software and hardware.

The bundle includes six months of FL Studio Producer Edition and lifetime licences for UVI instruments, Klevgrand Slammer and LUXE, plus two Oberheim instruments and a KORG emulation from GForce. FLpad is priced at $219.99 and FLpad Mini at $139.99. According to CDM, Sweetwater has stock now, with Thomann and Perfect Circuit taking preorders.

Novation took the same route with keyboards: FLkey is the FL Studio counterpart to its Launchkey line.