Frequently asked questions
Real questions from the Novation community — the kind another owner would also have and google — answered and linked to the device they're about. 6 and counting.
6 questions
How do I make custom Launchpad / Launch Control modes without Novation Components?+
Novation's official editor is Components (a Web MIDI app that runs in Chrome or Edge) — you build custom pad layouts, colours and CC mappings there and send them to the device. If you'd rather script modes as text or automate them, the open-source ncc compiler is a libre alternative that builds custom-mode SysEx without the web editor. Either way the device stores the mode onboard, so it works standalone afterwards.
Source: github.com
Why isn't my Launchkey recognised / fully working in my DAW?+
The Launchkey is class-compliant, so basic MIDI works anywhere, but the deep features (faders, pads, transport, mixer control) need a control-surface script for your specific DAW. Ableton Live supports it natively; for FL Studio, Studio One, Bitwig and MainStage there are community scripts (see the Launchkey section of this list). Also check power: bus-powered over a hub usually works, but a few hosts need the script installed and the device set to the right mode first.
Circuit: how do I load my own samples and patches?+
The supported route is Novation Components, which imports samples and manages packs/patches over USB. Community tools go further: circuitsamples builds the SysEx used to upload samples, and noc-webmidi / patch tools read and write Circuit patch data directly. Circuit Tracks and Circuit Rhythm use a slightly different patch format than the original Circuit — CircuitPatchConverter and ctpatch handle converting and editing those.
Source: github.com
Bass Station II: can I edit or randomise patches from a computer?+
Yes. The Bass Station II exposes its parameters over SysEx, so you can edit, back up and randomise patches from software even though it has no screen. BS2-Web is a browser-based editor (Web MIDI), and there's a Max for Live device too; both build on the reverse-engineered BS2-SysEx format.
Source: github.com
What's the difference between Circuit, Circuit Tracks and Circuit Rhythm?+
The original Circuit is a self-contained groovebox: two polyphonic synth tracks plus four drum/sample tracks. Circuit Tracks expands that into a more performance-focused unit with more tracks (including dedicated MIDI tracks for sequencing external gear) and sample tracks. Circuit Rhythm is the sampler-first sibling — six sample tracks with slicing, choke groups and per-sample editing, aimed at beat-making and finger-drumming rather than synth lines.
Which Launchpad is best for live light shows and clip launching?+
For Ableton clip launching and "Unison"-style light shows, the Launchpad Pro (velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads, onboard sequencer) and the Launchpad X are the usual picks; the Launchpad Mini is the compact, cheaper grid without aftertouch. For programmable light shows and macros outside Ableton, community tools like LPHK and launchpad.py drive the LEDs directly.