Launchpad Use

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Tompion
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Launchpad Use

Post by Tompion »

I'll begin with the well worn thought that the only stupid question is the one that is not asked.

Over time I've read a number of discussions about Novation's launchpad use with Hauptwerk. But so far I've not been able to work out what launchpads are actually used for. I've looked at Novation's website but am none the wiser.

Is there a simple explanation that would help me and possibly others understand the advantages of using a launchpad with hauptwerk?
Bruce
mnailor
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Re: Launchpad Use

Post by mnailor »

I've used LP Minis in the past because I don't have room for a second touchscreen. The pads on a LP can be assigned to Hauptwerk pistons and various menu functions such as recording start, stop, etc.

Since they can light with different colors, I mapped pads to stops and couplers (via reversibles as input 2) to display what's on and off, since my monitor is off to the side and out of view when reading music.

Now I'm using an Android tablet on the side of the music stand as a heads up display, so I don't use the LP any more. If I didn't have a lot of pistons, though, I'd use it for extra pistons.
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mdyde
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Re: Launchpad Use

Post by mdyde »

Hello Bruce,

To add to to Mark's reply, this is what the Hauptwerk prerequisites document/chapter says about Launchpads:
Hauptwerk also has native support for Novation Launchpads (specifically, the “Launchpad X”, ”Launchpad Mark 2” model, and the original “Launchpad” mark 1 model), which are good, popular, similarly-easy and convenient alternatives to touch-screens. They have a grid of robust buttons with multi-color LEDs in them that Hauptwerk can control natively to show stop states and functional groupings (by color). You can assign any button to any stop or piston in Hauptwerk and select the LED color you prefer for each, separately for each virtual organ. Hauptwerk also natively supports multiple Launchpad units, so that you could use one for each stop jamb, for example.
Best regards, Martin.
Hauptwerk software designer/developer, Milan Digital Audio.
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magnaton
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Re: Launchpad Use

Post by magnaton »

As Mark points out, there are so many MIDI functions that can be assigned to a button to make HW more enjoyable. Basically to avoid having to hunt for the desired function in the menus:
- universal intramanual and intermanual couplers beyond what's offered in a sample set
- pitch transposer (+, -, 0)
- Midi playback, stop, record, fast forward or reverse. You can use a line of buttons to simulate an older cassette recorder layout
- quick registration copy and paste. I use this a lot. I'll hand registrar a nice registration on a organ I haven't played in awhile and want to assign it to piston, however I'm not sure which piston is available or want to overwrite. To easily save it in memory while hunting for its new home piston, then just paste it back in when ready.
- one button to load a different organ or switch to a different combination file. (i.e. load favorite organ #2)
- sometimes, especially when performing, it's nice to have a tactile feel of a real button (vs a touch screen) to engage a piston or select a particular stop.
- computer shutdown. Red Launchpad color of course {:-)

Here is link to colleague who builds a sliding hide away drawer (under the keydesk) for the Launchpad Mini.
https://www.drewworthen.com/custom-proj ... b3215f77f3

Danny B.
Tompion
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Re: Launchpad Use

Post by Tompion »

Mark, Martin and Danny, thank you for your replies. I now have an understanding of how a lauchpad can be useful with HW.

My “console” has three manuals with 20 pistons under the middle keyboard. Using a launchpad appears to be a comparatively inexpensive way of creating additional pistons. But they won’t be as easy to access as thumb operated pistons. I assume that the ability to colour code the launchpad buttons helps find a critical button/piston on the fly. I’m curious how people find this. Or is the primary usefulness confined to actions that don’t need to happen in the middle of playing a piece?
Bruce
mnailor
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Re: Launchpad Use

Post by mnailor »

I found it easiest to jab LP buttons when it's on my music stand beside the music, though they can be mounted on a monitor stand.

I always use the same button layout, mapped to HW master registration buttons used in very consistent ways, instead of any per-organ assignments. Same for pistons, of which I have 95. Memorizing the layout is easier if there aren't a lot of exceptions. A button or piston gives a similar registration on every organ that it makes sense for.
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JulianMoney-Kyrle
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Re: Launchpad Use

Post by JulianMoney-Kyrle »

I use mine for a number of different things. Selecting organs to load, combination files and temperaments from the menus, adjusting the volume, master reset and MIDI reset are the main things. I sometimes use them for rearranging the order of the keyboards on the fly (using HW's virtual divisions) but mostly I think it is good discipline to use the layout that comes with the organ, as you don't actually get a choice when you are playing an unfamiliar actual instrument.
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