TAETRO’s Launchpad Deep-Dive: More Than Just Blinky Lights

TAETRO kicks things off by reminiscing about his long-running relationship with Launchpads, showing off his original Mini like it’s a battle-scarred mixtape from back in the day. He sets the vibe for anyone who’s ever stared at a grid of pads and wondered if it’s just a flashy toy or a legit studio weapon. Spoiler: it’s both, and then some.

He’s quick to point out that Launchpads aren’t just for Ableton nerds or folks with deep pockets. If you’re hunting for a controller that won’t break the bank but still brings serious heat, these boxes are worth a look. TAETRO promises to show how Launchpads can flex in ways you probably never considered, and trust me, he delivers.

TAETRO lines up the Launchpad Mini, X, and Pro like street food options—each with its own flavor. The Mini is the pocket-sized clip launcher, perfect for cramped desks or backpack warriors. It’s got drum and note modes, but don’t expect any fancy velocity action. It’s basic, but it gets the job done.

Step up to the X and you get more real estate, velocity-sensitive pads, and some extra sauce like custom scale modes and mixer tricks. The Pro? That’s the full meal: dedicated buttons, a built-in sequencer, MIDI ins and outs, and enough workflow shortcuts to keep your hands off the mouse. TAETRO doesn’t just list specs—he shows how each model fits a different hustle, whether you’re finger-drumming at home or running a live set at your cousin’s basement party.

TAETRO jumps into the Launchpad X workflow, breaking down how you can flip a handful of loops into a legit song arrangement without ever touching your QWERTY keyboard. He walks through capturing ideas, layering drums, and juggling clips in session view like a street magician. The capture button is a lifesaver for those moments when inspiration hits but you forgot to hit record—been there, done that.

He keeps it real about not playing everything perfectly, but that’s the beauty of this workflow: you can jam, mess up, and still end up with a track that slaps. TAETRO’s approach is all about staying in the groove, building energy, and arranging on the fly. If you want to see the magic happen, you gotta peep the video—words just don’t do those transitions justice.

Here’s where TAETRO gets spicy. He throws the Launchpad Pro in the ring with Ableton Push, pointing out that Push costs as much as a used car, while the Pro is more like a solid pair of sneakers—affordable, reliable, and still fresh. He shows how the Pro covers most of the Push’s workflow, from fixed-length recording to quantize, duplicate, and even a built-in step sequencer.

TAETRO doesn’t sugarcoat the differences: browsing sounds is still easier with a mouse, and Push has a few tricks the Pro can’t match. But for the price, the Launchpad Pro punches way above its weight. He even demos sequencing external synths and Ableton’s Move, flexing those MIDI outs and probability features. If you’re on a budget but want pro-level control, this section is pure gold.