Novation and Ableton Live 12: Workflow Synergy Unleashed

The walkthrough quickly moves to Granulator III, Ableton’s updated granular synthesizer, with the Launchkey taking center stage as the control surface. By mapping the Launchkey’s eight pots to Granulator parameters via device mode, the presenter demonstrates how users can manipulate sample position, scan, grain size, and more—all without touching the mouse. Cycling through parameter banks is handled by holding Device Select, with clear on-screen feedback showing which parameter is currently mapped. This physical interaction is presented as a key advantage, letting users shape sounds in a more instinctive, performance-oriented way.

A practical example follows: a coffee cup sample is loaded, and the presenter tweaks settings to sculpt a playable instrument, adjusting volume and tuning by ear. The workflow is fluid—recording a melody directly after sound design, all from the Launchkey. Novation’s point is clear: hands-on control not only speeds up the process but encourages experimentation, making granular synthesis more accessible and musical.

The video shifts focus to Live 12’s enhanced MIDI editing tools and how the Launchkey’s custom modes can be harnessed to streamline complex tasks. After a quick demonstration of new MIDI features—like dividing notes for polyrhythms using keyboard shortcuts—the presenter shows how to replicate these functions on the Launchkey itself. Using Novation Components, a custom pad mode is programmed to send keystrokes for note division and navigation, color-coded for clarity. This transforms the Launchkey from a generic controller into a personalized workflow hub, tailored to the user’s production style.

The process is methodical: pads are assigned to specific shortcuts, saved, and uploaded to the controller. The result is a MIDI editing workflow that bypasses the computer keyboard entirely, enabling rapid, repeatable actions from the Launchkey’s surface. Novation underscores that this level of customization has always been possible, but Live 12’s new tools make it more relevant than ever. The message is that users can adapt their hardware to evolving software features, keeping their workflow efficient and hands-on.

Diving into Ableton Live 12’s expanded tuning systems, the video highlights how the Launchkey adapts to microtonal and alternative scales. The presenter demonstrates switching from standard 12-TET to 24 Helmholtz temperament, revealing how the keyboard’s mapping changes to accommodate the new tuning. Playing a C major chord in this context requires relearning finger positions, as the physical keys no longer correspond directly to familiar intervals. While this is admittedly a niche feature, Novation presents it as an invitation to experiment—encouraging users to break out of Western tuning conventions and explore new harmonic territory.

The Launchkey’s ability to reflect these changes in real time, with note assignments updating on the fly, showcases its flexibility as a controller for unconventional music-making. The workflow implications are significant for those interested in microtonality, though the video is clear that mastering these systems will require dedication and a willingness to rethink established habits.