Controllers Guide: Novation Launchpad MK2 vs. Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7
In the ever-evolving world of music production and DJ performance, having the right controller can make all the difference. Two standout options that cater to different segments of electronic music creators are the Novation Launchpad MK2 and the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7. Whether you're a bedroom producer looking to launch clips and create dynamic performances or a professional DJ seeking a battle-ready controller with turntable-style platters, understanding these devices is crucial to making the right investment for your musical journey.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these two popular controllers, helping you determine which one aligns with your creative goals, performance style, and budget.
Understanding the Novation Launchpad MK2: The Producer's Grid Controller
The Novation Launchpad MK2 represents the evolution of one of the most iconic grid controllers in electronic music production. As the successor to the original Launchpad that revolutionized how producers interact with Ableton Live, the MK2 builds upon this legacy with enhanced features and capabilities.
Key Features of the Novation Launchpad MK2
The Launchpad MK2 is designed primarily as a clip-launching controller for Ableton Live, though it can be used with other DAWs and software through custom mappings. Here's what makes it special:
8x8 RGB Pad Grid: The heart of the Launchpad MK2 is its 64-pad grid with RGB backlighting that provides visual feedback corresponding to your clips in Ableton Live.
Plug-and-Play USB Connectivity: No need for external power—just connect via USB and you're ready to create.
Dedicated Scene Launch Buttons: Trigger entire rows of clips simultaneously for dynamic performance transitions.
Multiple Modes: Switch between Session Mode (for clip launching), User Mode (for custom MIDI mappings), and various performance modes for on-the-fly creativity.
Compact and Portable Design: Weighing just over 1 pound and with a slim profile, it's perfect for producers on the go.
Ableton Live Lite Included: Comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite, giving new producers everything they need to start creating.
The Launchpad MK2 excels in live electronic music performance, allowing producers to trigger clips, create dynamic mixes, and manipulate effects in real-time. Its intuitive grid layout makes it particularly well-suited for genres like EDM, techno, house, and experimental electronic music where clip launching and live remixing are common techniques.
Workflow and Integration with Ableton Live
The Launchpad MK2 is designed to integrate seamlessly with Ableton Live, offering an intuitive representation of Live's Session View. Each pad corresponds to a clip slot in your Ableton Live session, with colors matching between the software and hardware for easy visual reference.
When you launch a clip, the pad will pulse in time with the music, giving you immediate visual feedback on what's playing. The right-side buttons launch entire scenes (horizontal rows of clips), while the top buttons can be used to stop clips, solo tracks, or access additional functions.
Beyond basic clip launching, the Launchpad MK2 offers several performance modes:
Note Mode: Transforms the grid into a playable instrument with customizable scales and layouts.
Device Mode: Control parameters of Ableton devices and plugins.
User Mode: Create custom MIDI mappings for unique performance techniques.
Mixer Mode: Access to volume, panning, and sends for mixing on the fly.
For producers who want to take their live performances beyond traditional DJing, the Launchpad MK2 offers a canvas for creative expression that's both accessible to beginners and deep enough for professionals.
Exploring the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7: The Battle DJ's Dream Controller
In stark contrast to the Launchpad's production focus, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7 is a professional-grade DJ controller designed specifically for scratch DJs and turntablists. Released as part of Pioneer's collaboration with legendary battle DJ Rev, this controller brings the feel of vinyl turntablism to the digital realm.
Key Features of the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7
The DDJ-REV7 represents the cutting edge of battle-style DJ controllers, with features that cater specifically to scratch DJs:
7-Inch Motorized Jog Wheels: Full-size, motorized platters with real vinyl feel and adjustable torque settings that mimic traditional turntables.
Battle Mixer Layout: Horizontal fader placement and overall design inspired by the DJM-S series battle mixers.
Dedicated Performance Pads: 8 large, responsive performance pads per deck for hot cues, loops, samples, and more.
Magnetic Crossfader: Ultra-low latency crossfader with adjustable curve for precise scratching and cutting.
On-Jog Displays: Full-color LCD displays on each jog wheel showing waveforms, track information, and playback status.
Standalone Mixer Functionality: Use as a standalone 2-channel mixer with external turntables or CDJs.
Serato DJ Pro Integration: Designed specifically for Serato DJ Pro with plug-and-play compatibility.
Built-in Effects: Hardware effects controls plus integration with Serato's software effects.
The DDJ-REV7 is built for hip-hop DJs, turntablists, and scratch artists who want the tactile feel of vinyl with the convenience and features of digital DJing. Its premium build quality and professional features position it as a flagship controller for serious DJs.
Workflow and Integration with Serato DJ Pro
The DDJ-REV7 is designed to work seamlessly with Serato DJ Pro, one of the industry-standard DJ software platforms. The controller follows a "hardware reflects software" philosophy, where the physical layout and controls directly mirror what you see on screen.
What sets the DDJ-REV7 apart is its battle-style layout, which places the tempo faders horizontally at the top of each deck (unlike the traditional vertical placement). This arrangement is preferred by scratch DJs as it provides more comfortable hand positioning during intricate scratch techniques.
The motorized jog wheels are the centerpiece of the DDJ-REV7 experience. When you load a track, the platters physically spin, mimicking the rotation of vinyl records. When you touch the top surface, you can scratch with the tactile response of real vinyl. The on-jog displays show waveforms and track information, eliminating the need to constantly look at your laptop screen.
Performance features include:
Instant Doubles: Quickly copy a track from one deck to another for creative mixing techniques.
Track Search: Dedicated buttons for quickly navigating through your music library.
Pitch Play: Trigger hot cues at different pitches for musical scratching effects.
Silent Cue: Prepare your next scratch without outputting audio until you're ready.
For DJs who come from a vinyl background or who prioritize scratching and turntablism in their performances, the DDJ-REV7 offers the most authentic digital scratching experience available in a controller.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Launchpad MK2 vs. DDJ-REV7
While these controllers serve different purposes in the music creation ecosystem, comparing them directly helps illustrate their strengths and ideal use cases.
Design and Build Quality
Novation Launchpad MK2:
Compact, lightweight design (9.5 × 9.5 × 0.9 inches, approximately 1.5 pounds)
Plastic construction with rubber pads
Minimalist aesthetic with focus on the grid layout
Highly portable for on-the-go production
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7:
Large, professional-grade controller (22 × 15.2 × 4.8 inches, approximately 23 pounds)
Metal construction with premium components
Robust build designed for intensive performance use
Requires dedicated space and careful transport
Price Point and Value
Novation Launchpad MK2:
Budget-friendly (approximately $150-200 USD)
Excellent entry point for beginners
Includes Ableton Live Lite software
Focused functionality provides good value for clip-launching needs
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7:
Premium price point (approximately $1,900-2,000 USD)
Professional investment for serious DJs
Includes Serato DJ Pro license
Comprehensive feature set justifies cost for professional performers
Software Integration
Novation Launchpad MK2:
Primarily designed for Ableton Live
Can be mapped to other DAWs with some limitations
Excellent for clip-based music production and performance
Limited mixer control without additional hardware
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7:
Optimized for Serato DJ Pro
Can be used as a standalone mixer for external sources
Complete DJ solution with no additional hardware needed
Not designed for music production workflows
Performance Capabilities
Novation Launchpad MK2:
Excels at triggering clips and scenes
Great for electronic music performance with prepared clips
Limited mixing capabilities on its own
Best suited for producers performing their own material
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7:
Professional-grade DJ mixing and scratching
Excels at traditional DJ techniques and turntablism
Complete solution for mixing tracks from different artists
Designed for performing with existing music rather than creating new material
Who Should Choose the Novation Launchpad MK2?
The Launchpad MK2 is ideal for:
Electronic Music Producers: If you create electronic music in Ableton Live and want to bring a performance element to your productions, the Launchpad MK2 is an excellent choice.
Live Performers: Artists who perform their own electronic music and want to trigger clips, samples, and effects in real-time will benefit from the Launchpad's intuitive grid layout.
Beginners on a Budget: With its affordable price point and included Ableton Live Lite, the Launchpad MK2 is an accessible entry point into electronic music production and performance.
Portable Setup Users: The compact size makes it perfect for producers who create music on the go or have limited studio space.
Visual Performers: The RGB pads make it easy to organize clips by color, which is particularly useful for live performances where quick visual reference is important.
The Launchpad MK2 shines in scenarios where you're performing your own produced material rather than mixing tracks from other artists. It's particularly well-suited for genres like techno, house, EDM, and experimental electronic music where clip launching and live arrangement are common techniques.
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Who Should Choose the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7?
The DDJ-REV7 is perfect for:
Professional DJs: If DJing is your profession or serious hobby, the DDJ-REV7 offers professional-grade features and build quality that will stand up to regular use.
Scratch DJs and Turntablists: The motorized platters and battle mixer layout make it the ideal controller for DJs who prioritize scratching techniques.
Vinyl DJs Going Digital: For DJs transitioning from vinyl to digital, the DDJ-REV7 provides the most authentic turntable feel in a controller.
Hip-Hop and Open-Format DJs: The performance pads, scratch capabilities, and effects make it particularly well-suited for hip-hop, trap, and open-format DJing where quick cuts and scratches are essential.
Club and Event DJs: The professional inputs/outputs and standalone mixer functionality make it suitable for club installations and event setups.
The DDJ-REV7 is an investment for serious DJs who want a premium controller that doesn't compromise on the tactile feel of vinyl while offering all the advantages of digital DJing. Its price point positions it as a professional tool rather than a casual hobby controller.
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Can You Use Both Controllers Together?
An interesting question that arises is whether these two controllers can complement each other in a hybrid setup. The answer is yes, but it requires some thoughtful integration:
Hybrid Performance Setup
For artists who both produce and DJ, a hybrid setup combining the Launchpad MK2 and DDJ-REV7 can offer the best of both worlds:
Production to Performance: Create tracks in Ableton Live using the Launchpad MK2, export stems or finished tracks, and then perform/mix them using the DDJ-REV7.
Live Remixing: Use the DDJ-REV7 as your primary DJ controller while incorporating the Launchpad MK2 to trigger samples, loops, or effects for live remixing.
Software Bridge: Applications like Ableton Link or the MIDI Clock can synchronize Ableton Live with Serato DJ Pro, allowing both controllers to work in time with each other.
This hybrid approach is advanced and requires a solid understanding of both workflows, but it can create unique performance possibilities that neither controller could achieve alone. Artists like Richie Hawtin, Four Tet, and James Holden have pioneered similar hybrid DJ/production setups for their performances.
Alternative Controllers to Consider
While the Launchpad MK2 and DDJ-REV7 are excellent choices in their respective categories, there are several alternatives worth considering based on your specific needs:
Alternatives to the Novation Launchpad MK2
Ableton Push 2: A more comprehensive (and expensive) controller for Ableton Live that adds parameter control, step sequencing, and sampling capabilities.
Akai APC Mini MK2: A compact clip launcher with added faders for more mixing control.
Novation Launchpad Pro MK3: The professional version of the Launchpad with velocity-sensitive pads, MIDI out, and more advanced performance features.
Novation Launchpad X: The current generation Launchpad with improved pads and dynamic note/scale modes.
Arturia Beatstep Pro: A sequencer and controller that works well with hardware synths and DAWs.
Alternatives to the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7
Rane ONE: A direct competitor with motorized platters and a more traditional mixer layout.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000: A professional controller for Rekordbox with jog wheels that feel like CDJs but without motorization.
Denon DJ SC6000M: Standalone media players with motorized platters that don't require a laptop.
Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: A professional controller for Traktor Pro with motorized jog wheels and haptic feedback.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1: A more affordable entry-level battle controller with the same layout but fewer professional features.
When considering alternatives, think about your primary use case, budget, and which software ecosystem you prefer to work within. Each controller has its strengths and limitations that make it more suitable for specific workflows.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Controller
Whichever controller you choose, here are some tips to maximize its potential:
For Novation Launchpad MK2 Users
Master Session View: Organize your Ableton Live sets with a logical clip arrangement that makes sense for performance.
Color-Code Your Clips: Use consistent colors for different types of clips (drums, bass, melodies, etc.) for easier navigation during performance.
Explore User Modes: Create custom MIDI mappings to extend the functionality beyond the default modes.
Try Third-Party Integrations: Applications like Launchpad95 add step sequencing and other features to your Launchpad.
Practice Performance Techniques: Develop skills like clip launching, scene transitions, and effect manipulation to create dynamic performances.
For Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7 Users
Customize Your Platters: Adjust the torque settings to match your preferred feel for scratching.
Master the Crossfader: Practice different crossfader techniques and adjust the curve settings for your style.
Organize Your Library: Use Serato's crate system to organize tracks for quick access during performances.
Utilize Performance Pads: Explore different pad modes like hot cues, roll, and sampler to add creativity to your sets.
Learn Hardware Effects: Master the built-in effects for transitions and creative moments without relying solely on software effects.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Musical Expression
The Novation Launchpad MK2 and Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7 represent two different approaches to electronic music performance, each excelling in its intended use case. The Launchpad MK2 is a production-focused grid controller that enables clip-based performance and live arrangement, while the DDJ-REV7 is a professional DJ controller designed specifically for scratch DJs and turntablists.
Your choice between these controllers—or whether to explore alternatives—should be guided by:
Your primary musical focus (production vs. DJing)
Your performance style and techniques
Your budget and investment priorities
Your preferred software ecosystem
Your space constraints and portability needs
Remember that the controller is ultimately just a tool for your creative expression. The best controller is the one that feels intuitive to you and disappears into your workflow, allowing you to focus on the music rather than the technology.
Whether you're launching clips on a Launchpad MK2 or cutting and scratching on a DDJ-REV7, the goal remains the same: to create compelling musical experiences for yourself and your audience. Choose the controller that best helps you achieve that goal, and then focus on mastering it to its fullest potential.
For more resources on building your music career, don't forget to check out guides on creating your musician website and distributing your music independently.
Happy creating!