Launchpad review
A pad-grid performance app for live loops, effects and beat triggering—not multitrack editing.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Launchpad is an iPhone and iPad music-making app from Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd. It is designed for solo performers, beat makers and remixers who want to trigger and combine beats, basslines, melodies, vocals and effects loops from a pad grid. The free download includes eight soundpacks, while additional packs are available in the in-app store. Performances can be recorded, exported and shared to services including SoundCloud, YouTube and Facebook.
Its strongest capability is live loop performance. DJ-style effects include stutter, autofilter, gater, delay, stopper and flanger, while real-time tempo and key changes use audio stretching. The published plans show Launchpad Premium (Monthly), which provides access to all features and hundreds of soundpacks, with a starting price of 7.99. Audio Import is offered as a separate plan or purchase and supports Dropbox, AudioShare, AudioCopy and AirDrop. The free tier offers a practical entry point, with expanded sounds and features available through in-app purchases.
Launchpad fits setups that include Ableton Link, Audiobus, Novation Launchpad or Launch Control hardware, Bluetooth speakers and headphones. It remains focused on triggering and performing rather than detailed timeline production: multitrack editing is not part of its positioning, and some advanced features plus hardware and MIDI functions are iPad-only. Choose it for pad-based live sets, quick remixes and effect-driven performances on iOS. Users who need conventional multitrack editing should choose a different audio editor.
Launchpad pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Pad-grid triggering mixes beats, melodies, vocals and FX loops
- Real-time tempo and key changes with audio stretching
- Ableton Link, Audiobus and Novation hardware integration
- Where it doesn't
- Not a conventional multitrack editor
- Some advanced features and MIDI functions are iPad-only
- Support is provided through documentation
Launchpad fact sheet, pricing and score →
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