Novation has introduced a new Scale Mode in the latest firmware update for its Launchpad Pro controller.

The easiest way to control Ableton Live just got even easier. With the new Scale Mode, Launchpad Pro enables any Live-based producer – no matter what their level of music theory ability – to effortlessly play and record perfectly in-key basslines, melodies, chords and leads.

To activate Scale Mode, simply press Launchpad Pro’s Shift and Note buttons, then choose one from a roster of 32 keys and modes – Major, Minor, Phrygian, Whole Tone, BeBop Minor, Iwato, etc. Launchpad Pro’s 64 pads will assign themselves contiguously to only the notes of the selected scale, removing all the rest.

Seven Overlap options enable the relative positioning of notes on each row to be offset, changing the chords generated by any given finger positioning. Chromatic 4th Mode keeps the pads assigned to the chromatic series but highlights the notes of the selected scale, so you can stay in key but still get to the notes in between if you need to.

The Launchpad Pro firmware update, complete with Scale Mode, is now available for download.

More information: Novation / Launchpad Pro