Standalone sequencing with Novation Launchpad Pro MkIII (w/ Micromoog, Echosystem)

A live, semi-improvised performance, using hardware sequencing and one synth plus some software synths. I received the Launchpad Pro MkIII this week and wanted to quickly put it through its paces as a standalone sequencer, so I hooked it up to a few VSTs (mostly free, and listed below), didn't change the key or the tempo, and just went with it. I'm happy to report that the Launchpad Pro absolutely feels like a successor to the Novation Circuit in its fast and intuitive workflow, but with a number of meaningful improvements. (Now Novation just needs to make a proper Novation update!) It's also important to note that the device feels fantastic to the touch and is very responsive. It's just a joy to play with, and I only wish it had more than its four sequencer tracks.

I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention the beautiful synth sitting next to the Launchpad Pro. The Micromoog was manufactured from 1975-1979 and was supposed to be a simple, consumer-friendly entry to Moog's lineup. But despite only having one oscillator (plus sub), it's actually packed with a bunch of features that you won't find on a Model D, like modulation via noise instead of an LFO, a variable wave shape, and pulse width modulation. I normally have a no-buy rule about vintage gear, but I tried this one in a local shop, it was on for a very fair price, and I loved the sound of it.

Launchpad Pro MkIII — Sequencing of four tracks
Moog Micromoog + Empress Effects Echosystem — Drone lead
VST instruments used:
Felt Instruments Wolno (free!) — main piano loop
Spitfire LABS (free!) — random blip, strings, piano
Synapse The Legend — bass

Written and performed within a 48-hour period, and uploaded as is, with only a little compression/limiting on the master.

[clocks]

Db is such a satisfying key to play in

[josepha]

Amazing! I stumbled down the rabbit hole investigating the MK3 and glad I did.

[demidevil]

Came for a tech demo, stayed for a heart wrenchingly beautiful piece of art. Wow, what athmosphere. This gave me a lump in my throat. Sincerely, thank you for this beautiful piece! 🙏

[DrJosephSweeney]

I have spent the holidays messing with my new LauncyPad Pro 3 and l, like you, find it a beautifully tactile controller sequencer. However, so far I've managed to avoid falling into the vintage hardware fever, instead opting for Cherry Audios Voltage Modular and its retro soft synths. This was, I get to play while also remaining able to afford food.

[davidrobertson]

I have a micromoog that hasn't worked for over 30 years and one day I hope to get it restored. This clip has inspired me

[lokkaj]

Wow, this is a very beautiful sound, thank you!

[gizmo]

Man, this is one of the most beautiful piece I’ve ever heard, definitely my favorite of your tracks, it give me chills. Because of you I downloaded both wolno and soft piano and I love them ❤

[quentin]

absolutly beautiful, as always. I love your work <3

[HeitHaus_Music]

Is this available on Spotify or SoundCloud and if not can you please upload immediately? Absolutely fantastic work!

[sebastianwr]

Amazing soundscape! So few elements but so rich

[henryseitz]

God this channel is so underrated. Beautiful shit man.

[echo_opera]

Thank you for sharing such beautiful music with us. 🙏🏼💕

[attorks]

Great performance. Love the Moog touch.

[idreaminsurfgreen]

Emotive and lovely. Thanks Jay. Also, I have the Echosystem. I had no idea I could run two effects simultaneously. I should read my manual I guess....

[christophertodman]

Always brilliant and eminently listenable.

[danjwatts]

Beautiful track! Really love the mood here. You're right about vintage gear. I've acquired quite a lot of it over the last year or two and I've had to come to terms that at least two pieces will be in the shop all the time!

[kdcr]

How you are not yet up there with the rest of the Bobeats, Ricky Tinez's & Red Means Recording's, just baffles me :) Great jam again!

[MikkelGrumBovin]

So unmistakenly a Jay Hosking tune, and we all know how i feel about THAT ! The Professor is at it again ! 👌✨

[marshalsea]

Absolutely love this... ramping up the plays quite a lot this week.
Has totally inspired me to really get to grips with my Launchpad Pro Mk3 and get some videos up.
Won't be any super moog from me tho... VSTs only and some bad guitar playing :(

[nschutten]

Others have already said what I wanted to say, but I couldn't NOT leave a comment. Wow. So moving.