Hi folks,
Any ways to assign whole chords to just one button natively with the Launchpad X? Or do I need to own a third party software then rout it to my DAW?

 

Afraid you can only assign individual notes to the pads using the MIDI Note widget in Components, so if you want to play a chord, you’d need to use multiple pads. Alternatively, you could use Launchpad X with Ableton Live and trigger chords from pads using MIDI Clips, or the Chord MIDI Device

 

The Novation Launchpad X does not natively support assigning entire chords to a single button directly, but there are workarounds using its custom modes and third-party software:

Spoiler: ai

1. : You can use the Novation Components app to set up custom modes on the Launchpad X. In these modes, you can assign individual pads to MIDI notes, CC messages, or program changes. However, this setup does not allow direct assignment of chords (multiple notes triggered by one pad) without external tools.
2. : If you're using Ableton Live, you can utilize its "Scale" and "Chord" plugins to generate chords from single notes triggered on the Launchpad X. This approach requires matching the Launchpad's key to your project's key.

1. 
   
   
   • : Tools like MIDIChords or Cthulhu can be used to assign chord combinations to individual pads. These plugins allow you to map chords to specific MIDI inputs, effectively enabling one-button chord triggering.
   • : Some DAWs (e.g., Logic Pro) allow extensive MIDI mapping. You could use these features to set up chord mappings for individual pads on the Launchpad X3.
   • : If you're comfortable with programming or live coding, you can use open-source tools like Max/MSP or Pd to create custom chord mappings for the Launchpad X. This approach provides maximum flexibility.

In summary, while the Launchpad X does not natively support assigning full chords to one button directly, using Ableton plugins or third-party software like MIDIChords can achieve this functionality effectively.


Source: AI

 

Last edited by a moderator: Nov 23, 2025 at 10:40 AM

Wait, it doesn't have a chord mode out of the box? Damn, my man Jurgen really fucking nailed it big time for Bitwig users

If that's actually true (I find it hard to believe), I'd first search if there's a custom mode (which you can simply load) already available in some cold corner of internet where non-Bitwig/Reaper users exchange their sad stories (and scripts)
If that doesn't solve it, my first thought was - of course you can, it's just midi messages inside the computer. If your daw offers an easy solution (now ain't that funny), as banned Radio mentioned above, that's probably a way to go. Otherwise, you can intercept the messages anywhere in their path and transform them in almost any way - using something like MIDI-OX and virtual ports. So for example, you can make a setup that turns notes into chords on a specific midi channel (or separate input port), and works as usual on others.

 

There is a new ableton device called expressive chords that'll do the job. Wait this post is very old.

 

I don't know why forums and the like have a "necroing = bad" culture... if google or similar pointed you towards this topic, it's relevant and should be kept up to date instead of forcing you to look around everywhere... food for thought.

on the topic: I now use RipChord with my Launchpad to trigger chords inside my daw with just one button. Simple and elegant solution.

 

Wow, this was quite surprising insight for me, shocking even. I was wrong to assume it's something readily available and simple to get. It also elevates my appreciation for our beloved controller scripting hero even higher, and I might have told you yesterday that's impossible

In a quick search for confirmation (couldn't help myself), I only found Novation's tutorial for chord mode on a "pro" version, and even that is not what you were looking for as it involves pressing multiple keys. Apparently, nothing of the sort was ever provided for X (nor other cheaper versions). I mean, Moss's implementation is far from perfect, and next to useless if you intend to record an actual performance - it's one octave per page, and you can't play any inversions, nor anything else apart from what's already in there. Still, it's quite useful for quickly testing and expanding ideas, even some basic layout in some cases. Pairing it with arpeggiator can also be useful.

If that RipChord thingy is anything like Bitwing's midi devices you have everything one could need for the use case. I'm just surprised Novation is discrediting their own product, in a way.

If someone's interested in how Jurgen's mode works, here's a video demonstration from the man himself. It hasn't change much since then, and works the same for all launchpads in Bitwig and Reaper.