Novation Flpad

FL Studio at your fingertips: a controller designed with Image-Line

Developed in partnership with Image-Line, the Novation FLpad is a pad controller specifically designed to make production in FL Studio more direct, tactile and fluid. Whereas a generic MIDI controller often requires lengthy mapping, the FLpad provides access to the software's main tools as soon as it is connected: Channel Rack, Patterns, sequencer, Graph Editor, channel mixing and transport controls.

Its approach is firmly rooted in FL Studio's established workflow. It lets you move from an idea to a Pattern, then from performance to editing, without constantly switching between keyboard, mouse and screen. A relevant solution for beatmakers, electronic music producers, urban music creators and composers looking to bring greater spontaneity to their creative process.

A MIDI controller for programming, playing and arranging your ideas

The FLpad is equally suited to beginners discovering FL Studio and experienced users looking to speed up their workflow. Its matrix of colour-coded pads makes it easy to identify sounds, notes and sequences, while the various modes let you instantly adapt the controller to each stage of production.

In Sequencer mode, you can work with up to four Channel Rack instruments at once. This setup is ideal for building a complete rhythm section, layering a bass, pad or chord progression, then adjusting each element without leaving the pad grid. The FLpad is therefore just as suitable for quickly sketching out a beat as it is for building a detailed arrangement.

Performers will also appreciate its Note mode, which transforms the pads into a chromatic keyboard or a layout suited to a selected scale. You can therefore play melodies and bass lines without worrying about wrong notes—an invaluable aid for improvising or quickly composing coherent harmonies.

From Channel Rack to Graph Editor, in-depth creative control

Expressive finger drumming and dedicated rhythm instruments

The 64 velocity-sensitive pads offer a response suited to dynamic playing. They let you program percussion step by step, but also play rhythms on the fly with natural nuances. Polyphonic aftertouch further enhances expressiveness by transmitting individual pressure from each pad after the note is triggered.

The FLpad offers dedicated configurations for FL Studio's rhythm tools, including FPC, Slicex and Fruity Slicer. This gives you more immediate access to drum kits, sliced loops and samples, allowing you to create lively grooves, rearrange a breakbeat or trigger slices in real time.

Build Patterns without breaking your inspiration

Patterns occupy a central place in the FL Studio workflow, and the FLpad gives them a dedicated view. Create, select, duplicate or delete your Patterns directly from the controller as you develop your ideas throughout the session. This approach speeds up the creation of a track's different sections, from the first bars to chorus or break variations.

The controller also lets you navigate the sequencer and Channel Rack, start or stop playback, record, quantise and access the Score Log. The dedicated keys for undo and redo are particularly useful when exploring several creative directions.

Note editing and tactile mixing

FL Studio's Graph Editor can be controlled from the pad grid to modify essential parameters in your sequences: velocity, pitch, note repetition and other expression data. This allows you to stay focused on the music while refining the performance and dynamics of each part.

Channel Rack Mixer mode, meanwhile, transforms the pads into a row of faders. It becomes easier to balance the levels of instruments loaded in the Channel Rack, quickly adjust the place of each element and shape an initial mix balance before moving on to more in-depth work in the mixer.

Customisation and included software

Thanks to Novation Components, the FLpad remains customisable to suit your production habits, other software or your external MIDI equipment. Its USB Type-C connection ensures simple setup and direct power from a computer or compatible device.

The controller comes with six months of access to FL Studio Producer Edition, a version designed for recording, editing, mixing and mastering. The bundle also includes Melodics for improving your finger drumming skills, along with a selection of instruments and effects including GForce Oberheim SEM, GForce Oberheim OB-EZ, GForce AXXESS, Klevgrand LUXE, Klevgrand Slammer and UVI Prime 8+.

Technical specifications

Tablet/smartphone compatible	Yes	Velocity sensitive	Yes
VU-meter	No	Number of keys	0
Category	DAW controller	Number of connectable speaker pairs	0
Number of faders	0	Inputs	USB-C
Number of potentiometers	0	Outputs	USB-C
Arpeggiator	No	Color	Grey
Bluetooth	No	Colours	Grey
Bluetooth Midi	No	Sequencer	No
Transport orders	Yes	Power supply	USB-C
Compatibility	PC, Mac, iOS	Number of pads	64
Controller	Polyphonic Aftertouch, 64 pads RVB, Pads	Weight	0.83 kg
Provided software	FL Studio Producer Edition - 6-month trial, GForce AXXESS, GForce Oberheim OB-EZ, GForce Oberheim SEM, Klevgrand Luxe, Klevgrand Slammer, Melodics	Dimensions (mm)	240 x 240 x 18
Backlit pad	Yes

Pad configuration

8 x 8

Transport keys

play and stop, record and Score Log, undo and redo, delete and tempo