- The Novation FLpad was born from a partnership with Image-Line: it gives access to FL Studio tools as soon as you connect via USB, with no assignment needed.
- Both models feature 64 RGB pads arranged in an 8 x 8 grid, with modes dedicated to the Channel Rack, Patterns, Graph Editor, and mixing.
- The FLpad adds velocity sensitivity and polyphonic aftertouch, while the FLpad Mini focuses on a compact format and precise programming.
- Six months of FL Studio Producer Edition, Melodics, and a selection of instruments and effects come with each controller.
Composing on FL Studio often means going back and forth between mouse, keyboard, and screen. Novation and Image-Line wanted to put an end to that with the Novation FLpad and FLpad Mini, two pad controllers designed together for this software. We unboxed these new DAW controllers with one question in mind: what does a 64-pad grid really change when producing in FL Studio? Here’s what each model brings, what sets them apart, and who they make sense for.
Novation FLpad: the large format that plays with dynamics
The Novation FLpad gives access to FL Studio’s main tools as soon as you plug it in: Channel Rack, Patterns, sequencer, Graph Editor, channel mixing, and transport controls. The idea is to move from idea to Pattern, then from performance to editing, without constantly juggling keyboard, mouse, and screen.
Its 64 velocity-sensitive pads respond to dynamic playing. You can program percussion step by step or play your rhythms live with real nuance. The polyphonic aftertouch goes further: each pad sends its own pressure after the note triggers, adding depth to pads and drum accents.
The FLpad measures 240 x 240 x 18 mm and weighs 0.83 kg. It’s a real working surface, to place in front of the screen, with a generous grid under your fingers.
Finger drumming enthusiasts find dedicated configurations for FL Studio’s rhythm tools here: FPC, Slicex, and Fruity Slicer. Drum kits, sliced loops, samples: everything triggers live, perfect for rearranging a breakbeat or launching slices in real time.
The FLpad Mini, the compact version for mobile beatmakers
The FLpad Mini follows the same philosophy in a 180 x 180 x 15 mm size, weighing 0.38 kg. It fits in a small home studio, next to a laptop, or in a bag for a session elsewhere. Its 64 RGB backlit pads give a clear readout of sequences, instruments, and active steps.
One point needs to be said clearly: the Mini’s pads are not velocity-sensitive. It therefore focuses on precise programming, efficient navigation, and immediate access to sequencing functions, rather than performance based on strike force.
On the gear side, you get 7 mode buttons, 2 page buttons, 2 buttons for Channel Rack and octave, a Kensington security slot, and a 3-year manufacturer warranty. The USB-C to USB-A cable is included.
For hip-hop, electro, pop, or lo-fi rhythms, as well as writing bass lines, chords, or leads, the grid is more than enough. It’s a composition tool before it’s a stage instrument.
Both controllers are USB-C powered and compatible with PC, Mac, and iOS. Novation Components lets you customize them for other software or external MIDI gear.
What the Novation FLpad changes in the FL Studio workflow
Both models share the same core functions, and that’s where the range’s interest lies. In Sequencer mode, you work with up to four Channel Rack instruments at once: a full rhythm, a bass, a pad, or a chord progression layer, each element adjustable without leaving the pad grid.
Note mode turns the pads into a chromatic keyboard or locks the grid to a chosen scale. You play melodies and basses without fear of wrong notes, handy for improvising or laying down coherent harmonies in minutes.
Patterns hold a central place in FL Studio, with a dedicated view: creating, selecting, duplicating, or deleting a Pattern is done from the controller. Song sections move fast, from first bars to chorus or break variations. Command buttons handle play, stop, record, Score Log, undo, redo, delete, and tempo.
To refine playing, the Graph Editor is controlled from the grid: velocity, pitch, note repetition, and other expression data. Channel Rack Mixer mode turns pads into a row of faders, to balance loop levels or rough out a first mix before moving to the DAW software console.
Start with Note mode locked to a scale, then switch to Patterns view to duplicate your idea. In ten minutes, you have a loop that holds together.
FLpad or FLpad Mini: the comparison of the two Novation controllers
On paper, the two machines look a lot alike. The difference comes down to how you play, size and budget: the FLpad is priced at 199 €, the FLpad Mini at 109 €. The table below puts the key points side by side.
You play your rhythms with your fingers and want dynamics? The FLpad is made for that. You program step by step, often on the go? The FLpad Mini gets the job done at a lower cost, and fits in any bag.
Included software and customization
Each controller comes with six months of FL Studio Producer Edition, a version designed for recording, editing, mixing and mastering. The package also includes Melodics to improve your finger drumming, plus a selection of instruments and effects: GForce Oberheim SEM, GForce Oberheim OB-EZ, GForce AXXESS, Klevgrand LUXE, Klevgrand Slammer and UVI Prime 8+.
Customization is done via Novation Components. You adapt both controllers to your production habits, other software or external MIDI gear. To see the rest of the manufacturer’s range, head to the Novation collection.
FAQ - Novation FLpad and FLpad Mini
What is the difference between the Novation FLpad and the FLpad Mini?
The FLpad (199 €) has velocity-sensitive pads and polyphonic aftertouch, and measures 240 x 240 x 18 mm for 0.83 kg. The FLpad Mini (109 €) is more compact, 180 x 180 x 15 mm for 0.38 kg, and its pads are not velocity-sensitive.
Do you need FL Studio to use an FLpad?
The FLpads are designed for FL Studio, with Image-Line, and come with six months of FL Studio Producer Edition. Novation Components also lets you customize them for other software or external MIDI gear.
How do you connect and power an FLpad?
Via USB-C, which also powers it from a computer or compatible device. Both controllers work with PC, Mac and iOS.
Can you play notes and scales with the pads?
Yes. Note mode turns the grid into a chromatic keyboard, or locks it to a selected scale to avoid wrong notes.
What software comes with the FLpads?
FL Studio Producer Edition for six months, Melodics, and a selection of instruments and effects: GForce Oberheim SEM, GForce Oberheim OB-EZ, GForce AXXESS, Klevgrand LUXE, Klevgrand Slammer and UVI Prime 8+.
Are the FLpad Mini pads velocity-sensitive?
No. The FLpad Mini favors precise programming, navigation and access to sequencing functions rather than expressive playing.
With the FLpad and FLpad Mini, Novation and Image-Line offer two answers to the same desire: to make FL Studio a software you play as much as you program. It’s up to you to choose your size, and see how far your urge to play goes. What instrument will you produce first?
