Novation FLpad MIDI Controller

FLpad — the grid controller built for FL Studio

The Novation FLpad is an 8x8 grid controller co-developed with Image-Line specifically for FL Studio, giving producers a tactile, groovebox-style workflow inside the Channel Rack. Trigger samples, step-sequence up to four instruments at once, finger-drum with FPC, Slicex and Fruity Slicer, and play basslines, chords and melodies locked to a chosen scale — all without leaving the pads. The FLpad is the right choice for FL Studio producers who want hands-on control of beats, Patterns and Channel Rack workflows.

What makes the FLpad stand out

Unlike a generic MIDI grid, the FLpad ships with custom DAW scripts for FL Studio 26.1.6 or later that map every pad and button directly to Channel Rack, Patterns, mixer and Graph Edit views. Each of the 64 pads uses patented force-sensing resistor technology for added responsiveness, and the controller sends polyphonic aftertouch data through its four Custom Modes for deeper expression with compatible software and hardware.

Pad grid and expression — performance feel

The full-size 8x8 layout gives producers enough surface area for two-handed finger drumming and wide step-sequencer patterns, while velocity sensitivity adds dynamics to every hit. RGB backlighting colour-codes sounds so the Channel Rack is readable at a glance.

• Number of Pads: 64 — full 8x8 grid for sequencing and live playing
• Pad Size: Full size — comfortable for expressive finger drumming
• Expression: Velocity-sensitive with patented force-sensing resistor technology — consistent dynamics across hits
• Polyphonic Aftertouch: Yes (via Custom Modes) — expressive control of supported software and hardware

Performance views and workflow controls — production power

Dedicated buttons and views put the most-used FL Studio actions on the hardware, so producers can build and edit Patterns without reaching for the mouse. The Channel Rack Mixer view turns the grid into volume faders, while the Graph Edit view exposes note pitch, velocity, fine pitch, panning, mod X/Y, shift and repeat for detailed sound shaping.

• Performance Views: Sequencer, Note, Patterns, Channel Rack, Channel Rack Mixer, Graph Edit, plus up to 4 Custom Modes
• Dedicated Buttons: 4x navigation, Sequencer, Note, Custom Modes, Shift, Patterns, Channel Rack, Channel Mixer, Graph Edit, Clear, Undo, Play/Pause, Record
• Shift Functions: Clone Loop, Octave Up/Down, Pattern Length, Channel Rack Mutes, Channel Rack Pan, Tempo, Redo, Quantise, Score Log

Connectivity, software and dimensions — setup and bundle

One USB-C cable handles both data and power, so the FLpad is ready to use the moment it is plugged into a Mac or Windows computer running FL Studio 26.1.6 or later. The bundle includes six months of FL Studio Producer Edition, Melodics finger-drumming lessons, and premium plugins from UVI, Klevgrand and GForce.

• Connectivity: USB-C socket, USB bus powered, Kensington security slot
• Compatibility: macOS and Windows with FL Studio 26.1.6 or later
• Dimensions: 240 x 240 x 17.6 mm — square footprint that sits neatly beside a keyboard
• Weight: 820 g — light enough to throw in a backpack for mobile sessions
• Package Contents: FLpad, 1.5 m USB-C to USB-A cable, software bundle

Who the FLpad is for

The FLpad is the right choice for FL Studio producers who want a tactile, mouse-free workflow for beatmaking, step sequencing and Pattern management. Beatmakers coming from hardware drum machines will feel at home finger-drumming on the velocity-sensitive pads, while producers who prefer step input can sequence up to four tracks at once and refine every note in the Graph Editor.

Co-developed with Image-Line

The FLpad is the result of a direct collaboration between Novation and FL Studio maker Image-Line. That partnership is why the firmware, scripts and silkscreen are tuned specifically to FL Studio's Channel Rack workflow rather than acting as a generic MIDI grid.