Novation FL Pad

The Novation FLkey FLpad is a pad controller developed in collaboration with Image-Line to control FL Studio directly from a hardware interface. It is designed for beatmakers and producers who work primarily in FL Studio and want to program sequences, play rhythms, and manipulate their projects while minimizing mouse use. It does not produce sound on its own; its purpose is to control FL Studio and the instruments or effects used within the software.

Key Features

• Dedicated integration with FL Studio to control the Channel Rack, Patterns, and various software functions directly from the controller.
• A grid of velocity-sensitive pads for programming steps, playing drum patterns, and performing melodies.
• Simultaneous sequencing of four Channel Rack instruments to build multiple elements of a track directly from the pad grid.
• Access to the Graph Editor to modify parameters such as velocity, pitch, and note repetition without having to constantly switch back to the mouse.
• Dedicated modes for FPC, Slicex, and Fruity Slicer to directly use these FL Studio tools from the pads.
• Six months of access to FL Studio Producer Edition included, providing the software needed for production.

What can you actually do without using the mouse?

The FLpad provides access to transport controls and several common operations such as play, stop, undo, redo, and quantization. It also allows you to navigate the sequencer and Channel Rack or access the Score Log directly from the controller.

However, it doesn’t replace the entire FL Studio interface. The computer screen is still necessary for detailed editing tasks, full use of plug-ins, and general project management.

How does sequencing work?

The Sequencer view transforms the grid into a sequencer for programming up to four instruments from the Channel Rack at once. This makes it possible, for example, to build a drum track, a bassline, chords, and a melody while keeping these different parts visible on the grid thanks to color-coding.

The Graph Editor then provides access to parameters such as velocity, pitch, and note repetition. It is used to edit a sequence in greater detail without having to immediately switch away from the controller.

Are the pads only used for programming steps?

The pads are velocity-sensitive and can be played directly. They are therefore suitable for finger drumming, recording a bass line, or a melody with nuances determined by the force of the strike.

The grid can also adopt a keyboard layout and be configured according to a scale. Dedicated modes make it easy to control FPC, Slicex, and Fruity Slicer when these tools are used in the project.

Can you control the mix?

Channel Rack Mixer mode transforms the pads into fader-style controls for adjusting channel levels. This layout provides hardware access to the relevant settings without requiring a separate mixing controller for routine operations.

However, for detailed mixing with many parameters accessible simultaneously, the FLpad is no substitute for a control surface equipped with real faders and dedicated knobs.

Does the FLpad work without FL Studio?

Its primary integration was developed specifically for FL Studio. Features such as control of the Channel Rack, Graph Editor, and sequencer are designed to be used within this software environment.

The FLpad is neither a standalone drum machine, nor a standalone sampler, nor an audio interface. You’ll therefore need a computer and FL Studio to take full advantage of its core functionality, as well as a monitoring setup suited to your configuration.

Can the controls be customized?

Novation Components allows you to customize the behavior of certain FLpad controls. This feature is useful when a configuration different from the original FL Studio integration is required for a specific project or workflow.

What software is included?

The FLpad includes six months of access to FL Studio Producer Edition. This edition provides access to audio recording and editing, mixing, FL Studio instruments and effects, as well as an unlimited number of tracks and patterns.

This is a six-month subscription and not a permanent FL Studio license. Therefore, you’ll need to purchase a separate license to continue using the Producer Edition after this period.

The bundle also includes additional software, notably Melodics, as well as instruments and effects from GForce, Klevgrand, and UVI. These programs complement the available production tools, but do not change the fact that the FLpad itself remains a controller and does not generate any sound when used on its own.