Setting pad colors on the Novation LaunchKey Mini MK3

padcolors.py

# This file demonstrates how to use midi codes to control the color of the
# keypads on a Novation LaunchKey mini; There is no official documentation of
# it as far as I can tell
#
# the LaunchKey MK2 Programmer's guide is useful, though not accurate to
# details on the MK3 mini:
# https://customer.novationmusic.com/sites/customer/files/novation/downloads/10535/launchkey-mk2-programmers-reference-guide.pdf

import random
import time

# pip install mido (https://mido.readthedocs.io)
# has several backends, I tested it with python-rtmidi: `pip install python-rtmidi`
import mido


# when communicating with the novation, "note" is used to represent the pad
# you're changing (or "12" for control codes). Velocity is used for the color
# to set the pad, and channel is the type of color to use. 9 = solid color, 10
# = blink, 11 = pulse
def sendNote(port, channel, note, velocity):
    port.send(mido.Message("note_on", channel=channel, note=note, velocity=velocity))


# useful in interactive prompt
def reset(port):
    # exit extended mode
    sendNote(port, 15, 12, 0)
    # enter extended mode
    sendNote(port, 15, 12, 127)


# the key codes ("notes") for the bottom and top drum pad rows
toprow = [40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 49, 50, 51]
botrow = [36, 37, 38, 39, 44, 45, 46, 47]


def scanAllColors(port):
    # send the "assume control" message; the MK2 documentation calls this
    # "entering extended mode"
    sendNote(port, 15, 12, 127)

    # check out the MK2 programmer's manual linked above for a graphic
    # demonstrating what colors are available
    for color in range(127):
        reset(port)
        sendNote(port, 9, toprow[color % 8], color)
        sendNote(port, 9, botrow[7 - (color % 8)], 127 - color)
        time.sleep(0.05)


def flashingColors(port):
    # assume control
    sendNote(port, 15, 12, 127)

    # channel 10 flashes the pad
    for _ in range(127):
        pad = random.choice(toprow + botrow)
        sendNote(port, 10, pad, random.randint(0, 127))
        time.sleep(0.05)


def pulsingColors(port):
    # assume control
    sendNote(port, 15, 12, 127)

    # channel 11 pulses the pad
    for _ in range(127):
        pad = random.choice(toprow + botrow)
        sendNote(port, 11, pad, random.randint(0, 127))
        time.sleep(0.05)


if __name__ == "__main__":
    # there are two midi ports exposed by the LaunchKey; one for input and one
    # for output. This one is for input, and may have a different name on your
    # system
    port = mido.open_output("Launchkey Mini MK3 DAW Port")
    reset(port)
    scanAllColors(port)
    flashingColors(port)
    pulsingColors(port)
    reset(port)

So I noticed something interesting with my Launchkey Mini MK3 using MIDI Monitor. Once extended mode is activated, I can change colors, but I can no longer play any keys...

sendNote(port, 15, 12, 127)

It seems that command is getting spammed over and over to the DAW port, so it's struggling to send anything out of the MIDI port. I'm also unable to exit extended mode. Anyone run into this?

So I noticed something interesting with my Launchkey Mini MK3 using MIDI Monitor. Once extended mode is activated, I can change colors, but I can no longer play any keys...

sendNote(port, 15, 12, 127)

It seems that command is getting spammed over and over to the DAW port, so it's struggling to send anything out of the MIDI port. I'm also unable to exit extended mode. Anyone run into this?

If it helps anyone, there was a duplicate MIDI device on my Mac. What I did to resolve it was:

1. Unplug the device
2. Open Audio MIDI Setup
3. Click Window > Show MIDI Studio
4. Delete the duplicate devices
5. Plug device back in

Now I can enter extended mode as expected, without the message getting spammed over and over again!