Here is a list of 10 instruments and devices that NUS EML uses to perform electronic music "live" at NUS and beyond.
1. Novation LaunchKey Mk 3
Released in 2020, the Launchkey MK3 series established Novation’s versatile third-generation MIDI keyboard controllers, offering seamless integration with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, and FL Studio. Spanning models from 25, 37, 49, and 61 keys up to an 88-key hammer-action version (alongside Mini 25 and 37-key variants), the MK3 series features 16 velocity-sensitive RGB backlit pads for triggering clips, samples, and finger drumming. It introduced dedicated hardware performance controls including Scale Mode (transposing keys and pads to chosen scales), three Chord Modes (Fixed, Scale, and User), and an interactive arpeggiator with Mutate and Deviate controls for generating new melodic ideas. Outfitted with an intuitive 16x2 character screen, 8 rotary encoders, dedicated pitch and mod wheels, 5-pin DIN MIDI output for driving external hardware, and full fader/button mixer control on 49, 61, and 88-key models, it serves as a complete studio hub for both hardware and DAW-based setups. Source: Novation
2. Novation LaunchKey Mk 4
Launched in 2024, the fourth-generation Launchkey MK4 series completely overhauls Novation’s flagship MIDI controller line with a modern aesthetic, enhanced playability, and Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) compatibility. Spanning six models—from the ultra-portable Mini 25 and Mini 37 to 25, 37, 49, 61, and 88-key variants—the MK4 line introduces 16 patented FSR drum pads featuring polyphonic aftertouch and radial sensitivity for highly dynamic performances. Every model features a crisp 128x64 OLED display, endless rotary encoders, and advanced creative tools, including a built-in generative arpeggiator with an 8-step editor, 30 scale lock options, and expanded Chord modes (Chord Map, Fixed Chord, and User Chord). Deep, out-of-the-box DAW integration supports Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio, and Reason, while larger models (49, 61, and 88 keys) feature semi-weighted keybeds, 9 faders with dedicated mute/solo buttons, and keyboard split/layer zone controls.
Source: Novation
3. Ableton Push
Released in 2013 and engineered in partnership with Akai Professional, the original Ableton Push redefined hands-on music creation by bringing complete, hardware-centric control to Ableton Live. Built around an $8 \times 8$ velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pad grid, it introduced Ableton's innovative Scale mode—allowing musicians to play melodies and chords without playing wrong notes—alongside an integrated pitch-bend/expression touch strip. Above the grid, a high-contrast orange LCD display paired with 8 touch-sensitive endless encoders enabled intuitive parameter tweaking, device browsing, and real-time mixer control without needing a mouse or keyboard. Its versatile workflow seamlessly bridges real-time clip triggering, drum rack step sequencing, and parameter automation. Source: Ableton
4. Ableton Push 2 (on loan to EML for shows)
Released in 2015 as the direct, fully in-house designed successor to the original Push, Push 2 expanded hardware control over Ableton Live with an upgraded interface and deeper software integration. At its center is a high-resolution, full-color RGB display that adapts to context—showing detailed audio waveforms for real-time sample slicing, drum rack layouts, synth parameter controls, and mixer visual feedback. Its redesigned $8 \times 8$ grid features ultra-sensitive, low-profile velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads designed for subtle expressive control across play modes (Scale, Note, Drum Rack, and 64-Pad mode). Flanked by high-precision touch-sensitive endless encoders, seamless hands-on audio sampling workflows (Slice, Classic, and One-Shot), and backlit transport controls, Push 2 provides end-to-end song creation, arrangement, and mixing without requiring a computer screen.
5. Ableton Push 3 (on loan to EML for shows)
Released in 2023, Push 3 marks a major architectural evolution as Ableton's first hardware instrument capable of operating both as a computer controller and as a fully untethered Standalone instrument. Its headline feature is an updated grid of 64 expressively responsive MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) pads equipped with multi-directional XY sensors, allowing per-note pitch bends, slides, pressure shifts, and dynamic polyphonic articulations. It integrates a studio-grade 24-bit/96kHz audio interface with switchable line/instrument inputs, ADAT optical expansion (up to 10 inputs/outputs), and CV/Gate outputs for direct modular integration. Navigation is streamlined via a high-resolution display and a clickable multi-directional jog wheel for rapid browsing and MIDI editing. In its Standalone configuration, it runs on an internal Intel® Core™ i3 processor, 8GB RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a rechargeable lithium-iron phosphate battery, with modular hardware elements designed to be user-upgraded over time.
6. Roland T8
Released in 2022, the Roland T-8 is an ultra-portable pocket-sized drum machine and bass synthesizer that combines iconic Roland rhythm and acid sounds into a single performance workflow. Powered by Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) modeling, it features six rhythm tracks using drum sounds from the TR-808, TR-909, and TR-606, alongside a dedicated TB-303-inspired analog-style bass track complete with classic slide and accent controls. Its classic TR-REC 32-step sequencer supports real-time performance tweaks—including step-looping, probability, sub-steps, and fill modes—while onboard delay, reverb, overdrive, and sidechain compression process the master output. Equipped with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery (up to 4.5 hours), class-compliant USB-C audio/MIDI interfacing, and 3.5mm sync/MIDI I/O, it functions seamlessly as a standalone groovebox or as a hardware central hub. Source: Wikipedia
7. Novation Launchpad Mk 3 Mini
Novation Launchpad Mini [MK3]Released in 2019, the Launchpad Mini [MK3] is Novation’s most compact and portable 64-pad USB MIDI grid controller, engineered to fit into any bag for on-the-go production and live performance. Featuring an $8 \times 8$ grid of bright RGB backlit pads, it provides full visual reflection and seamless tactile control for launching clips and scenes in Ableton Live and Logic Pro. Dedicated control buttons allow instant access to essential performance functions, enabling the bottom row of pads to be configured for Stop, Solo, and Mute toggles without leaving the main Session grid view. Powered via USB-C, it includes three customizable slots using Novation Components to map custom MIDI CC and note messages across hardware or software setups.Source: Novation Official Documentation & Product Specifications
8. Novation Launchpad X
Released in 2019, the Launchpad X is Novation’s flagship full-size 64-pad USB MIDI grid controller designed for deep integration with Ableton Live and Logic Pro. Featuring an $8 \times 8$ grid of velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch, it provides dynamic control over clip triggering, drum rack performance, and melodic layouts. Its dynamic Note and Scale modes automatically adapt pad layouts to stay strictly in-key, while integrated transport controls and dedicated mixer modes allow single-press management of volume, panning, sends, mute, solo, and record arm. Powered via USB-C, it also supports deep MIDI customization using Novation Components across multiple Custom Mode slots.Source: Novation Official Documentation & Product Specifications
9. Korg Minilogue
Introduced in 2016, the Korg Minilogue is a four-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer designed to make modern analog sound design accessible and intuitive. Featuring a fully discrete signal path—including two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) per voice, a resonant 2- or 4-pole low-pass filter, two ENVs, and an LFO—it offers flexible voice modes (Poly, Duo, Unison, Mono, Chord, Delay, Arp, Sidechain) to configure its sound engine for different performance needs. A built-in 16-step polyphonic sequencer supports real-time motion sequencing of up to four synth parameters, while an integrated OLED display provides a real-time oscilloscope visual representation of the audio waveform.Source: Korg Official Documentation & Product Specifications
10. Roland JD-800 (classic
Released in 1991, the Roland JD-800 was engineered to return digital synthesis to the hands-on control of analog instruments. Breaking away from the menu-heavy digital synths of the late '80s, it featured a distinctive, control-packed interface with dozens of sliders, buttons, and dedicated parameters for instant sound design. Built on Roland’s sample-based (PCM) sound engine paired with digital multi-mode resonant filters (Time Variant Filters), it allowed up to four distinct "Tones" per patch to be independently sculpted, layered, or controlled simultaneously. Renowned for its lush pads, crystalline digital textures, and deep multi-effects routing, the 24-voice polyphonic JD-800 remains a seminal digital classic.Source: Roland Official Archives & Technical Specifications
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