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Online Launchpad

Tap the 64 glowing pads or use your computer keyboard to trigger drums, basses, chords, leads and vocal chops. Switch on loop mode to stack quantized loops in time with the beat, load your own samples onto any pad and record your performance as a WAV file.

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Files go to the selected pad (outlined) and the pads after it.

Tap a pad or press keys 1–8, Q–I, A–K, Z–, for the top four rows; hold Shift for the bottom four.

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How to use the Online Launchpad

  1. Pick a kit (Drums, Synth or Vocal) and set the tempo.
  2. Play pads by tapping or clicking them, or with your keyboard: rows 1–4 use 1–8, Q–I, A–K and Z–, (comma); hold Shift for rows 5–8.
  3. Build loops: switch Mode to Loop, choose Loop every (for example 1 beat for a four-on-the-floor kick), then tap pads to start or stop them on the grid.
  4. Use your sounds: click a pad to select it, then Load your samples; several files fill the following pads.
  5. Record: press Record, play, press Stop recording, then play back or Download WAV.

Pad layout of the built-in kits

Row (keys)DrumsSynthVocal
1 (1–8)Kicks, from tight to long 808Sub bass, C2–F3"Ah" notes, C4–F5
2 (Q–I)SnaresFiltered saw bass"Oh" notes
3 (A–K)ClapsPlucks, C4–F5"Ee" notes
4 (Z–,)Closed hats and shakersSquare lead"Oo" notes
5 (Shift+1–8)Open hats and crashesChord stabs (Cm, Eb, Fm, Gm, Bb, Ab, G)Choir chords
6 (Shift+Q–I)Toms, tuned to the scaleChord pads"Hey" chops
7 (Shift+A–K)Rim, cowbell, clave, woodblock, congas, triangle, tambourineFM bells, C5–F6Beatbox sounds
8 (Shift+Z–,)Riser, downlifter, zap, laser, impact, reverse cymbal, arp, tape stopSweeps, wobble, arps, sub dropVocal FX: glides, stutter, hum, whisper

Pitched pads use the C minor pentatonic scale (C, Eb, F, G, Bb), which has no "wrong" notes against itself, so you can play any combination of rows and columns and it stays in key. Closed hi-hats cut off a ringing open hat, just like on a real kit.

Timing reference

One beat lasts 60 ÷ BPM seconds. The loop and quantize lengths below are shown at three common tempos.

LengthAt 90 BPMAt 120 BPMAt 128 BPM
1/16 note167 ms125 ms117 ms
1/8 note333 ms250 ms234 ms
1 beat (1/4)667 ms500 ms469 ms
1 bar (4/4)2.67 s2.00 s1.88 s
2 bars5.33 s4.00 s3.75 s

Performance tips

  • Start a groove in Loop mode (kick every beat, hat every 1/8, clap every 2 beats starting on beat 2), then switch to One-shot and play melodies and fills on top — the loops keep running.
  • Use 1 bar quantize to drop chord pads exactly on the downbeat.
  • For your own samples, trim silence from the start of each file so it triggers instantly.
  • Press Record before you start the loops so the recording begins with the full build-up.

Frequently asked questions

What is a launchpad?

A launchpad is a grid controller where each pad triggers a sound or loop. Producers and performers use it to play drums, launch clips and build songs live by stacking loops. This online version gives you the same 8x8 grid with built-in sounds, without any hardware.

How does quantize work?

With quantize on, a hit is delayed to the next grid line (for example the next 1/16 note at the current tempo), so slightly early or late taps still land in time. Set it to Off for instant, free-timing playing. Loops always start on the grid.

How do I make a beat with loops?

Choose Loop mode, set Loop every to 1 beat and tap a kick pad to get four-on-the-floor. Set Loop every to 2 beats and start a clap pad on the off-beat, then 1/8 for a hi-hat. Each loop keeps running in time until you tap its pad again or press Stop all loops.

Can I use my own samples?

Yes. Select a pad, then click Load your samples and choose one or more audio files; they are placed on that pad and the following ones. Samples longer than 30 seconds are trimmed. They stay in your browser tab only and are never uploaded.

How do I record and save my performance?

Press Record, play the pads, then press Stop recording. Every hit, including loops, is re-rendered sample-accurately into a stereo WAV file you can play back or download.

Why is there a short delay when I first tap a pad?

Browsers only start audio after your first interaction, and the kit's sounds are synthesized at that moment. After the first tap the latency depends on your device; wired headphones or speakers have less delay than Bluetooth.

Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?

Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.

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