Recommend me a mate for my launchpad...

[Grizzle]

First off, this is my first post here on the forums.. Hi.

I am curious if you guys have any recommendations for a controller that would compliment my launchpad well. I recently purchased a launchpad and it is great, but controlling/adjusting effect parameters, pans, and volumes while launching and stopping clips isn't the most optimal experience.

I have looked at items like the Novation Zero SLMK2, and the Novation Nocturn.

What i have against the zero slmk2 is that for around the same price, I'd rather just get an APC40 because then I have a whole bunch of extra launch clips AND controls + all the faders and knobs that the MK2 has as well.

I would buy a nocturn, but it seems a bit too limited. What I mean is that with the SLmk2 / APC40, I can see everything and fully control effect parameters, volume, pans, etc. at the same time, but with the nocturn, I can't completely do that.

Right now, I am thinking the APC40 would make a good pair with my launchpad, but it's a little bit more than I could afford right now. I can wait.


SO if you didn't read what I just said, here are some questions:

Are there any problems/limitations when the launchpad is paired with the APC40?

What reasons, if any, would a Zero SLMK2 be better than an APC40 with the launchpad?

Are there any cheaper controllers that provide full control and integration (ex. automap) with Ableton Live?

[formatk]

alright chap, welcome to the forum.

I also recently got a launchpad, but I already had an MPD 24, so it makes a nice little combination, as the MPD provides nice reactive pads that respond to velocity plus it has the knobs and faders I need that map to Live's devices.

I was also tempted to look at the nocturn, but I don't like the HUD that comes up over your screen. My ideal supplement to the launchpad would be something between the nocturn and zero SL that literally had 8 knobs/8 encoders and an LCD readout where the knobs also have indicators. (that's a pain with my MPD, when you want to pick up a control and it's midi is still set to the last device it was on).

APC 40's may be good for you then, perhaps if it's a little beyond your price range, flog the launchpad and just use the APC until you can afford another controller? that's what I'd do I think, though I bought and use the launchpad because of it's size and portability over the MPD and APC series.

[ddavi78]

http://www.audiomidi.com/cust_search/Re ... P8111.aspx

[Goran@Irrupt]

http://www.audiomidi.com/cust_search/Re ... P8111.aspx

WHA?! 150$?

[Goran@Irrupt]

i do have this one and love it:



i think it will work well with LP, when i buy it.

but that Remote-ZeRO-SL is defo the best buy...

[Grizzle]

The time I'd be able to buy anything over $150 would be after July.

That ZeroSL deal is super tempting, but I'm now thinking about waiting until next winter and just building sets with my launchpad up until that point. The reason for this is because these controllers are not something I need RIGHT NOW, so I'm going to save up and wait until around next winter for new products to come out and see what my options will be then. (ex. New APC, new ZeroSL, etc)

Does this sound like a wise decision? Or do you think new controllers wont be out by then?

Ableton Live has a cycle of about 1.5-2 years until the new edition comes out; do you think Ableton 9 would be out next winter? (I know this may be a stupid question)

[Bagle]

hey grizzle, welcome

first rule never mention a new version of live, it only sturs the pot and before long there willl be over a million posts asking everything, best to wait haha

em if its something you dont need right away then cool, forget it look into your launchpad and become an expert at it, and by winter im sure there would be new products out, and if not, least you didnt spend you money now only to find out in 3 months time the newer version is out.

and if your after knobs the berhinger bcr2000 is cheap and cheerful, tho it is behringer
http://www.thomann.de/ie/behringer_bcr_2000.htm

anyway welcome and enjoy

[BoxDJ]

Agreeing with BCR2000

[philphil]

An UC33e could be another option:

[ddavi78]

I think that the zero mk I and the launchpad are a great combination to use together. The new MKII is great but I love having the extra screen and you can use it with all of your software/hardware. With or without automap - You can set up multiple pages for your gear and it is much easier to setup imho than the bcr200 and UC33e and I have had both. For the price I think it also is better than the MKII... which looks better (some may feel) but the functionality is practically the same for more than half the price. It also has two way communication so you see your track names, parameters etc.

I would buy it now while it is cheap... I am sure new products will be out next winter but I am not sure the price will be cheaper or that they will provide you any new vastly different functionality for your money. Unless you buy an iPad and go wireless which is what I may add to my collection!

http://www.audiomidi.com/cust_search/Re ... P8111.aspx

Regards,
ddavi78