Akai controllers vs Novation Controllers

[navitus]

Which one do u prefer. I'm interested in the Akai MPK/MPD/APC-40 , or the Novation Mk2 stuff and Launchpad.

My concerns are keyboard feel, ease of programming and most of all reliability of drivers and stability on Mac and PC.

I heard some bad stuff about the Akai's.

Please suggest.
Thanks

ps: APC40 or Launchpad+Remote Zero mk2 ???

[3dot...]

I'd go for no.2...
wait...I have!

[supamonsta]

I prefer Korg.

[Hermanus]

akai or novation, those two controlers have both something good to say.

now about price, LP is clearly the most affordable.
If you already have a knobs+faders controler, it's the choice to make imo

[supamonsta]

get a mac.

ok, i'm out

[3dot...]

get a mac.

don't do that...
I'm also out...(the other way)

[glitchrock-buddha]

I like akai knobs much more. But akai have nothing like the SL.

Novation SL + APC40 is what is best.

[commuter]

remote Zero SL+APC40 here
i can't do without both...

[Hermanus]

OT: I was planning to buy a macbook pro.

But seeing they're not decided to make the step for better cpu as they sticked to dualcore_ I'm gonna wait a bit.

I don't wanna buy a mac I would regret in several months_ I prefer waiting for better cpu

[supamonsta]

new imacs 27" are quad core i5, but expensive...

I was just trolling saying "get a mac", but I still think macs are great.

anyway I'm not giving any good advice for the OT akai vs novation, so I'm definitely out

sorry

[Tarekith]

I owned the SL37 for a couple years, at the time it came out I got it because it had the best keyboard feel in a midi controller (IMO). Downside is the knobs and faders are kind of cheap feeling, and I still really didn't enjoy doing anything that involved automap. When the Akai MPK series came out, I sold the SL37 and got a MPK25 (sadly they don't make a MPK37). The Akai is a MUCH better feeling controller all the way around, and never gave me any driver issues. Also has a fun arp and note repeat built in.

Both brands are good, but if you don't need the automap feature, go Akai.

[oblique strategies]

OT: I was planning to buy a macbook pro.

But seeing they're not decided to make the step for better cpu as they sticked to dualcore_ I'm gonna wait a bit.

I don't wanna buy a mac I would regret in several months_ I prefer waiting for better cpu

Good strategy. The macbook pros are due for a refresh -probably in early 2010.

Check this: macrumors buying guide:
http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

[mike_o]

I feel the novation's are expensive for the build quality, but you are paying for the automap software development as well as the keyboard itself.

I own a remote SL 37 and a 25, its only worth it if you really want automap, I run DP and Live together so one controller with the software interface/interaction for HUI, standard Midi, NRPN #'s, Sysex AND the automap plugin system itself were/are all very valuable to me in the sense that one controller that does it all is worth the money.

if you are just using live and dont want or need automap for your plugins then I would definitely say that akai pad's and M-audio axioms are far more reasonable for their cost to quality comparison.

THE LAUNCHPAD AND THE NOCTURN HAVE NO MIDI OR CONTROL CAPABILITIES OF ANYKIND WITHOUT AUTOMAP ON THE COMPUTER!!!(this is what made me so angry about the nocturn, and I will not buy a launchpad for the same reason)

the akai stuff and the m audio axioms and the remote SL's all hold hardware based templates that can function outside of automap.

[ticcthesoulrebel]

i had a novation remote sl49 and the display started showing wierd stuff it was under warranty so i sent it to get repaired 3months later no part, no keyboard and now i am forced to get a Akai mpk49. i have the launchpad so far so good no issues but watch out with the keyboards, beware .Tech wise the novation is better. akai needs to make a automap for the mpk49. but build wise akai is better built like a tank