Newb Here - I want to do live mixing / mashups

[arachn1d]

I didn't say DJing as it seems to be a "taboo" way to reference how to "DJ in Ableton" it's truly more "mixing" than DJing.. but whatever you get the point.

I'd also like to make some mixes on my computer that aren't live, mashups, overall sets, etc.

The main genres I want to focus on right now are: house & dubstep.

I'm looking to get started with mixing songs and imagining I'm playing a set in front of people... and then just recording it and releasing it to friends. I've been playing with Ableton for a while but never seriously... now is the time I want to get serious.

I've been using just a keyboard and mouse... my main question is should I buy an AKAI APC40? Would it benefit me as a noob or should I just stick with a keyboard/mouse?

Is there something else besides an AKAI APC40 that would compliment my journey more so? The only other cool thing I've found is: http://www.lividinstruments.com/hardware_ohm64.php

Let me know. I appreciate your replies in advance.

[Rabalder]

Well... What do you need?

Dont need it, dont buy it!

[arachn1d]

Well, what I "need" is potentially an easier interface to interact with ableton than my keyboard.

Correct or am I wrong?

[rosti]

Well.. You don't _need_ the APC, but it shure is fun thing to play with. Novation Launchpad + nocturn (or korg nanokontrol) would be little cheaper option, but APC40 has everything in one package.

You can also map computer keys to launch clips or just cheat and do everything in the arrangement view.

I wouldn't recommend the OHM64 to a beginner becouse it isn't as "working out of the box" as the APC's or the Launchpad. But it can be very powerful tool if you just put some time on it.

[skateboardkid]

the APC 40 will get you going and up to speed pretty quickly, it has more knobs and sliders than a nanoKontrol does in one scene and you get sliders and knobs, try sweeping a filter while crossfading on the launchpad you'll understand.

Or going from beat repeat to filter sweep to cossfade, is just not gonna happen on the launchpad, not very awesomely. LP + nanoKontroll seems to be pretty awesome, and can be played without a mouse, but the APC 40 really has tons and tons of options.

all -IMO- I havn't used a APC before but own the launchpad and nanoKontrol..

For 400 I personally would look at nocturn and launchpad