I'm stuck between the APC40 and the launchpad...

[ChrisMack99]

Ahh I've been reading reviews on both of these for a while...it seems like there are people who love both of them, which makes it really hard. Based on the videos on the Ableton products page, it seems to me like the APC is much more intuitive and easier to use...it looks like its easy to get lost in the launchpad's different modes, but maybe that's just because I haven't used one myself yet.

Opinions?

[4.33]

you can set up apc40 the way everything is in one box and on one page which is good for them gigs.
that said, apc40 still doesn't support momentary buttons natively, which is a drag for them gigs.

also it seems that launchpad has been integrated more with monome apps, adapted to m4l, which could be interesting

[Big Mister Music]

I think you are right in saying that there are loads of people dedicated to one or the other - and infact if you search the forums there are thousands of posts asking and answering the very question you are asking here - however here is my two cents:

I currently own two launchpads - one is a cheaper B stock unit that has one defective LED (orange is slightly less bright.... but I can't tell) the second launchpad was just £99 brand new. £249 for both in total. Now I do not own, nor have owned an APC 40 - but have used one a small amount.

Regardless I think which controller is right for you depends on how you want to use them. In a studio based production role the APC40 is great - it maps to the currently running session and the hardware control is fantastic. The mapping is fast and you then have knobs controlling parameters or macro controls. Having physical faders certainly helps in a production role too. I think in certain situation the APC is great for live use to... however I think the Launchpad just pips it in Live usability.

I personally like to map my controllers to my own template for live use - the APC is not as flexible in this role. With a launchpad I can not only map USER MODE 1 & 2 to various effects, clips, and parameters but I can still control my session using the second launchpad. USER MODE 1 also allows you to play & record into a track.

With two launchpads set up in this way - with careful set up and planning - I can control many more elements of a track quickly with two launchpads than I can with an APC40... for less money.

People will certainly have their own opinions & thoughts here but for me, its live use: Launchpad - Studio: APC40.

Disclaimer: I also use a BCR2000 live for control of volume across numerous tracks.

What kind of thing do you want to use it for dude? Do you have any questions relating to Launchpad setup that might help your decision... I can help with that (I think).

x

People will certainly disgaree

[ChrisMack99]

I"m really just starting out with Ableton, but what I eventually want to do is play gigs that are a blend of DJing and instrument performance. So maybe I'd have a drum track and some lead synth sounds playing and I'd pick up my bass and play it, but then in the next scene I'd have a crushing bass line and I'd play ambient sounds on my midi keyboard (also through Ableton, but not pre-recorded). Stuff that finds ways to involve both pre-recorded clips coming from Ableton and real time (likely improved) playing.

[Slightlydelic]

i have both, i use the apc to control live, and use the lauchpad to control some custom devices.

i dont like the idea of having to skip between pages to get at controls, but thats just me.

[Big Mister Music]

I would say that you are going benefit from either... but as a live performance / DJ cross over tool the launchpad clinches it. The ability to play, record and perform from the launchpad is fantastic - and It will take practise for sure... but what doesn't?

Not only that but setting up an intelligent and useable live set with user mapped controls and macro controls to deliver your live performance is fun in itself (or at least it is for me).

[Big Mister Music]

i have both, i use the apc to control live, and use the lauchpad to control some custom devices.

i dont like the idea of having to skip between pages to get at controls, but thats just me.

I agree... using two launchpads certainly helps in this department... adding another controller like a BCR2000 gives you even more physical control back.

[Leon Tricker]

I use a Launchpad.

In my Live set I route each of my channels through a second channel loaded with dummy clips that control volume fade in's/out's and send levels etc. Not a fan of the Launchpad's mixer mode, but the dummy clip thing avoids the need for a knob/fader controller.

I like that the Launchpad is very portable, has an 8x8 grid, has nice chunky pads, and is USB powered. I would like Novation to come out with a 16x8 Launchpad, but I might just buy another one.

YMMV of course. I mean, the Launchpad just perfectly fits my workflow and works for the type of music I make.

[mrsakitumi]

+1 Launchpad

[oddstep]

i have a launchpad. It is great. For clip launching. The mixer pages are a nightmare and require incredible sobriety to use live. The apc has faders and knobs for doing things you expect to do with faders and knobs. I have a nanokontrol for all that. Nuff sed.

[glitchrock-buddha]

In my mind, the less connections the better. The APC40 has most of what you need. I just a controller for drums and one for send effects. Hence I use Maschine and Kore as well. I still think the APC40 is a good balance of size and functionality.

[ChrisMack99]

I'm leaning towards the APC 40 and an M-Audio Axiom.

[Captain Johnson]

APC40 is perfect for moi. You cant beat those LED encoders. Just download this folder, follow the instructions and you are away:

http://remotescripts.blogspot.com/p/sup ... l#APC40_22

Drum racks, user modes, dual audio effect/instrument racks all made easy!!

[exper]

Having switched recently from APC40 to Launchpad, I feel that, if you do not have another way of mixing, ie faders, surface controller, etc, then go with the APC40. I have a Novation Remote Zero MKii, and if I didn't I would HATE the Launchpad. I only use it for launching clips and some Reaktor/Monome type stuff. I never even touch the mixer/send/pan pages. I only switched because I needed to maximize what space I had left, and I felt that the APC/Remote Zero were treading on each other. Ultimately, I decided that the touch sensitive controllers and the LED rings WITH actual parameter labels outweighed the APC's guess what you're controlling now workflow.

SO, Launchpad + something else...

or APC40 alone.

[ChrisMack99]

Well the APC is about 150 dollars more than the launchpad...would you say a launchpad + a 150 dollar mixer is better than just an APC40?