APC40 <or> Launchpad + mixer ?

[mgpg]

I'm looking to buy my first gear for Ableton Live, but I'm not quite sure which devices yet.

(1) Akai APC40
or
(2) Novation Launchpad + mixer

I need:

• Pads to launch clips & scenes (as much as possible)
  Faders to control track volumes (8 will do)
  As much knobs as possible
  Full integration with Ableton Live

Based on these criteria + your experiences or stuff you've heard about the gear, which option would you recommend?
If you choose (2), which mixer would you recommend?

Thanks in advance

EDIT for instance, a Novation Launchpad + ZeRO SL MkII costs exactly the same as an APC40. Which option would you recommend + why?

[condra]

Vote Launchpad

[FreddyG]

My vote goes to the launchpad too

[mgpg]

I was leaning toward the Launchpad option as well ...

PROS
- bus powered
- larger (8x8) grid
- more portable
- relatively low price

CONS
- less sturdy?
- c'mon, there's gotta be more :p

[LeifonMars]

I was leaning toward the Launchpad option as well ...

PROS
- bus powered
- larger (8x8) grid
- more portable
- relatively low price

CONS
- less sturdy?
- c'mon, there's gotta be more :p

Cons: can't do multiple tasks at the same time: controlling devices + adjusting faders + sends or pans etc.

[AceLuby]

I've got the APC 40 and use it exactly as you want to. I'd suggest it for you simply because

a) only have to use 1 usb port instead of 2
b) no Novation automap running in the background. I hate that program.
c) only one item to lug around and it fits easier on my desk than the LP + zero

Obviously just my opinion.

[mgpg]

I was leaning toward the Launchpad option as well ...

PROS
- bus powered
- larger (8x8) grid
- more portable
- relatively low price

CONS
- less sturdy?
- c'mon, there's gotta be more :p

Cons: can't do multiple tasks at the same time: controlling devices + adjusting faders + sends or pans etc.

That's what the external mixer would be for ...

[mgpg]

I've got the APC 40 and use it exactly as you want to. I'd suggest it for you simply because

a) only have to use 1 usb port instead of 2
b) no Novation automap running in the background. I hate that program.
c) only one item to lug around and it fits easier on my desk than the LP + zero

Obviously just my opinion.

I thought Novation Automap only had to run when using software that isn't natively supported? (meaning: you won't need to run it when using the Launchpad with Ableton)

Correct me if I'm wrong though ...

[omutumo]

APC20 not on the cards?

I love mine, except for the fact all the scripts people make are for the APC40. Also the APC20 doesn't work with Live 7, which is an absolute disgrace imo.

[epiphanius]

you won't need to run it when using the Launchpad with Ableton

Your're quite right:

http://www.novationmusic.com/answerbase ... php?id=539

Another plus with LP is that it is supported by Numerology (http://www.five12.com/n2.html), of interest only if you have a Mac. There is also a nice sequencer from Novation that works with Max for Live, and some Monome projects that work outside of Live.

The LP is very sturdy, by the way. I can't imagine anything you could do to the APC that the LP couldn't survive as well. I have nothing against the APC, but I'm really happy with the LP.

e.

[JuanSOLO]

iPad+Touchable?

[mgpg]

iPad+Touchable?

I tried out Touchable + Griid Pro for iPad ... didn't like them.
& I really need something tactile: not just a smooth flat surface

[drchoc]

The device control (i.e rack macros) on the apc-40 is excellent and very important to live imo.

I have grown to love the fact that the apc-40 is a solid & heavy mofo, but if I could buy an ipad I would.

[JuanSOLO]

iPad+Touchable?

I tried out Touchable + Griid Pro for iPad ... didn't like them.
& I really need something tactile: not just a smooth flat surface

Yeah I have tried them too, hence the question mark. I have an APC40, I pretty much use it to the max, great with Hanz Pertov's script.

[exper]

Launchpad+Novation Remote Zero SL MKii.

Device controls, mixing and transport. If only someone could figure out a script to make the Remote Zero follow the red box of the Launchpad, I'd be a really happy camper. I wish Automap could link other Novation controllers together to act as one.