I have been given the opportunity to use a friends laptop which has Ableton Live 7 on it. He has told me that if I wish to pay for the upgrade he will upgrade it to 8, however suggests that I use the money on hardware instead. Being a novice I have opted for devices listed at ableton.com as compatible. I am looking at one of the two setups: 1. a Novation Launchpad http://www.ableton.com/launchpad with an Akai MPK25 http://www.akaipro.com/mpk25 or 2. a Novation Launchpad, an M-Audio Oxygen 25, http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Oxygen25.html and a Behringer BCR2000. http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/BCR2000.aspx The donor computer is a Dell Studio 1555 Vista Ultimate 64-Bit with Intel Centrino 2 T9550 @2.66GHz chips & 8GB RAM.
I have seen setups on youtube that consist of 2 devices so I am wondering if it will be possible to host 2-3 devices easily? I am aware there are some PCI & PCI-e devices however am unable to find exactly what I need, mainly because I'm not sure what is best for my intended use.
I believe that midi devices can be set up in series though I am unsure of the connection requirements of the items I am interested in as most are listed as usb. I have 3 usb inputs on the computer, one of which says eSATA; Firewire 1394, Network , and Mini PCI-e connections are available as well. If it matters there are also a VGA and HDMI connection. I am stating these additional ports in hopes there is another piece of hardware I could possibly plug into the mini PCI-e or eSATA usb port then connect all the controller devices to.
As you can tell though, I am ignorant here and seeking advice from knowledgeable hardware users. If you have other hardware suggestions that you believe would accomplish my interface expectations, while avoiding shortcomings I may not be aware of, please inform me and share your thoughts.
I would like to use one of the two setups listed above or one similar to them, but prefer not to order the items, wait a week or two to receive them, then not have a clue how to connect them correctly or not realize I'm still missing some additional hardware. I figure there will be issues in midi mapping attempting to use multiple devices that are all designed to work with Ableton, however I prefer these issues as opposed to having three devices and only one working at a time.
Thank you for any input or insight you are able to share. If you have any further questions about the computer hardware/configuration in question, please let me know so that I may answer them. I'm not sure if the computer setup is good, bad, or irrelevant to successful operation.
Ableton Beginner Needs Controller Advice
Re: Ableton Beginner Needs Controller Advice
All the controllers you've mentioned are essentially plug and play via USB. If you want three controllers, you'll need three usb ports available. You can even use a powered usb hub if the number of ports available are lacking (performance may vary depending on your controllers). No need to worry about PCI-e, Firewire, or eSata when considering these controllers. Yes, Live can handle these.
In terms of which controller to get, it really depends what you want to do. The BCR2000 is for DJing. The Launchpad/Keyboard combinations are more for production / live performances. Decide what your primary goals are and then make a decision. I'd generally shy away from M-audio for build quality concerns (unless its the evolution line), but thats really a personal decision.
I agree with your friend about choosing controllers over the Live 8 upgrade. Live 7 is a very capable program, and it will do you good to learn that. Live 8 isn't a huge upgrade, and with Live 9 expected in ~6 months, might as well wait it out.
In terms of which controller to get, it really depends what you want to do. The BCR2000 is for DJing. The Launchpad/Keyboard combinations are more for production / live performances. Decide what your primary goals are and then make a decision. I'd generally shy away from M-audio for build quality concerns (unless its the evolution line), but thats really a personal decision.
I agree with your friend about choosing controllers over the Live 8 upgrade. Live 7 is a very capable program, and it will do you good to learn that. Live 8 isn't a huge upgrade, and with Live 9 expected in ~6 months, might as well wait it out.
Re: Ableton Beginner Needs Controller Advice
Matthews, thank you for your reply.
My reasoning for the Behringer was to easily assign physical knobs. Manipulating effects/pitches I assumed would be much easier from hardware than fumbling with the interface to find the effect you wanted to manipulate. I was initially shying away from the M-Audio, my reasoning for choosing it as an option was both price and mainly the velocity sensitive keyboard. This will all be home production equipment so durability and ruggedness is not all that of a concern as it would not be for playing gigs but left set up on a desk. I preferred the MPK over the M-Audio for the array of better qualities and features it hosted though. I was hoping the 3 together would give me a solid foundation with which to begin composing core elements with the MPK or Oxygen, then arranging/controlling those elements with the Launchpad, then have the Behringer for tweaks to sounds and effects as the composition is created with the controller. I may be over thinking it but my goal was to have as little interface with the software via the keyboard or mouse but instead cover all functionality with the pieces of hardware mentioned. Thank you for the plug and play advice. I wanted to believe it was as simple as a USB host but didn't want to guess.
My reasoning for the Behringer was to easily assign physical knobs. Manipulating effects/pitches I assumed would be much easier from hardware than fumbling with the interface to find the effect you wanted to manipulate. I was initially shying away from the M-Audio, my reasoning for choosing it as an option was both price and mainly the velocity sensitive keyboard. This will all be home production equipment so durability and ruggedness is not all that of a concern as it would not be for playing gigs but left set up on a desk. I preferred the MPK over the M-Audio for the array of better qualities and features it hosted though. I was hoping the 3 together would give me a solid foundation with which to begin composing core elements with the MPK or Oxygen, then arranging/controlling those elements with the Launchpad, then have the Behringer for tweaks to sounds and effects as the composition is created with the controller. I may be over thinking it but my goal was to have as little interface with the software via the keyboard or mouse but instead cover all functionality with the pieces of hardware mentioned. Thank you for the plug and play advice. I wanted to believe it was as simple as a USB host but didn't want to guess.
Re: Ableton Beginner Needs Controller Advice
No problem, best of luck. If you haven't already considered the Novation SL25MK2 as a keyboard/controller, I would take a look at it. It's a little more pricey, but works extremely well with Live. Cheers.
EDIT: I see your considering the BCR2000, great knob controller. I was thinking of the BCD2000 when I mentioned its for DJing.
EDIT: I see your considering the BCR2000, great knob controller. I was thinking of the BCD2000 when I mentioned its for DJing.
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pepezabala
- Posts: 3503
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Re: Ableton Beginner Needs Controller Advice
if you want to write music and know a bit how to use a keyboard, get something with more keys than only 25. I use a very old midikeyboard with 5 octaves (cheap second hand buy) and a nanokontrol at home, that's great for playing keys with both hands and still have faders and buttons available to control all kinds of parameters. It's also nice to split up the keyboard and play two or more different sounds on different octaves. You can set that up easily with live's devices (racks, pitch or scale device).
if you do programming/sequencing/cut&paste to write music, then you don't really need a keyboard.
if you do programming/sequencing/cut&paste to write music, then you don't really need a keyboard.
Re: Ableton Beginner Needs Controller Advice
I just wanted to add that I believe I understand the Ableton interface more than anyone else I'm involved in this project with.
As far as the style of music being made, there is no telling. Whenever everyone is together, we're mixing a live drum and bass drummer with a hip hop lyricist and a thrash metal guitarist who both like dubstep. All 3 talented in their own right. I'm being brought into this as the "computer guy" to corral and somehow record/blend this all together.
The reason for the multiple controllers is for hope of growth of knowledge and that there are 2 others that will likely use the setup often, possibly a third more experienced than all. Each of the controllers selected may play to a particular artists strengths as there is also a digital drum kit that can be used as a controller though its age shows in its latency, a full live drum set and the other individual is a guitarist, being able to record and include their live sessions all in one DAW is important to me for convenience.
So far the only MIDI input really occurring is recording the digital drums in song mode and playing them into Ableton to record the pattern. As a live play device the drummers Roland digital drums do not work, but my intent is that it can be used for beat creation to be triggered later by the Launchpad in Ableton's song mode.
Given the investment the others already have into this I assumed the breadth of use from the 2-3 selected controllers could be quite vast compared to their minimal investment.
The Behringer is the only superfluous choice as I only thought it convenient to map out 32 knobs in Ableton and put them on the table for anyone to twist. The kind of options/freedom you gain for $150ish seems well worth it in regards to production convenience.
As far as the style of music being made, there is no telling. Whenever everyone is together, we're mixing a live drum and bass drummer with a hip hop lyricist and a thrash metal guitarist who both like dubstep. All 3 talented in their own right. I'm being brought into this as the "computer guy" to corral and somehow record/blend this all together.
The reason for the multiple controllers is for hope of growth of knowledge and that there are 2 others that will likely use the setup often, possibly a third more experienced than all. Each of the controllers selected may play to a particular artists strengths as there is also a digital drum kit that can be used as a controller though its age shows in its latency, a full live drum set and the other individual is a guitarist, being able to record and include their live sessions all in one DAW is important to me for convenience.
So far the only MIDI input really occurring is recording the digital drums in song mode and playing them into Ableton to record the pattern. As a live play device the drummers Roland digital drums do not work, but my intent is that it can be used for beat creation to be triggered later by the Launchpad in Ableton's song mode.
Given the investment the others already have into this I assumed the breadth of use from the 2-3 selected controllers could be quite vast compared to their minimal investment.
The Behringer is the only superfluous choice as I only thought it convenient to map out 32 knobs in Ableton and put them on the table for anyone to twist. The kind of options/freedom you gain for $150ish seems well worth it in regards to production convenience.
Re: Ableton Beginner Needs Controller Advice
Deleted post.
Last edited by Mixikyr on Sun Jul 01, 2012 7:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Ableton Beginner Needs Controller Advice
The more I have asked around and spoken to others who use Ableton I am beginning to see the light with the Novation 25 SL MKII over the Akai MPK25. Overall the Novation is looking like a better option but the Akai has the 12 MPC Pads with 4 banks going for it as well as the lower price. I still like the videos I'm seeing of the Launchpad though I understand the APC40 is that plus the knobs and faders I wanted.
It's still a tough call to choose the APC40 by itself over the Launchpad and Behringer BCR2000. I feel like technically I'd have more diversity with the Launchpad and BCR2000 over the APC40 by itself but that's only because I end up with 2 devices instead of one at a lower cost. I notice I'd be losing some of the DJ functions inherent in the APC40 but right now I have had no plans to pursue those options.
It seems I'm at a financial conundrum... For build quality and production I'm being led toward the APC40 & Novation 25 SL MKII, but for budget and fun I'm looking now at the nanoKontrol instead of the Behringer, with the Launchpad & an Akai MPK25.
Any other opinions, comments, or experiences to share are more than welcome. Thanks
It's still a tough call to choose the APC40 by itself over the Launchpad and Behringer BCR2000. I feel like technically I'd have more diversity with the Launchpad and BCR2000 over the APC40 by itself but that's only because I end up with 2 devices instead of one at a lower cost. I notice I'd be losing some of the DJ functions inherent in the APC40 but right now I have had no plans to pursue those options.
It seems I'm at a financial conundrum... For build quality and production I'm being led toward the APC40 & Novation 25 SL MKII, but for budget and fun I'm looking now at the nanoKontrol instead of the Behringer, with the Launchpad & an Akai MPK25.
Any other opinions, comments, or experiences to share are more than welcome. Thanks
Re: Ableton Beginner Needs Controller Advice
Every controller combination has its positives and negatives. Nothing is going to be perfect right outta the box and is going to be dependant on how you choose to use it and map it with what your doing in ableton. Their are so many great controllers out their, you just need to figure out whats going to work best for you. Also, you can always add a controller later, you don't have to buy everything in one shot.
Honestly, I would start out with one controller and learn that inside out. Then build from their. With just a SLMK2 you can do pretty much everything. With a launchpad and LPC-LIVE you can do just about everything. Have you considered the new novation impulse? Or the Evolution uc-33e? Or you could break the bank and get an OHM RGB64. So many choices. Don't stress over it. Just pick something and make music. When you know that one controller inside out, you'll have a better idea of what will benefit you the most as a next controller.
Honestly, I would start out with one controller and learn that inside out. Then build from their. With just a SLMK2 you can do pretty much everything. With a launchpad and LPC-LIVE you can do just about everything. Have you considered the new novation impulse? Or the Evolution uc-33e? Or you could break the bank and get an OHM RGB64. So many choices. Don't stress over it. Just pick something and make music. When you know that one controller inside out, you'll have a better idea of what will benefit you the most as a next controller.
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Warrior Bob
- Posts: 841
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Re: Ableton Beginner Needs Controller Advice
I'm of the opinion that you can't really go wrong with any of those controllers, it's just a matter of how well they suit your particular workflow and preferences. None of them are crap.
I personally use an Axiom 49, BCR2000, NanoKontrol, and Launchpad depending on what I'm doing. I prefer the "lots of little things" approach instead of one integrated thing, such as an APC40, and sometimes they cover for each other - for example, I like the BCR2000 knobs way more than the Axiom knobs, who have a clickiness I don't like at all.
The drawbacks to this approach are that you need more USB ports (they're all USB), and you can run into mapping conflicts - Live merges all its MIDI inputs for the purposes of quick mapping, and while this makes the mapping part easy, it's not uncommon to have conflicts.
If a knob on your BCR is sending, for example, CC55 on channel 6, and you assign it to Track 1 Volume, then of course it'll change the track volume when you turn that knob. But if any other controller has a knob assigned to CC55 on channel 6, then that knob will ALSO control Track 1 Volume. Live does not make a distinction between controllers when they send messages. I run into this occasionally with the Launchpad since I can never remember which channels it sends messages on, and all that fancy light and pad control is done through standard MIDI notes and CCs. So, heads up - just be willing to do your homework.
Controllers are great fun :)
I personally use an Axiom 49, BCR2000, NanoKontrol, and Launchpad depending on what I'm doing. I prefer the "lots of little things" approach instead of one integrated thing, such as an APC40, and sometimes they cover for each other - for example, I like the BCR2000 knobs way more than the Axiom knobs, who have a clickiness I don't like at all.
The drawbacks to this approach are that you need more USB ports (they're all USB), and you can run into mapping conflicts - Live merges all its MIDI inputs for the purposes of quick mapping, and while this makes the mapping part easy, it's not uncommon to have conflicts.
If a knob on your BCR is sending, for example, CC55 on channel 6, and you assign it to Track 1 Volume, then of course it'll change the track volume when you turn that knob. But if any other controller has a knob assigned to CC55 on channel 6, then that knob will ALSO control Track 1 Volume. Live does not make a distinction between controllers when they send messages. I run into this occasionally with the Launchpad since I can never remember which channels it sends messages on, and all that fancy light and pad control is done through standard MIDI notes and CCs. So, heads up - just be willing to do your homework.
Controllers are great fun :)
Re: Ableton Beginner Needs Controller Advice
I was shown the Novation Impulse today by a friend on a drum and bass forum. Also, just in watching youtube videos I had seen the nanoKontrol. Now I've just learned there is a nanoSet that consists of nanoKeys, nanoPads, and the nanoKontrol all for about $150. I have a friend who uses an LPK25 with Ableton that is ordering the nanoPad and nanoKontrol tonight now that I've shown him. I kind of want to get those 3 pieces and call it a day or maybe the Launchpad in place of the nanoPad so I have knobs, keys, and pads to work from at an affordable entry price. It's kind of like me and my photography buddies, we all shoot Canon and share lenses, I'd like to see a situation like that form around this project where different people acquire different gear instead of us having duplicated stuff. It felt easier to shop when I was limiting myself to the compatible gear listed on ableton.com
More confused than before...
More confused than before...
Re: Ableton Beginner Needs Controller Advice
All the controllers you've mentioned and all that have been recommended are fit for purpose.
It all just depends on what you feel suits your workflow or what you need for gigging with.
Make a decision on what you feel is best for you.
If you are buying from a high street store and you buy something that, when you use for a few days, you realise isn't fit for the way you work the shop will probably take a return as long as you are swapping it for something else from them - paying extra or getting the difference in vouchers. check with them if this is the case when buying, just explain your situation.
Worst case if you realise the gear isnt for you then you can punt it on eBay.
Personally i've been through MANY different combinations of gear in search of the perfect setup for me.
I've bought and sold stuff and never really lost that much money in doing so.
I've been trying to put together the smallest lightest setup for gigging but also gives me the most hands-on controls for the way I work. So some of the larger stuff, although great, was punted on.
Stuff i've owned/own are:
Behringer BCR2000
A great controller with LOTS of assignable knobs. Downside its sizey and heavy and also needs external power source.
Novation Launchpad
I had two of these so that I could have an 8x16 grid. They are great controllers with visual scene/clip triggers. There are lots of scripts/hacks that you might want to check out too. They are small and light(ish) and you can have up to 4 i believe.
I sold these and bought an iPad to use TouchAble/Griid apps, they offer the same clip/scene launch but the buttons can be labelled with what the clips are.Something I like a lot - so I dont have to look at computer.
Akai APC40
I had one of these for a week. It's fairly hefty sizewise and weightwise but will fit in a big laptop bag. You have a scene/clip launch, 8 sliders and lots of knobs. I just didn't get on with this device. I didnt like the way the knob controls worked - only so many available at once. I wanted more.
Novation Zero SL MKII
I took my APC40 back to the shop and traded it for this. I would use it with my two launchpads. So the launchpads were for controlling scenes/clips and the Zero was for all knobs/sliders/extra buttons.
The one thing i LOVE about novation products is the Automap Software. It allows you to create user layouts where you can label everything so you have a window on computer screen reminding you what all the knobs too - plus on the screens on the controller too.
This means you don't need to put sticky labels on your controller and swap each time you change song if the assignments are different.
Novation Nocturn
Again, another controller with the Automap Software that I love. 9 knobs and 8 buttons and a XFader available at any one time but endless 'pages' available. It's very small and light. A great little controller. I just wish Novation would make a 24/32 knob version to take on the BCR2000 and Livid Instruments Code. It'd win head over heels!
Korg NanoKey
These little 25 key keyboards that most manufacturers now do are great for portability but as someone mentioned earlier in the thread can be frustrating if you are a keyboard player and need more octaves at your disposal at once.
Akai MPD32
I've currently got one of these. 16 great pads (with cork upgrade). I use it for knocking out drums in Live and also having knobs and sliders at my disposal when banging the beats. To be honest its pretty big and hefty and isn't part of what i'd consider my gigging setup, just for studio.
iPad
A lot of people slate the ipad as a controller but personally, the haters are people who haven't owned one!
There are so many amazing apps out there - some that can be used as standalone instruments and some that are dedicated controllers for Ableton (TouchAble/Griid) and others that allow you to create your own bespoke control surfaces (MidiTouch/TouchOSC).
My favourites are the latter two. They allow me to create a bespoke controller for each song I create! This means you only have as many knobs or sliders as you need. So for one song you might only have a handful of controls, other songs you may have various pages of sliders/knobs/pads/xy touch.
If you like hands-on controls like knobs/sliders on hardware then the iPad might not be for you. But if you don't mind touching a screen to control things then i'd thoroughly recommend getting an iPad! It's THE most dynamic controller available as there are so many apps to choose from and personalise too.
If it's drumpads and knobs you want, you might even consider Native Instruments Maschine or Maschine Mikro.
But that's a whole other arguement
It all just depends on what you feel suits your workflow or what you need for gigging with.
Make a decision on what you feel is best for you.
If you are buying from a high street store and you buy something that, when you use for a few days, you realise isn't fit for the way you work the shop will probably take a return as long as you are swapping it for something else from them - paying extra or getting the difference in vouchers. check with them if this is the case when buying, just explain your situation.
Worst case if you realise the gear isnt for you then you can punt it on eBay.
Personally i've been through MANY different combinations of gear in search of the perfect setup for me.
I've bought and sold stuff and never really lost that much money in doing so.
I've been trying to put together the smallest lightest setup for gigging but also gives me the most hands-on controls for the way I work. So some of the larger stuff, although great, was punted on.
Stuff i've owned/own are:
Behringer BCR2000
A great controller with LOTS of assignable knobs. Downside its sizey and heavy and also needs external power source.
Novation Launchpad
I had two of these so that I could have an 8x16 grid. They are great controllers with visual scene/clip triggers. There are lots of scripts/hacks that you might want to check out too. They are small and light(ish) and you can have up to 4 i believe.
I sold these and bought an iPad to use TouchAble/Griid apps, they offer the same clip/scene launch but the buttons can be labelled with what the clips are.Something I like a lot - so I dont have to look at computer.
Akai APC40
I had one of these for a week. It's fairly hefty sizewise and weightwise but will fit in a big laptop bag. You have a scene/clip launch, 8 sliders and lots of knobs. I just didn't get on with this device. I didnt like the way the knob controls worked - only so many available at once. I wanted more.
Novation Zero SL MKII
I took my APC40 back to the shop and traded it for this. I would use it with my two launchpads. So the launchpads were for controlling scenes/clips and the Zero was for all knobs/sliders/extra buttons.
The one thing i LOVE about novation products is the Automap Software. It allows you to create user layouts where you can label everything so you have a window on computer screen reminding you what all the knobs too - plus on the screens on the controller too.
This means you don't need to put sticky labels on your controller and swap each time you change song if the assignments are different.
Novation Nocturn
Again, another controller with the Automap Software that I love. 9 knobs and 8 buttons and a XFader available at any one time but endless 'pages' available. It's very small and light. A great little controller. I just wish Novation would make a 24/32 knob version to take on the BCR2000 and Livid Instruments Code. It'd win head over heels!
Korg NanoKey
These little 25 key keyboards that most manufacturers now do are great for portability but as someone mentioned earlier in the thread can be frustrating if you are a keyboard player and need more octaves at your disposal at once.
Akai MPD32
I've currently got one of these. 16 great pads (with cork upgrade). I use it for knocking out drums in Live and also having knobs and sliders at my disposal when banging the beats. To be honest its pretty big and hefty and isn't part of what i'd consider my gigging setup, just for studio.
iPad
A lot of people slate the ipad as a controller but personally, the haters are people who haven't owned one!
There are so many amazing apps out there - some that can be used as standalone instruments and some that are dedicated controllers for Ableton (TouchAble/Griid) and others that allow you to create your own bespoke control surfaces (MidiTouch/TouchOSC).
My favourites are the latter two. They allow me to create a bespoke controller for each song I create! This means you only have as many knobs or sliders as you need. So for one song you might only have a handful of controls, other songs you may have various pages of sliders/knobs/pads/xy touch.
If you like hands-on controls like knobs/sliders on hardware then the iPad might not be for you. But if you don't mind touching a screen to control things then i'd thoroughly recommend getting an iPad! It's THE most dynamic controller available as there are so many apps to choose from and personalise too.
If it's drumpads and knobs you want, you might even consider Native Instruments Maschine or Maschine Mikro.
But that's a whole other arguement
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Re: Ableton Beginner Needs Controller Advice
If you are getting a Launchpad then I wouldn't bother with the NanoKontrol.JGum wrote:I was shown the Novation Impulse today by a friend on a drum and bass forum. Also, just in watching youtube videos I had seen the nanoKontrol. Now I've just learned there is a nanoSet that consists of nanoKeys, nanoPads, and the nanoKontrol all for about $150. I have a friend who uses an LPK25 with Ableton that is ordering the nanoPad and nanoKontrol tonight now that I've shown him. I kind of want to get those 3 pieces and call it a day or maybe the Launchpad in place of the nanoPad so I have knobs, keys, and pads to work from at an affordable entry price. It's kind of like me and my photography buddies, we all shoot Canon and share lenses, I'd like to see a situation like that form around this project where different people acquire different gear instead of us having duplicated stuff. It felt easier to shop when I was limiting myself to the compatible gear listed on ableton.com
More confused than before...
A launchpad allows you to control 16 track volumes/pan/sends at the trail of a finger - I assume you will use Kontrol to control 8 volumes. so the only extra thing it offers is 8 knobs over 3 or 4 (i forget) banks.
I'd recommend you get a Novation Nocturn instead. See my post above for reasons why.
It's an awesome small knob controller. Plus you might get a deal from a shop seeing as you'd be buying two Novation products at once.
e.g http://www.dv247.com/search/0/0/Product ... unchpad/1/
They also do deals on LPK / MPK with launchpad
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Re: Ableton Beginner Needs Controller Advice
I'm looking at at least ordering the MPK25 or MPK49 tomorrow so now I have a question regarding mapping... Is it possible to map each key on the piano to trigger a sample/sound/kit change/or song control action? If I choose the MPK49 can each of the keys be assigned a separate trigger? Will this be as easy as building my own kit? I notice on other friends' setups not each key is used when choosing a Live instrument from the left when being controlled by an Akai LPK25. It took me a while to help him get it up & running as he was suffering with registry issues from a Logitech camera. There wasn't much time left for me to begin looking into custom mapping and the ease or difficulty of such after we got it working. Any more words of advice wisdom or links are appreciated. I was actually able to use the Ableton forum to find another thread describing my friends problem and solution, it's a good resource as I've found reviews on controllers I'm interested in as well. Thanks again.
23kon, thanks for your input, I like those deals you showed me but the shipping becomes too much of an issue as I'm in the states. It has me looking for similar offers here now, though I have been frugally shopping around as much as I can from reputable dealers. The Launchpad is now in a heat with the APC40. I learned my lesson spending money on cheap lenses and cameras first, you just end up buying better stuff later. Trying to decide best bang for my buck while keeping the options open, still I keep thinking back to the Behringer as I do believe several knobs would do me quite well. I love the approach used in Herrmutt Lobby's Fader Monkey with beatfader and counter lobby max4live devices. A sea of triggers and knobs are very appealing when considering that type of composition capability.
23kon, thanks for your input, I like those deals you showed me but the shipping becomes too much of an issue as I'm in the states. It has me looking for similar offers here now, though I have been frugally shopping around as much as I can from reputable dealers. The Launchpad is now in a heat with the APC40. I learned my lesson spending money on cheap lenses and cameras first, you just end up buying better stuff later. Trying to decide best bang for my buck while keeping the options open, still I keep thinking back to the Behringer as I do believe several knobs would do me quite well. I love the approach used in Herrmutt Lobby's Fader Monkey with beatfader and counter lobby max4live devices. A sea of triggers and knobs are very appealing when considering that type of composition capability.