Affordable Ableton Controller

[Bulletproof Knight]

So I am relatively new to music production. I have been using Live for a little while and I would like to invest in a controller. Mostly what I want to do with it is trigger clips/scenes, play drum racks and instruments (a lot), sample, and control effects. Although Push looks amazing, I can't afford it. I've narrowed it down to the Launchpad S and (a used) Maschine. I love the feel of the Maschine hardware (pad quality especially), but it looks like the Launchpad can do all the same stuff. Am I missing anything important here? *Note* I am using Live Lite 8.

- The Bulletproof Knight

[102455]

Launchpad = designed for Live.

Maschine = not designed for Live.

How about the Akai APC20 or APC40?

[H20nly]

one thing to keep in mind with a Launchpad is that it's not velocity sensitive. as long as you're okay with that for drums... then i'd go that route. it's cheap and flexible... plus there's tons of content on the web illustrating cool ways to use it.

Maschine is a whole other beast.

[yur2die4]

Launchpad is quite rugged, durable, pretty obvious usage, and has the 'LP85/LP95' scripts available (you'd have to search). It is also compatible with some other programs, the S can even be plugged to an iPad. Launchpad by default has a lot of clear and obvious functions. Lastly, one thing I personally enjoy about it is the 'confirmed' feeling when you trigger and release notes.

There are a few versions of Maschine. If you have the actual Maschine software, it is hands down fucking amazing to use. Sampling and drum triggering is fabulous within the vst and it has many options. I pretty much can't even realistically sum up the Maschine software. But

If you are talking about use as a controller. It is still extremely flexible. You can download the editor for free on the NI site. You can edit patches without exiting Live. Different versions of Maschine have different feel on the pads. If you've already found you like the ones on the one you're thinking of buying, that sounds good. You also get the visual feedback of the screens for the parameters you use.

As a clip launcher, I'll tell you it isn't nearly as fun as the Launchpad. But for playing samples it probably beats the Launchpad. Although if you utilize Live 9 and the LP95 script, the LP offers a lot of fun options. As a 'controller' in the sense of controlling parameters. Maschine has the obvious advantage of knobs which offers greater resolution than the 8-step control the Launchpad has.

For sends, volumes, mutes etc. Launchpad has a fun page which has quick access to all those parameters of multiple channels. With Maschine you can use a script to have all of these functions also and page around to them. The knobs give finer control. Maschine can more easily implement control of individual parameters of instruments and fx.

I love both. I use my Launchpad more though mostly because I can tuck it into my laptop bag very easily

If you have the Maschine software with that used one (I've also heard of people getting 'opened' software for it), it really is a powerful device and on top of that very fun to use!

Edit: the post below also is a nice recommendation. I really wish I could try one! (I even saw someone on youtube throw one out their window and still use it.). APC's are nice also, I don't know what their price is lately?? By default it does not have note triggering for drum racks and stuff.

[trevox]

It's a little bit more expensive than a Launchpad, but I have one of these and it's amazing:

http://www.keithmcmillen.com/QuNeo

You can get the same functionality as a Launchpad using a custom script, all of the pads (including faders etc) send a note out, they are all velocity sensitive, they all send pressure values and the 16 pads also send x,y controller values. It pretty much does everything and is the same size as an iPad. For what you are looking for, it is well worth checking out.

[3dot...]

Launchpad = designed for Live.

Maschine = not designed for Live.

...although the Machine script for Live is much more robust and customizable.

also.. Maschine has knobs very nice velocity sensitive pads..
and comes with a very powerful vst called "Maschine"
which should pretty much double your power when working in Live Lite edition.

How bout Push? it comes with Live Lite 9

[rluk]

I use this
http://faderfox.de/uc3.html
with launchpad v1 and lp85.

killer bang for the buck combo.

Only thing missing is velocity sensitivity.

[Bulletproof Knight]

I was told that even though the Launchpad isn't velocity sensitive, Novation added that for the Launchpad S. Was I misinformed?

FYI Because of some interesting situations I do currently own the Maschine software. I just wanted to make sure that Maschine's functionality with Live is as good as I've heard.

As far as the APC goes I really do want something that can play software instruments. And the QuNeo looks cool, I'll look into that. How does its functionality compare with the launchpad?

[antarktika]

I was told that even though the Launchpad isn't velocity sensitive, Novation added that for the Launchpad S. Was I misinformed?

Yes, you were misinformed! It is brighter, and has a faster refresh rate, so is more responsive in terms of speed, but still fixed velocity.

[eddiex]

APC20+MPD18 under $300.00 and MONEY!!

[timday]

I'm a fan of the Launchpad and Novation Nocturn combo. The Nocturn provides more buttons and rotaries and a crossfader. You have to use Novation Automap with Nocturn but it's pretty easy to use and enables all kinds of custom mapping bobbins a lot more easily than using a script. With that you have pretty much everything an APC40 will do, plus the extra Launchpad user screens, at around half the price. Just make sure you get the latest version of Automap (which is free), mine came with an old version on CD and was very frustrating until I updated it.
I'm tempted to add a keyboard like an Impulse 25 as well, pretty cheap, has aftertouch, velocity sensitive drum pads, and an excellent arpeggiator/step sequencer function.

edit - realised I've been mentioning all Novation gear....I don't work for them or anything but that's the stuff I know, I guess.