Best Ableton Keyboard Controller

[ablephone]

Hey guys new to the forums!

I am new to Ableton and still trying to find my workflow with the DAW. I am looking for a keyboard controller than can really control Ableton parameters. I am trying to mimick the workflow of a keyboard workstation basically.

I need a keyboard that can control:

Tempo
Metronome
Record
Quantize
Create New Track
Browse through Ableton browser and select plug-ins and samples

Basically just a keyboard where I can map tons of Ableton functions and not be using the mouse all the time. thanks!

[AAdel]

Your best option is Push 2. You have some other options like APC40 series and MIDI tools with Isotonik maps.

[ablephone]

Your best option is Push 2. You have some other options like APC40 series and MIDI tools with Isotonik maps.

Was looking at Push but I'm definitely not a drum machine person. Every single one I had was easily on craigslist after a few weeks.

Just want a keyboard where I could do the majority of the things on there, I probably won't be able to browse through the browser but i could live with that.

[InLight-Tone]

Your best bet is a Push 2 AND a keyboard. Push's integration with the DAW is the best of any sequencer out there, all the parameters are at your fingertips and are fast is practice and easy to get around, yet I find playing the pads melodically sort of awkward.

I do have quite a bit of experience with playing keys though so I could be biased. Push shines when step sequencing both drums and melodic parts and is a great addition to playing keys live as well.

Your next best bet for a keyboard solution would probably be one of the Launchkey's, yet they don't have all the features you mentioned...

[Stromkraft]

I am trying to mimick the workflow of a keyboard workstation basically.

I need a keyboard that can control:

Tempo
Metronome
Record
Quantize
Create New Track
Browse through Ableton browser and select plug-ins and samples

I was hell bent getting one of the (previous)Launchkeys before I got the Push. I still need a keyboard so will see if I can try out the 49. I would want better keys though, so may be a no-no for you as you probably want that to be a strong point.

[S4racen]

I have a full size Yamaha digital keyboard with fully weighted keys, it has MIDI out so it provides me with just keys, everything else can be controlled by other smaller controller but nothing gives the same feeling for playing as a properly weighted keyboard...

Cheers
D

[AAdel]

Your best option is Push 2. You have some other options like APC40 series and MIDI tools with Isotonik maps.

Was looking at Push but I'm definitely not a drum machine person. Every single one I had was easily on craigslist after a few weeks.

Just want a keyboard where I could do the majority of the things on there, I probably won't be able to browse through the browser but i could live with that.

Unfortunately, I haven't seen an all in one solution. So if you are a keyboard fan you can get a 49 MIDI keyboard of you can use your old keyboard which has a MIDI or USB-MIDI for playing.

beside that keyboard, a MIDI controller like Novation tools does the magic.

[yur2die4]

I wish Novation would come out with a remote mkiii

There is a lot of functionality in the ii but a lot of room for improvement. Many of the potential improvements are sort of addressed with the launchkey controllers (launchpad type buttons, color LEDs) and Live's updated features for accessibility of the browser etc.

[Ndujamz]

I'm not a fan of the dedicated hardware, so no comment on Push or Push 2.
I use M-Audio Axiom 49 key, I find these to be the kick ass along with Ableton. Everything is mapped out automatically.

[mbakirov]

I use novation impulse 61 with my own enhanced script,
it lacks from your list
Quantize
create new track
browse through plugins

i think in theory tempo could be output to ableton if the keyboard becomes the clock source, but i need to check

[AAdel]

Did you decide and get a controller?