Control surfaces

[Beauknowsdiddly]

Hello everyone,
I just need some advice on what you would recommend I start out with to produce stuff. I'm sure it's all about what I want to do but everyone I bring up online using ableton seem to have 3 or 4 midi controllers. I just want the basics in order to create some songs with a bunch of tracks. Of course I want to figure out how to loop and all that.

Right now I have a Launchpad X (just learning that) and a midi 88 key keyboard. Using focusrite 4i4 and ableton 12 trial. I was thinking about getting one to the roland fantom o7's. But now I'm thinking, why? I probably just need a couple small ones, keyboards or controllers I don't know...

What would you guys recommend I get to get me started?

Thank you!

Beau

[Rivanni]

You mentioned that you want controllers that cover the basics. It seems to me you have those. Why are you considering getting another?
Perhaps it would be better to fully understand the ones you currently have first. Once you do, I suggest creating a list of features you miss to answer your "why?" question.
The most important advice is: don't compare yourself to others.

[pottering]

Right now I have a Launchpad X (just learning that) and a midi 88 key keyboard. Using focusrite 4i4 and ableton 12 trial.

Don't worry, you are covered, only thing you will need is an actual Live license after the trial runs out.

Seems you have a decent budget, I recommend getting Suite, which is cheapest with EDU discount or updating from Lite (which you should have with Launchpad).

[Beauknowsdiddly]

You mentioned that you want controllers that cover the basics. It seems to me you have those. Why are you considering getting another?
Perhaps it would be better to fully understand the ones you currently have first. Once you do, I suggest creating a list of features you miss to answer your "why?" question.
The most important advice is: don't compare yourself to others.

Thank you Rivanni that makes perfect sense. I'll try to be a little more patient and learn a bit about what I DO have. I think I might have some creativity writing and don't know a whole lot about theory. What I've been working on is just adding midi and audio clips to the words I've written. I think it sounds pretty cool so far.

I'm kind of stuck though, which is making me think I need more controllers. All the clips that I have added have the midi in to on "Main" the latest I was trying to add has no main option. Do I need to add some kind of instrument or something? What exactly would I need to add to make it sound like it does in the preview using my launchpad?

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ekchk646 ... q39w2&dl=0

[Beauknowsdiddly]

Right now I have a Launchpad X (just learning that) and a midi 88 key keyboard. Using focusrite 4i4 and ableton 12 trial.

Don't worry, you are covered, only thing you will need is an actual Live license after the trial runs out.

Seems you have a decent budget, I recommend getting Suite, which is cheapest with EDU discount or updating from Lite (which you should have with Launchpad).

Thank you pottering! I will definitely be getting suite!

[Rivanni]

I'm kind of stuck though, which is making me think I need more controllers. All the clips that I have added have the midi in to on "Main" the latest I was trying to add has no main option. Do I need to add some kind of instrument or something? What exactly would I need to add to make it sound like it does in the preview using my launchpad?

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ekchk646 ... q39w2&dl=0

Yes, you need to add an instrument. When you see a stack of dots instead of a level meter, it means the track is only sending MIDI data, no audio. Hence you cannot select the Main channel, which only receives audio.

[Beauknowsdiddly]

Yes, you need to add an instrument. When you see a stack of dots instead of a level meter, it means the track is only sending MIDI data, no audio. Hence you cannot select the Main channel, which only receives audio.

Oh I get it! I just added addictive keys and it's working just fine!

Thank you very much!