Ableton Forum

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?

Vote Launchpad

My vote goes to the launchpad too

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

mgpg wrote: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.

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.

LeifonMars wrote:

mgpg wrote: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 ...

AceLuby wrote: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 ...

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.

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.

iPad+Touchable?

JuanSOLO wrote: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

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.

mgpg wrote:

JuanSOLO wrote: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.

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.