Ableton Forum

Hi Guys,

I'm new to Ableton and looking to get into production using a midi controller. I have already looked into the Novation Launchpad and Akai APC40, but was wondering what other options i have. I have seen from NAMM 2012 that there will be a few new products coming out soon, like the Livid CNTRL-R and Electrix Tweaker, so my question is... should i invest in an older established controller or wait for the much anticipated arrival of the new ones? If so, what would be the best product? Price is not really an issue.

Thanks, any feedback will be much appreciated!

first you need to determine what you will be using the controller for.

ie: Do you intend to use it to help you play your tracks out, or do you want a controller that will help you make those tracks in the first place.

If your looking to make your own tracks, a ctrl-r or apc40 or launchpad isn't going to be as useful as an slmk2. And if your looking to play your stuff out primarily, the opposite is true.

matthews wrote:first you need to determine what you will be using the controller for.

ie: Do you intend to use it to help you play your tracks out, or do you want a controller that will help you make those tracks in the first place.

Hmmm i am looking for one that does both (if possible), otherwise i will way up the pros and cons of both and buy two in the long run.

I recommend APC-40 + decent MIDI keyboard (e.g. M-Audio Oxygen or Axiom Pro)

golemus wrote:I recommend APC-40 + decent MIDI keyboard (e.g. M-Audio Oxygen or Axiom Pro)

I was seriously considered this combo, but the only thing that puts me off the apc40 is the release date. Any idea if there will be an upgrade soon?

golemus wrote:I recommend APC-40 + decent MIDI keyboard (e.g. M-Audio Oxygen or Axiom Pro)

From an Oxygen to an Axiom Pro is a pretty big leap, different classes altogether.

for the price and general functionality it's hard to beat the apc40. but if you have something more specific you'd like to do another midi controller could be a better solution

"i find your lack of faith disturbing"

there are a lot of good ones.. cheap to expensive.

the first i can say.. take much much time, think about what room you have, what u want to control, do you like to control ableton by mouse ore maybe with a with a real control surface?

if you like the apc & you don't have a problem with spending money.. why not choosing a keyboard from akai.. the look would be nice or not?

if the apc is to expensive, maybe get a look at the novation launchpad, although its pads is not velocity sensitive its nice value for money.. if you like that one maybe you get a keyboard from novation too..

if you like rotarys, check these ones..

http://lividinstruments.com/hardware_code.php
http://de.m-audio.com/products/de_de/UC33e.html this is the one i have.. yeah it works, its ok for its prize but the software is not the most comfortable one ..

my brother has this one
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/BCR2000.aspx i don't like behringer

if you like that idea to have a control surface a bit maybe get a look to native kontrol.. a guy who gets much more out of some specific midi controllers than its used too..

http://www.nativekontrol.com/.. just take a look at the different controllers.


go to a shop take a look and don't buy it.. get there some more and maybe after hanging around some weeks you know a little more what you want.. on the other side, selling needed midi equip is not as bad.. if you handle it correctly i would say you could get about 80% of the prize back.. ok, i can't promise but thats what happened to me.

my equip is a novation remote sl, a korg padkontrol with the program of native kontrol & the uc 33..
if i would buy myself some new i would take the akai mpk 49, the apc40 & the code from livid.. but i don't have the money.. but in the end i'm satisfied with what i have

You should consider getting an ipad

Sponny, unsurprisingly you have gotten lots of different suggestions because people have different budgets, and use Live in many different ways.

In the studio, I personally like a Novation Launchpad, paired with a good controller keyboard such as an AKAI MPK. (I use the MPK49, but all models are tasty, just make sure to upgrade the pads if need be)

Playing out, I take my Launchpad, and pair it with an X-Session Pro.

You mention the APCs release date. That should not be a factor. Lots of old hardware is still brilliant, and lots of new hardware sucks. The big factor about the APC is that it needs an external power supply.

Bit the bullet and ordered an Akai APC-40 and soon an MPK-49 in time.

Thanks for all your help!

if your new just spend some time with ableton and the mouse. if you've never used it it's probably more important to understand the software than a controller. all the controller does is control it, but it will not program or teach you how to program ableton. I'm just speaking from experience because in the last year i bought way too many controllers. i do find them inspiriting to production. if they inspire your production, then go for it.