Ableton Forum

I use Ableton and I'm just looking for a hardware controller with some good knobs and faders that I can assign to stuff and use instead of my mouse. Mostly for live recording automation on fx and filters and other such knob and fader business (yes I can just draw in the ups and downs of automation using points with the mouse but...I like performing the automation first to test whatever effect I'm using out, and if I have to turn 2 encoders at the same time, it's easier on hardware than it is with a mouse). I don't usually use session view since I use Ableton as your average production DAW (arrangement view gang), so I don't know how much use I'll have for clip launching, but I will probably end up using session view in the future to sketch out ideas. I have found used launch control xls and Akai APC40 MK1s at around that $150 mark (the control even less than that) and I'm unsure which I should go with for what I would use it for. I'm interested in hearing your takes on quality between the 2 and if the APC40 is overkill for what I want to use it for.

Also any opinions on the apc mini? Has faders that can control devices and can also launch/arm/record clips so that also has me curious.

I already decided no on the akai midimix, those encoders look just way too small for me in the pictures and videos, I could be wrong but it doesn't look too appealing.