Help me choose a controller please!
Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. #1
    Tech Wizard
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    42

    Default Help me choose a controller please!

    Hello DJTT friends! I'm admittedly not real up on controllers so I figured I'd ask you knowledgeable peoples!

    Now, I've narrowed it down to a select few for what I believe is the solution for me, but first some general info.

    I've just recently started producing seriously and now I'm ready to add hardware control to my DAWs.

    1.I'm using Ableton and Reason on a PC

    2.I'd like for it to be an all-in-one solution, that includes sliders, transport control, encoders, and not necessarily pads

    3.I'm not a piano player by any means but I like to have more options

    4.I want to spend no more than $400

    These are the options I've come up with.

    M-Audio Axiom 49
    http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-...16-i1532544.gc

    Pros;
    Cheapest
    Full compliment of sliders, encoders

    Cons;
    I have heard bad things about the quality

    Akai Professional MPK49
    http://www.guitarcenter.com/Akai-Pro...18-i1380175.gc

    Pros;
    Good brand name
    More controls

    Cons;
    Right at the price cap

    Novation 25 SL MKII
    http://www.guitarcenter.com/Novation...87-i1460805.gc

    Pros;
    Has everything I want
    Heard great things about this brand

    Cons;
    Expensive
    Fewer keys

    So those are the ones I've checked out, what do you guys think? Have any of you used these? Is there something else I'm missing?

    Thanks for all your help in advance!

  2. #2

    Default

    I hear good things about the Akai but that Novation looks sweeeeet.

  3. #3
    Tech Mentor
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    boston
    Posts
    108

    Default

    I was in your same position a few months ago...

    I chose to go with the Novation, but instead of the 25 key version, I purchased the ZeRo model with no keys (and a crossfader). And bought the very basic M-Audio Keystation 61es.

    Best set of controls, combined with more keys made it worth it for me

  4. #4
    Tech Mentor djsakebomb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Portland, OR
    Posts
    243

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by rami View Post
    I was in your same position a few months ago...

    I chose to go with the Novation, but instead of the 25 key version, I purchased the ZeRo model with no keys (and a crossfader). And bought the very basic M-Audio Keystation 61es.

    Best set of controls, combined with more keys made it worth it for me
    That's a good idea, never thought of getting two different pieces of equipment instead of just the 25...might have to look into that!
    The enemy's gate is DOWN.

    MacBook Pro | 2.16 Ghz C2D | 120 GB HDD | 3 GB RAM | 250 GB EX HDD
    Mac Pro | 2x2.88 Ghz Quad-Core | 320 GB HDD | 6 GB RAM | 1 TB EX HDD
    Ableton Suite | Akai APC 80 | Torq Xponent

  5. #5
    Tech Wizard
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    42

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by rami View Post
    I was in your same position a few months ago...

    I chose to go with the Novation, but instead of the 25 key version, I purchased the ZeRo model with no keys (and a crossfader). And bought the very basic M-Audio Keystation 61es.

    Best set of controls, combined with more keys made it worth it for me
    I had actually considered that as well, but I wouldn't get a 61, I would probably get a 49

  6. #6
    Tech Guru Bassline Brine's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    1,827

    Default

    I honestly think the Novation you listed is probably the nicest, with the setup you are going for. I mean, it's just a small all-in-one package that has everything you wanted. It may be pricier for smaller, but that does by no means mean less powerful.

    K.I.S.S. Keep it simple stupid. One controller, one cable, and more desk room to add onto later as the needs see fit.
    BREAKBEATS AND OTHER MUSICAL ADVENTURES
    Facebook - Soundcloud - Mixcloud - Mixlr - Twitter

  7. #7
    Tech Wizard
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    42

    Default

    Thanks for your input, does anyone else have any ideas?

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •