upgrade from original launchpad... what to?

[djrickdawson]

thinking of upgrading my original launchpad...
it is slow to refresh (obvious latency)
some changes of pages are just corrupt (as in the launchpad didn't respond)
it is hard with all clips showing the same colour, to tell what they are.
I end up wasting space leaving blank slots to act as visual guides to where and what on the launchpad.

I currently use my iPad2 running Nord Beat app for step sequencing a drum rack.

I am wanting to add some melodic step sequencing to the mix as well.

I have been thinking of replacing the launchpad, with another piece of hardware that has full colour pads, just as are set in Ableton, and can do: melodic sequencing, drum sequencing, clip launching etc.
I think it would be either the launchpad pro or maschine mikro Mk2.
I looked at push, and it is a bit expensive.

what should I go for?
any other controllers that fit what I want and should consider?

[DJAdeSands]

Launchpad pro?

[markyyoung]

Yeah the LP Pro looks like a good upgrade. But if you want full control over Ableton I would recommend the Push.

[Killing time]

check out the apc 40

[Synchronix]

God, how has no one mentioned the Ableton Push!

http://www.soundcloud.com/Synchronix

[Djbaberuthless]

What kind of price range on spending do you have?

[steveoath]

I sold my mikro. Didn't really get on with it to be honest. Then bought a 2nd hand push.

My device history is very pad oriented:
Mpd
Monome (128 and self build 64)
Maschine mikro
Push
Midifighter

I'm sticking with push and MF. I would definitely recommend push but If push is out of your price range, have you looked at livid base? Seems to be falling in price at the moment. Launchpad pro looks nice, but some weird layout choices. Arturia beatstep is very affordable and gives the step sequencing you are looking for. Best idea would be to get to a music store with your laptop and try some out.

Hope you find something, the choices available are growing all the time so hopefully that means cost reducing for us!

[steveoath]

Also nativecontrol offers great solutions as well

http://www.nativekontrol.com/Home.html

[rall]

second hand push is a steal right now with the release of push 2. Look around an you probably be able to find one for less than a new launchpad pro.
Wish it was a bit smaller though, its not your most portable controller, albeit the only one you really need.

[ImNotDedYet]

With Live, Push is the droid you are looking for...

Get a second-hand MKI right now for dirt cheap. If you want the upgraded features to Push 2, you have until March 1 to trade it in to get a discounted Push 2.