Best Ableton Controller

[BuckyDonePun]

Which is the best controller for Ableton (or is it even necessary)?

Midi Fighter
APC 20/40
Novation Launchpad

[mmauve]

Honestly, the Launchpads only advantage over the APC20 is that its USB powered, which I consider to be very convenient. But with the APC20, you actually get channel sliders.

Other than that, the APC20 is the best bet, unless you want the extra knobs, then use an APC40 for the premium.

[BuckyDonePun]

Are neither the APC 20 or APC 40 usb-powered?

[mmauve]

Nope, they are powered through an ugly ass AC adapter lol. This is because of all the LED feedback which it uses, and in my opinion, kinda sucks since you have to find a plug to accomodate this bulky ass adapter lol. Still a great unit either way.

The Launchpad is also considerably smaller, and more portable. My only gripe is that it lacks sliders, but thats a personal preference, and it also has controls for them - but in incremental changes, not smooth ones.

[Str8upDrew]

I use my launchpad with a korg nanokontrol, and love it. That with an oxygen 8, and 2 other midi keyboards (an 88 w/ velocity sens, and a 72 w/o) i find to be a pretty amazing set up. I've played piano my whole life so lots of keys are pretty essential for my style.
However, i seem to crave more knobs and sliders. I think its time for a BCR2000 & a BCF2000.

[mmauve]

I think its time for a BCR2000 & a BCF2000.

the BCR2000 is an AWESOME all around utility controller. Daft Punk uses two of them in their performances, and overall, I've heard great stuff about them. Not exactly pretty looking things, but they get the job done, and allow tons of controls over parameters.

[Str8upDrew]

I'll just paint it hot pink or something crazy like that.
All kinds of people think my Oxy8 is some kind of toy because it's neon blue.

[DennisHuiberts]

I think it depends on how you want to use Ableton. If you're using it for production, I think an APC 20 or 40 is the best way to go. If you want to use Ableton for DJ'ing (with separate EQ knobs for every separate channel for example) I would recommend an Evolution UC-33e or if you have more money to spend, a Vestax VCM-600. I own both and I'm really happy with them.

[tekki]

However, i seem to crave more knobs and sliders. I think its time for a BCR2000 & a BCF2000.

Hey what can I say, BCR all the way! BCF is cool and versatile, but the BCR simply beats it in the versatility department. Motorized faders is a cool feature with regards to automations.
Dannyboy, my partner in crime was more partial to a BCF, but in the end he settled for a BCR. (Tim Exile's "Finger" vid also helped a lot!)

When faders and buttons are involved, look for APC20/40, UC33e+launchpad/MIDIfighter.

I still have to see/find a controller that offers as much bang for buck as the BCR does.
To put it into Tim Exile's words:

...this is the new 909...

[LoveBass]

I would go launchpad!