Help me choose a controller please!

[Kage]

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!

[maxonemillionone]

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

[rami]

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

[djsakebomb]

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!

[Kage]

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

[Bassline Brine]

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.

[Kage]

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