Gear Suggestion for Live Performing Producer

[droxpopuli]

Well I don't even have that proper of an audio interface, I'd probably want to get a decent Firewire (? (my knowledge of a lot of stuff is from 3 or so years ago)) interface first, then a mixer to take in computer and my external stuffs.

[Bassline Brine]

Honestly, I've made a little list for myself for my dream setup while using Ableton.


For clip control in Ableton:

APC 40


OR

Livid Ohm 64



For Channel Control in Ableton:

VCM-600



The way I figure, between the clip launching / FX controls on the pad controller, and the channel controls on the VCM-600... it's a retarded setup. You could probably add in some fun stuff on iPad's as well, with touchOSC. But that's personal preference.

You also will need to get a good soundcard/audio interface. For me before I decided to go with the traditional route, I was looking between these, from a production/live perspective:

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6


Apogee Duet 2



There's just something sexy about that Apogee. Honestly.

For an additional controller, and it's own software, I also have the Maschine on my list of things to get production wise. It's pretty fucking amazing, and everytime I read about it or watch a video, it makes me want one that much more for the production side of things.



And as far as keyboards go... that's really up to what you need out of one. If you had all that other stuff, a basic midi keyboard would be fine. But if you don't, getting an Akai MPK 49 might not be a bad idea. I'd def. go with a 49 over a 25 if you can.



For full control from a production perspective, that's my "list" if you will. I know it wouldn't work perfectly for everyone, but that's my view on it.

[diezdiazgiant]

Well I don't even have that proper of an audio interface, I'd probably want to get a decent Firewire (? (my knowledge of a lot of stuff is from 3 or so years ago)) interface first, then a mixer to take in computer and my external stuffs.

people have short attention spans, you can get one of native instruments last generation of sound cards (audio 4/8) for less then 200. i got my audio 4 for like 120 and you can get a cheap line mixer for like 100, if you buy used and shop around you can get something decent for the same. firewire isnt too popular or common, a usb card will do the trick.

[droxpopuli]

Yea, my ideal set up would probably be...APC40 (for larger arrangement movements and basic channel control), something simpler like the monome (for working with sequences and really just w/e else it needs to do), a good 49 Key with Pads like the MPK49 (for composition and soloing), a good interface, and a more dedicated mixer for my channels.

Anything more like an external mixer or hardware synths would be nice, but I think at my point, I don't think I'd be using them up to their moneys-worth.

As for the MPKMini, I'm mostly looking into it since I am on the go often so it is nice to have something small to move around that is still capable. My only gripe is the lack of bend/mod wheel.

Edit: I'll look into the audio 4 and 8s

[droxpopuli]

What would be suggested for headphones for the production/live performance standpoint? I have heard good things about HDJ500s.

On top of that, I have found the Launchpad to look interesting for more Monome style stuff. Would it not be stupid to have an APC40 for dedicated session and channel and have the Launchpad for its user modes for the more Monome style usage? (aka are there cheaper alternatives?)

While it isn't pressure sensitive, I feel the Launchpad could work for now when it comes to pads for drums.

So basically I'm Talking:
-APC40: Session and channel control.
-Launchpad: Drum Pads and Monome style control with user modes.
-MPKMini (are there any good 25 keys with pads and mod/pitch wheels?): Soloing off synths and stuff.

Is this stupid? Are there smarter variations? (like dropping the apc40 and getting my minikeys, a nanokontrol for my channel control?)