And I'll preface this with, yes I did cross-post this a couple of places. Trying to hear as much feedback as I can before I pull the trigger very soon.
So, I've really caught new wind with Ableton after getting a laptop, and being able to jam out with a couple different friends whom have sound their own sound setups. (One uses SSL, and the other Traktor). Hooking into the mixer and bouncing back and forth a bit is so refreshing, and having Ableton as my only program, has somewhat forced me to learn it better, and now I'm loving it.
I've gone back and forth about to buy equipment so many times, and then something comes up in the budget and it just kills me and I can't spend it on shit. Well, now I'm about to pull the trigger. I was (and am still interested in) getting CDJ's at some point in the future, but with Ableton I think I'd be able to integrate and supplement my friends mixing, and that alone is worth pursuing over my own traditional mixing ability. (I have concepts, but not time practicing to hone skills).
That being said, I need to invest in a couple of things. This comes down to two parts really, Audio Interface and Controller(s).
Audio Interface:
Right now I have an Audio 2 DJ soundcard. It's nothing special, it is what it is. I don't particularly /need/ cueing from it with how I mix with Ableton, but it works. I've been thinking about getting a higher end audio interface however, and I was wondering what people think would be the best option.
Right now I'm basically between the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6, and the Apogee Duet 2 (which is slated to be out very soon). I realize that there is a bit difference in price, and so I'm really wondering... is the Apogee going to sound THAT much better? I know it looks a lot slicker, but it also requires a separate power supply, and I can see that being an issue at points.
I can live with the Audio 2 for the time being as I really don't need inputs, I just need a solid output from my computer. If you think that's the best decision, I would appreciate that input as well.
Basically, I need to know if I NEED to upgrade to a better soundcard considering I don't need any more inputs or outputs particularly. I can see how they could be useful in the future.
Controllers:
I'm really looking for a live performance setup here, not so much a production thing. Keyboards and drum pads... I've got that pretty much figured out where I need to be.
But I'm tossed between two (kinda three) different setup ideas.
I need something to launch clips, and I need something to act as a "mixer" persay so I can control the individual channels.
My first thought here is to just pick up an APC 40. But then, there are no EQ's for each channel. Which, in a lot of cases, aren't fully needed if done correctly, but definitely add something.
APC 40:
So that's leading me to think about a VCM-600 and either the Novation Launchpad, or the Livid Block for controllers.
Launchpad:
Livid Block:
VCM-600:
I guess the setup that I think makes most sense at the moment is the Block and the VCM-600, but it's also the most expensive.
Is the integration of the launchpad and APC 40 for clip launching that much better than having to setup the midi controls manually with something like the Livid Block? I'd rather it be basically plug and play with minor tweaking.
Is the VCM-600 worth the money? I know I posted this in another thread, but haven't gotten much of a response. It looks like a solid mixer, and I could really see myself making use of it with another controller for launching clips. But at ~$899 it's pretty damned expensive for what it is (even if I used a coupon or discount).
Also of note, I'm not a big fan of the Ohm 64's layout. I really like the controller, but... it wouldn't work for me. I've thought about it a LOT. And it's just not something I could see myself enjoying.
Conclusion:
I basically just want to know what you guys think of an ideal setup for launching clips, controlling effects, and controlling the mixing in Ableton might be. I know it's something that is uniquely personal with how you set things up yourself, but just wanted to hear a different version for myself.
Do you think I'd be happy with just an APC 40? Would a Launchpad + VCM-600 put me in a better spot? Should I get the livid block or the launchpad?
When I talk to my friends about this is all goes completely over their heads. Ableton is not a traditional setup, and mixing and matching equipment is an involved process that I don't want to regret later. Moving on from? That's fine. But I don't want to end up buying something that I don't care for.
Thanks a ton for reading this wall of text. Anything added is helpful, really just trying to decide where to dump a lot of my hard earned cash.
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