APC40 vs. Novation ZeRO SL MkII
Hey midi users…
I wanted to ask your opinion in which would be the best device for Traktor Pro 2. Would the APC40 or the Novation ZeRO SL MKII?
APC40
http://midi-store.com/Akai-Professional-APC40-Control-Surface-p-18309.html
Novation ZeRO SL MKII
http://midi-store.com/Novation-ZeRO-SL-MkII-Controller-p-18851.html
Thanks!
I would say Novation controller. A lot more useful controls on the Novation. APC40, while a midi controller, was specifically made for Ableton Live.
I used an APC with Traktor for almost a year, great piece of kit. If I had to buy one for that purpose I would pick the APC again. The led encoders don’t leak to the next one like the novation, you have tons of buttons and the faders have a better feel (and dj friendly caps). IMO, the remote is studio oriented. While not intended to be used for Traktor, the APC does a nice job.
btw, this is the mapping i used, it’s a bit outdated (no sample decks) but it will be a nice starting point if you choose to get one.
http://www.traktorbible.com/freaks/mappingview.aspx?id=123
I use an APC for Traktor and love it.
Its the 80 actually, so 40 and 20.
While it is not a sample trigger pad controller, it does its job 100% and has more than enough controls for Traktor.
It has a foot pedal switch at the back, so you can use a pedal for the loop recorder etc.
And when you bored of playing with Traktor, open Ableton and you don’t need to map a damn thing.
Just get going.
WIN …WIN!
I’m currently using an APC40 and an X1 and would pick that setup over the Novation controller.
Still in Traktor? I’m going to use the APC40 in Ableton with the Isotonik script and make some adjustments to it to suit my style of playing Live. Using a KORG nanoKONTROL2 next (below) to it for control over the Sends and different stuff, it’s going to be so much more than I could achieve in Traktor!
I’m still in traktor and with the remix decks available I think I’ll probably give up any thoughts about using Abletone. Except for maybe VST support and FX.
Don’t you run out of knobs, EQ wise and FX wise?
Not if you do it smartly!
Hmm, still I think it’s a pity mapping the APC40 within Traktor. Ableton gives you so much more possibilities.
While mapping it in default mode limits some mapping due to the button behavior, you have 9 device banks (8 knobs and buttons) without needing a modifier. You can quickly jump between them using the track select buttons, you have to scroll through them with the remote.
ftfy
Hmm, disagree on that matter. Except from the colored waveforms, I can’t think of anything I can’t do within Ableton. Browser’s fine for me, since I don’t use that much tracks and know the most of them.
While one might be better for one the other is better for another. Just because it’s different doesn’t mean one of the choices is wrong.
Here’s my layout of the APC for anybody interested. I use the X1 for sample deck control. I’m not done mapping it because I’ve been lazy so the FX, loop and prep section’s not done yet.
I would go with the APC40. I went that route and never looked back. Gives you so much control in traktor once you map it all out.
