IPAD vs Novation Zero SL MKII (ie. Hardware Controller)

DJ Gear & Hardware Hardware: Controllers, Mods and Gear
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IPAD vs Novation Zero SL MKII (ie. Hardware Controller)

Hey guys,
Im on the look out to start investing in some hardware controller to use with ableton both to assist in studio production as well as live performance (in time).

at the moment im siding towards getting a Novation Zero SL MKII + Launchpad (as opposed to an APC40, although im still mulling this one over)

the main purpose of getting the ZERO SL MKII would be to use for mixing and parameter control with AU’s and ableton instruments/effects. In a live setting it would be for creative purposes…filter business, bring tracks in and out etc.

however, it seems the IPAD with assistance from software like TouchOSC or perhaps Lemur may be able to achieve a lot of the same tasks as the Zero SL MKII. in addition, to buy either second hand they would be fairly close in price (oddly enough…)

I have no experience using either so im curious which option you guys might think is generally better.
Im mostly concerned about fader sensitivity in both cases…can i make subtle tweaks in the mixer?

2

It all boils down to tactility. Do you like physical knobs, or visual knobs?

3

Exactly.
And: Are you sure the Ipad display will suffice to have that amount of parameter controls but still be able to hit always the right one (won’t the elements become to small?)…

4

To Be honest i’d rather a launchpad with a behringer bcr2000

5

I’d go the same direction. The biggest problem in my opinion are those non-motorized faders. No problem if 8 faders are enough for you. But if you want to have 16 then everything will become very tricky. Endless encoders with LED rings are the best choice for me. You can use them for volume adjustments as well and they’re much more versatile.
Apart from that reason, which some people would call kind of fetish^^, the BCR 2000 is cheaper! Killer argument!