Hey, i’m relatively new to the whole scene of music production. I’ve gotten myself ableton and am now considering gear. I plan on making remixes/electronica genre music.
With the second set-up i might even consider two launchpads (price would end up being about equal with the first set up then) are two launchpads worth it? I just need to be guided in the right direction between the two set ups, thanks
APC stands for Ableton Performance Controller, by the way. If you’re not going to perform these live via Ableton, you should go with the LP/nanoKontrol. Otherwise, the APC40 brings all of the buttons, knobs, and faders in one controller. Just my recommendations, though. ;D
The second one! Add a second launchpad, drop the nano control and add an LPD8. If I had the $$$ to spend, that’s what I would go for. I love my launchpad. So slim and stylish.
the lpd8 is very cool - tho if thats the only pots u have then can be limitting. 8 give you full control of eq’s and levels for 2 decks tho - and you can use the launchpad(s) for more instant-grat type effect control.
i have found that virtual faders ableton-live style works fine for effects tho on the lp but i’m not keen on those for levels etc.
only thing u can’t really use lp virtual faders for is something like a filter where you just want to tweak around the sweet spot as you dont have fine enough control for that.
Thanks for the help everyone, I also meant to say an oxygen 49, not 8. that or a yamaha psr e323. The reviews/opinions on this are so mixed in regards to an apc40 and launchpad
The launchpad is gonna be your best bet for production. If you were running a live set for performance, I’d say get the APC40, but it’s big and heavy and the Launchpad is much smaller with just as much useability for production. You just have to know how to use it well. I can do everything that my friend who has an apc40 can do with my Axiom Pro 49 and Launchpad. The combo of a keyboard with faders/pots and the launchpad can’t go wrong.
i’d have to agree. the apc40 is too big and bulky. makes much more sense in the studio. the launchpad is much easier to wack in your bag and setup somewhere else.
I laugh when I see peeps saying too big, it fits fine in my “tech air” 15’ messenger bag alongside my Macbook, soundcard, few external Hard drives, and stand.
Hardly that bulky definetly smaller than an S4
If Size is really an Issue, what about a Zero SLII as part of the setup?, its a pretty good bang for buck controller.
The APC40 is very “comfortable” to use, with the amount of free surrounding space, given the choice I’d get a VCM600 though for everything moreso at my fingertips (eq’s gains etc…).
Comfort playing over comfort transporting every time for me
most things don’t seem bulky compared to the mahoosive S4
if it was the only controller you needed to take with you (which is possible with all the controls) then i guess it’s not so bad. just is big compared to the launchpad if the pads are the main aim of the game. the apc40 is still pretty bloated tho - i’m sure they could have made it a bit smaller.
the sl2 does seem quite cool, not really sure why it’s not more popular here. 199$ seems pretty good. maybe just not flexible enough - seems more suited to something like ableton or other DAW’s?
ofc u could get 2 launchpads for the price of one apc40 so all depends on what the users priorities are.
I use an mk1 25. Love it with my lp. The extra lcd is really nice but the drum pads are total shite on the mk1. I don’t really use them though so the 150 I saved not getting the mk2 was worth.
Also, you can’t beat the aurex sequencers for the lp
Thanks for the help everyone. I’ve looked at the mk2 and the sl mk2, they look fantastic. only problem i could see is that I would much rather prefer using the knobs with my right hand, and sliders with the left. I’ve heard an apc40 is easier to use in ableton than a launchpad due to ease of setup, all in one, etc. is however twice the price:eek:
Last question i promise, is there a purpose to getting an oxygen 49 ($139) vs an lpk25 ($50)? I realize that the oxygen has knobs and sliders, but i’d be getting something with knobs and sliders anyway. I’m not much of a piano player, i’d be using it to play a few notes or a short beat. do they have octave switches on them to go lower? Sorry again, I’ve done a lot of research and there were some questions i couldn’t have answered. Thanks again for all of your help!
most of the time the 2 octaves will be fine. i only have a nanokey who’s keys are shite (and i wish i’d gone for the lpk25) but most of the times the 2 octaves is fine.
so i’d say it’s more about whether u want/need the extra controls or not, and sounds like you won’t.
a 3 octave keyboard would be pretty handy but i doubt you’ll be using the full 4 octave range too much.
