performance controller assistance

Performance & Techniques Music Production
1

performance controller assistance

So, i’m trying to get started with making my own tracks, have some really good libraries picked out, just stuck on which controller to run with.

I plan on using ableton Live 8 and various VSTs

my choices:

Novation 25 SL MKII
Akai APC40
Native Instruments Maschine

I would like to use it live as well as in the studio. pros and cons?

Thanks!

2

Haven’t used 25SL or Maschine but i got an APC40. Have used it both for gigs and in studio. Never had any problems with it, if you want an all-in-one controller for ableton there is no other choice. On the other hand it looks a bit toyish and some additional knobs (for live sets) and motorized faders (for studio) wouldn’t hurt.

3

i was looking it over and narrowed down to wanting these three, can only afford two of them right this moment though:

novation 25 sl mk2
akai apc 40
korg kaossilator pro

4

whats up bud!

from a producing looking point.. jsut get the 25sl mate.. dont waste your money on two controllers before you even get a good start on producing..

and if your gonna start doing live performance the 25sl can achieve it…

looking at both producin and live i would still go for jsut the 25sl or an akai controller with enough knobs/pads/faders to play with!

good luck bud :slight_smile:

-Tom

5

+1 for the Novation

6

Great Choice

Hey i own both the APC40 and the SL25 MKII, i’ll give you a brief history..

I bought my gear last year, when i first thought i would start taking production seriously, it was also at that point i switched from FL to Ableton.

When i received my order, the APC hadn’t even reached Australian shores yet, so for around a month and a half i was purely using the SL for mixing, producing etc.. It is a fantastic controller, and i seriously doubt that you could outgrow it for a good couple of years.

That being said, once i finally took ownership of the APC, i tended to find myself using it much much more, mostly because of its simplicity / intergration with ableton.. meaning all the SLMKII’s beautiful pots and sliders go unused, and i merely use it mostly for its keys, which saddens me.

So i guess in my opinion i would get the APC only, particularly if you like to program your MIDI rather than playing it in. The APC will allow you to progress your skills with ableton at a much faster rate than most other controllers, purely because of its streamlined integration.

And if you really want two controllers like i did, particularly for the keyboard aspect, start with something cheap like a Carillon 25 Key, and once you outgrow it, then look to buying a more professional device.

Most of all have fun!!

7

thanks for the review, now i have to sell these damn lights so I can buy the gear, lol