# performance controller assistance **URL:** \ **Category:** Music Production\ **Created:** [May 27, 2010, 4:02pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/performance-controller-assistance/11407 "2010-05-27T16:02:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DJ\_Digital\_Demon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/848f3c/32.png) [@DJ\_Digital\_Demon](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/DJ_Digital_Demon)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2010, 4:02pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/performance-controller-assistance/11407/1 "2010-05-27T16:02:24Z")
**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! ---
**Author:** ![chaoscollapse](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/chaoscollapse/32/12484_2.png) [@chaoscollapse](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/chaoscollapse)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2010, 4:21pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/performance-controller-assistance/11407/2 "2010-05-29T16:21:39Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![DJ\_Digital\_Demon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/848f3c/32.png) [@DJ\_Digital\_Demon](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/DJ_Digital_Demon)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2010, 5:58pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/performance-controller-assistance/11407/3 "2010-05-29T17:58:25Z")
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 ---
**Author:** ![tpsowden](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3ab097/32.png) [@tpsowden](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/tpsowden)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2010, 9:38pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/performance-controller-assistance/11407/4 "2010-06-05T21:38:05Z")
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 🙂 -Tom ---
**Author:** ![Nosferatu](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/nosferatu/32/76_2.png) [@Nosferatu](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Nosferatu)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 5:52pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/performance-controller-assistance/11407/5 "2010-06-07T17:52:16Z")
+1 for the Novation ---
**Author:** ![criscosour](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dbc845/32.png) [@criscosour](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/criscosour)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2010, 3:59am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/performance-controller-assistance/11407/6 "2010-06-09T03:59:52Z")
**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!! ---
**Author:** ![DJ\_Digital\_Demon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/848f3c/32.png) [@DJ\_Digital\_Demon](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/DJ_Digital_Demon)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2010, 3:39pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/performance-controller-assistance/11407/7 "2010-06-09T15:39:13Z")
thanks for the review, now i have to sell these damn lights so I can buy the gear, lol