Ableton controller?!

[UnbalancedKarma]

hi!

I'm new to Ableton, anyway I'm considering a controller, 'cause I think it will be very useful for programming, recording sequences, mastering etc.

I'd like to use Ableton as a sketchpad for working on new ideas too, so it has to have a keyboard, some knobs, and be very portable (like I may use it with a laptop on a park, or a train, or something)...

so...

http://www.reloop.com/reloop-keypad

or

http://akaipro.com/product/apc-key-25


...or!?

[UnbalancedKarma]

anyone?

p.s. I'm not sure this is the right section for posting this...

[pflosi]

Have you considered breaking things out, e.g. Push + some simple midikeyboard...? I think I'd prefer that to those "all in one" Akai etc. midikeyboards. But YMMV - what do you want to do with it?

[UnbalancedKarma]

hi!

yes I think I owe you a more in-depth explanation!

I'm used to work with hw sequencers (Quasimidi Raven and Sirius, Ensoniq SD-1) and synths (see my signature)...
I mainly used Cubase for recording, anyway I really hate it, plus I think another DAW will be much more inspiring also when composing (think about the red box Vs a plain pattern-based sequencer)...

Moreover, I'd like to play live too (I'm a one man band), using a laptop with a DAW running my backing tracks (I'll play guitar + voice live)...
Finally, I'd like to be able to compose also when I'm not in my studio, so my laptop, Ableton and a very portable controller (useful also when mixing and recording track automations etc.) could do the trick!

So I think Ableton will fit the bill for all my goals! for these reasons, I'd like a similar controller...

I think the AKAI APC key 25 is the best solution...
it does not need power supply; it connects directly via usb, so it does not occupy another midi port on my midi patchbay, and can be used also on pc that have no midi interface (like an home pc, or a laptop); it's a dedicated controller; it's very cheap, it's very portable, and has a 5x8 launch grid!
it only has 8 assignable knobs and no pads, but you can use the keyboard to enter drum notes anyway...
and you can use some of the clip launch pads to trigger other midi events...
the Keypad has no red box and it's way less flexible, I think, even if it has a lot more dedicated knobs/faders...

(p.s. sorry for my english, it's not my first language )

[pflosi]

Yeah sounds like you're convinced already - you can always add something else later

Good luck!

[UnbalancedKarma]

actually, not 100% true, since there are a lot of similar compact controllers out there (Novation Launchkey and a lot more), anyway...

[pflosi]

Well, someone else has to chime in to give you a proper review / comparison of those... Don't have too much experience with them, I somehow don't like midi controllers that much after all...

[UnbalancedKarma]

Well, someone else has to chime in to give you a proper review / comparison of those... Don't have too much experience with them, I somehow don't like midi controllers that much after all...

yep, I know your feeling! my only dedicated midi controller right now it's a Kenton Control Freak!

having an OB-12, I know it is an h**l of a controller too, correctly mapped to VSTi (one of the most knobs/sliders populated synths ever)...

[UnbalancedKarma]

ok!

so I got myself an APC Key 25 AND an LPD8.

[loungedumore]

If you got max 4 live as well you could try the MPK MAX EDITOR http://www.maxforlive.com/library/device/2084/mpkmax ( for mpk mini , but the lpd8 should work ? )
I use a few different sequencer patches for my launch pad and for me it makes it feel like hardware were I'd want it to be . The roll your own approach once comfortable enough M4l makes almost any midi controller more useful .

[Mr Knesh]

I have been using a Novation Launchpad and recently added a Novation Launch Control to my mobile production. I honestly don't need a keyboard for composing music on the go.

[UnbalancedKarma]

If you got max 4 live as well you could try the MPK MAX EDITOR http://www.maxforlive.com/library/device/2084/mpkmax ( for mpk mini , but the lpd8 should work ? )
I use a few different sequencer patches for my launch pad and for me it makes it feel like hardware were I'd want it to be . The roll your own approach once comfortable enough M4l makes almost any midi controller more useful .

thanks for the advice! I will take a good look at it! I hope there were more of these!

let's keep this topic alive

[erikesimmons]

Before starting you may need to install driver software that came with your controller, so check the instructions that came with your hardware.

First, plug the square side of a USB cable into the controller, and the wide side into a USB port on your computer.

Some controllers get the power they need just by connecting them to the computer’s USB port. But if your controller doesn’t, you’ll need to connect it to a power source and then turn it on.

Now launch Live. Go to Live’s Preferences by hitting [Control + comma] on a PC, or [Command + comma] on a Mac. Click on the MIDI/Sync tab.

If your controller is set up properly, you should see one or more Input and Output entries for it in the MIDI Ports section. Now turn on the Track switch for your controller's input port.

Your controller should now be set up to play instruments in Live. We can check this by playing the controller and seeing the yellow flashing square in the upper-right hand corner.

[Ashe37]

Actually, some controllers, especially Ableton controllers, don't have drivers. I have an Akai APC 20, and it has no drivers. Aleton just recognized it once Windows installs the USB driver for it.