Hardware advice for a beginning Ableton user

[BorlandFreak]

Hi guys,

Before you flame me because I opened a thread for advice, yes I've read the thread formerly known as "the production bible" but I didn't really find the kind of info I wanted (or not all of it).

So basically, I'm a beginning producer who uses Ableton Live 8. I've been trying to learn the basics of Ableton with the video's from Dubspot and stuff but it's probably not the best program to start with (but def. one of the best). So if you guys have any advice how I should learn the basics of producing dubstep (with or without Ableton), please let me know.

I also know that good hardware is important for producing dubstep.
But as a beginner my budget isn't really too high (I'm kind afraid that buying expensive gear is too soon, maybe I'll never get the hold of it and then I wasted all that money on expensive gear while I can't even use it..) so I was thinking about something cheap to begin with.. I found some info in the production bible about hardware but not for beginners.. I found a link to this Korg NanoKontrol: http://www.keymusic.com/product/Korg-NanoKontrol-Black
only €40 but is it good and not too hard to use?

So basically, my question is what (kind of) hardware should I start with (not too expensive).. please give as much information as possible, it would be greatly appreciated.

Oh and if it would be of any use, I really like the sounds of Flux Pavilion, Cookie Monsta, Doctor P (even though most of his songs are kinda 'annoying' after a while imo), Chrispy and DatsiK. I've seen all of those names live and they were sweet!
And no, I don't wanna copy DatsiK's style, I've read that you guys get a lot of questions like "how can I (re)create DatsiK's style??????" but I'm not like that, I just think he makes sweet songs, that's all!

So, thanks in advance guys!

[contakt321]

TBH

1. Ableton is a fine production program to start with (and stay with)
2. I would venture to say that most dubstep is made with software (maybe even more than any other genre)

I would keep working through Ableton, do the built in tutorials, watch youtube vids, and get your head around the basics. Once you do that you should have a much better idea of what you might need or want. For example: do you want faders and knobs (nano-kontrol), drum pads (nano-pad), keyboard (etc). Ultimately, the hardware (it seems that you are specifically referring to midi-controllers) is there to assist you in production, either by inspiring you to produce, or making it easier for you to produce. I think getting more of the basics down and learning what you need and don't need would be a good way to figure out what to buy.

[BorlandFreak]

Ok man, thanks!

A friend of me has over €1000,00 on gear and is gonna give me a keyboard, I know it's not much but it'll be handy so that's a start, I guess
and yeah, learning the basics of Ableton is the best way too start ofcourse.