APC40 or Launchpad + Nocturn

[Smiles]

So I am finally getting some gear to dj with ableton. I was really set on the apc40 because it really just seems to have everything i need. But after thinking about it a lot, the launchpad can be combined with a lot of things so if i decide to change my setup later i can get creative. I would not just get the launchpad because i need to have some knobs and faders (and the apc might have more than i need) so i would get the nocturn, or the nanocontrol but i really like having a crossfader like on the nocturn.

APC40:
Pros: All in one controller. More knobs and faders.
Cons: Bigger and heavier. $50 more.

Launchpad + Nocturn/Nanocontrol
Pros: Smaller. Can add and take away other controllers later easier. Little fun things like monome emulation.
Cons: Less knobs and faders (not sure i need a lot though).

So i want everybody's opinion before I spend any money. If anybody has any other controllers they would recommend me that's cool but i am trying to stay around $300. Oh and if anybody can recommend a decent and inexpensive soundcard that would be great.

[Smiles]

anyone? haha

[AxeD]

Audio 2 by NI is quite cheap I think. I bought an audio 8 2nd hand for nearly nothing though.

Don't know about controllers. Are there actually crossfaders in Ableton, because that would be ridonkulous.

[Climax]

i have an APC40 and honestly its not that big or heavy, if thats your con i wouldnt worry about it

i personally think that would be the best choice, it has everything you need

[Python-]

If it were up to me id get the apc40. Its great w ableton.

[Smiles]

Are there actually crossfaders in Ableton, because that would be ridonkulous.

Yes there is. And can anyone say why specifically they like the apc40 over launchpad. Cause i Think launchpad with nocturn could do everything apc does.

[mks]

I went APC20 plus the Nocturn. My requirement was to be able to fit everything into one bag.

[FSTZ]

I just got an APC and I was contemplating the launchpad

the main reason I chose theAkai over the Novation is the fact that the Akai has actual volume faders vs using the pads for volume control.. that just didn't make any sense for me

nex I have to wrap my head around the APC

[mikeyp]

i have an APC40 and honestly its not that big or heavy, if thats your con i wouldnt worry about it

i personally think that would be the best choice, it has everything you need

this ^^^ the thing fits in a backpack and i'm pretty sure it's lighter than my laptop

[Altron]

Definitely recommend the APC40. I've had mine for ages and I couldn't be happier. Using it is a blast, and on top of that, it fits in a backpack with my laptop and all. Its literally plug and play also, just hook it up to ableton and set up the preferences, then every time you plug it in, it will be ready to go. I'd go with the APC over the Launchpad any day, considering the Launchpad has a lack of any faders, and always seemed to me like it was more geared towards drum racks and live drum performance.

[InternetSlaveMaster]

Launchpad is nifty and the little apps for it are fun.

Using the Launchpad for volume control is nonsense really, I don't even bother with that.

While APC40 is all in one, like you said, the other controllers can easily be added on to any other system (although so can the APC).

Here's the reason I bought the Launchpad though:


Too bad I'm not as good with mine..

But yeah it's really cool for chopping bits up and what not, not sure how well the APC can do that.
(inb4 someone tries to correct me; I know it can do do that, it just wouldn't be as ideal due to 8x5 grid and smaller buttons)

Either way you're going to be happy I think.

(But the lightness really helps, I can just throw it in my laptop case, really helps when I've got to bring speakers, a backpack full of cables, etc., etc.)

[Attila]

Launchpad for sure. Trying to navigate Live with an apc felt really clunky to me. They're two different beasts though.

[Smiles]

Thanks everyone, sounds like most of you think i should go with the apc. But you keep saying because it has faders and knobs, but thats why i said i would have the nanokontrol or nocturn. The other thing i have been looking at now for that past day it the arduinome and bliptromome. They are monome clones and a lot cheaper to make.

[Attila]

Idk how much cheaper it could get man, my launchpad was 80 bucks and there's no way in hell id want to map that thing to do what it does haha. Its one of the only pieces of truly plug and play equipment I've ever used.

[InternetSlaveMaster]

Keep in mind that, if you produce in Live, the APC may be more helpful as far as production goes. Not sure if that matters or not to you.

[mks]

I bought my APC for live use but it was such a good composing tool that it lives in my studio. I take it out when I need to but other than that, it's hardwired into the mainframe of my Time Machine.