KVR Audio

MrDubstepWarMachine · Post by **MrDubstepWarMachine** » Wed Mar 30, 2016 3:28 pm

Hi guys (and girls), I'm new to the whole music world, at least digital music (I've been playing cello for 10+ years). I want to get into EDM production, specifically glitch hop and dubstep type music.

I have a windows laptop with Ableton Live 9 Standard, and I've been messing around with it, but I feel like I need controllers. I want them to compact enough to toss in a backpack and take with me anywhere I go, but also not very expensive (the total cost has to be under about $500). I'm thinking of a korg nanopad2 for drum pads, a novation launchkey mini as a 25 key keyboard and a launchpad mini as a pad controller. What do you guys think?

I want to get drum pads, a keyboard to use with synth plug-ins, and a pad controller (the launchpad). I was wondering if I can use a midi keyboard as a synth by mapping it to synth plug-ins...it seems like it should work, but then again I'm new to this stuff.

Also, I've got a few questions about controllers in general: Do you guys know of any cheap synths? I know the Arturia Microbrute is $300, and I've found it used for $200 from guitar center. Are there any others that go for cheaper? And are there any compact synths like the monotrons that offer a bit more control over the sound? I can't seem to find them on the internet, so probably not. Also, what do you guys think of using KZ ATE's as budget in ear monitors? Are there any better IEMs?

If you guys have any other suggestions on a controller setup, it'll be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading and have a nice day,
Ivan

rod_zero · Post by **rod_zero** » Wed Mar 30, 2016 3:51 pm

Well since you are starting and using ableton, you want pads and control over the software, and keys... I would recommend to get an Ableton Push1 used, yeah it maybe a little big but it will fill all your other needs, it is well made and integrates very well with Live.

if it is big for you a a Novation Launchpad Pro might be another option. Or the new Korg controller "Nanokey studio".

As for synths... if you want small there is the Roland Boutique line, it is small, sounds good and has lot of controls. if you want something more powerfull and small there is the Waldorf Blofeld desktop, it is a very powerfull synth in a very small package and while it doesn't have that many knobs the matrix is well organized and its screen helps editing it very fast.

As for mapping a controller to control a synth: yeah it can be done, nevertheless it nevers feels as using a hardware synth, it is always akward and you end surfing through many pages of controls, trying to remember where you assigned that parameter you need to tweak. I recommend at least one hardware synth to learn.

thecontrolcentre · Post by **thecontrolcentre** » Wed Mar 30, 2016 4:24 pm

Launchpad or PUSH with a Remote SL has been my Live controller setup for a while. Novation stuff all seems to work great with Live straight out of the box. I've used an X-Station too ...

If size matters, check the Launchpad Mini. Microbrute would work too, but only the keys send midi.

MrDubstepWarMachine · Post by **MrDubstepWarMachine** » Wed Mar 30, 2016 4:35 pm

rod_zero, thanks for the suggestions. I found a push 1 for just under 300, so I think I'll go with that and an akai lpk25, just in case I need a keyboard. As for the synths, thanks for telling me about the Rolands. I'll get the JU-06. Again, thanks for your input. It helped a ton.

DJ Warmonger · Post by **DJ Warmonger** » Wed Mar 30, 2016 5:00 pm

Push is everything if you are at Ableton and don't insist on conventional keyboard. You could also get similiar and cheaper devices, like Launchpad or Akai APC.

I don't recommend getting large number of cheap controllers, they will clutter your desk and can't be carried easily.

pexer0@gmail.com · Post by **pexer0@gmail.com** » Tue Apr 05, 2016 5:11 pm

I am searching for some controllers too...

I bought an APC 40 last week and I'm thinking of buying a MPC Studio or a Maschine Mikro mk2...
I know that Push it's better than APC, but here in Brazil it's impossible to buy one.
Can anybody help me? Wich one I should buy?

saplingmusic · Post by **saplingmusic** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 10:47 pm

Hey, just read this thread, and just out of curiosity,

Is the Novation Launchpad mini just like the S? Is it a good well built controller? I am just curious.

Thank you,
Porter

aimm · Post by **aimm** » Mon Apr 11, 2016 11:23 pm

I would buy an used Push1 + a Midi keyboard.

Need controller advice, just starting