Need help picking between two setups!

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Need help picking between two setups!
Posted on: 28.08.2011 by Shandra Addabbo
Hey, i'm relatively new to the whole scene of music production. I've gotten myself ableton and am now considering gear. I plan on making remixes/electronica genre music.

Set-up#1:
Akai APC40
M-Audio Oxygen 8

Set-up#2:
Novation Launchpad
Korg nanoKontrol
M-Audio Oxygen 8

With the second set-up i might even consider two launchpads (price would end up being about equal with the first set up then) are two launchpads worth it? I just need to be guided in the right direction between the two set ups, thanks
Hanna Ridenbaugh
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by dripstep
Your name is "buddha" and you are talking like this? Mods, this isn't the culture that has been built here. I would expect a post like this on other community s, but not DJTT
+1
Yong Aptekar
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by buddha131
*snip*
Your name is "buddha" and you are talking like this? Mods, this isn't the culture that has been built here. I would expect a post like this on other community s, but not DJTT
Chasidy Heckenbach
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by zimfella
that does look like quite a sweet setup.
would be very usable yep. an extra launchpad is def on my shopping list for the future anyway. just so flexible. (not physically )
Hanna Ridenbaugh
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by ToOntown
I've read a lot more about it recently and I like the versatility, but I read that there are issues with mapping to VSTs and the Automap program seems a bit clunky. And for my money I'd rather have all of my controls available without running through the speed dial... still, might not be a bad setup to jam two of these in between two launchpads...

that does look like quite a sweet setup.
Shonda Soulier
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by zestoi
it would seem so

it's not a bad controller and i have thought about picking one up to experiment with just to add some more encoders to my setup.

i don't like the layout of the encoders being offset in the way they are - tho thats only been done to add more space around them i presume.

also +1 on it giving a crossfader to the combined setup. any crossfader is better than no crossfader. can always be mapped to some effect if not needed.
I've read a lot more about it recently and I like the versatility, but I read that there are issues with mapping to VSTs and the Automap program seems a bit clunky. And for my money I'd rather have all of my controls available without running through the speed dial... still, might not be a bad setup to jam two of these in between two launchpads...

Chasidy Heckenbach
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by ToOntown
Wow... You must REALLY like the Novation Nocturn.
it would seem so

it's not a bad controller and i have thought about picking one up to experiment with just to add some more encoders to my setup.

i don't like the layout of the encoders being offset in the way they are - tho thats only been done to add more space around them i presume.

also +1 on it giving a crossfader to the combined setup. any crossfader is better than no crossfader. can always be mapped to some effect if not needed.
Shonda Soulier
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by buddha131
*snip*
Wow... You must REALLY like the Novation Nocturn.
Shonda Soulier
29.08.2011
Originally Posted by buddha131
durrrrr
This was helpful.
Julio Tewell
29.08.2011
Originally Posted by ToOntown
8 knobs is all the knobs you need? i'm not even THAT into Ableton and I know 8 isn't enough.
i can tell.

the launchpad has fader mode,
plus the middle knob on the nocturn is assignable to anything on the spot.
i dont even use knobs when i use abelton.
if you look at it from a really broad view, there are really only two decks so 8 is, in fact, a large enough number of knobs

edit: remember that there will be one, even two launchpads in this setup, which is more than complete. i am suggesting a nocturn as an alternative whatever the other thing was. It is good to have a crossfader, and some encoders to physically touch, as opposed to relying to the launchpad's touch sensitive thing. durrrrr
Chasidy Heckenbach
29.08.2011
Originally Posted by buddha131
disregard nanokontrol, acquire novation nocturn. all the knobs you need.
a) it doesn't have enough controls at all for most things

b) they're encoders not pots, which is better depends on what u want them for ofc. personally i prefer pots for most things, tho encoders are handy for some effects stuff and if u need to use them in multiple layers
Shonda Soulier
29.08.2011
Originally Posted by buddha131
disregard nanokontrol, acquire novation nocturn. all the knobs you need.
8 knobs is all the knobs you need? i'm not even THAT into Ableton and I know 8 isn't enough.

I've been watching some pretty neat uses of the Launchpad and the BCR2000 and I believe that's what I would use if I started performing in Ableton.
Julio Tewell
30.08.2011
1. he was obviously egging me on, misquoting my text on purpose.
2. the rant was a copy paste i found online. im not even mad. i even had the decensy to star out the cuss words manually. so hop off.
3. first off, your name is "dripstep". and do you honestly believe my username matters? its the same name as my ps3 account i made when i was like 14.


im believeing of buying the launchpad.
Yong Aptekar
30.08.2011
On topic- I might need a new launchpad now too. That looks great! I have a bcd3000 mapped to use with anbleton, but the dual launchpads look DOPE!!!
Hanna Ridenbaugh
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by dripstep
Your name is "buddha" and you are talking like this? Mods, this isn't the culture that has been built here. I would expect a post like this on other community s, but not DJTT
+1
Yong Aptekar
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by buddha131
*snip*
Your name is "buddha" and you are talking like this? Mods, this isn't the culture that has been built here. I would expect a post like this on other community s, but not DJTT
Chasidy Heckenbach
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by zimfella
that does look like quite a sweet setup.
would be very usable yep. an extra launchpad is def on my shopping list for the future anyway. just so flexible. (not physically )
Hanna Ridenbaugh
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by ToOntown
I've read a lot more about it recently and I like the versatility, but I read that there are issues with mapping to VSTs and the Automap program seems a bit clunky. And for my money I'd rather have all of my controls available without running through the speed dial... still, might not be a bad setup to jam two of these in between two launchpads...

that does look like quite a sweet setup.
Shonda Soulier
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by zestoi
it would seem so

it's not a bad controller and i have thought about picking one up to experiment with just to add some more encoders to my setup.

i don't like the layout of the encoders being offset in the way they are - tho thats only been done to add more space around them i presume.

also +1 on it giving a crossfader to the combined setup. any crossfader is better than no crossfader. can always be mapped to some effect if not needed.
I've read a lot more about it recently and I like the versatility, but I read that there are issues with mapping to VSTs and the Automap program seems a bit clunky. And for my money I'd rather have all of my controls available without running through the speed dial... still, might not be a bad setup to jam two of these in between two launchpads...

Hanna Ridenbaugh
30.08.2011
umm I believe we need some moderating here...

http://www.djranking s.com/community /sho...ighlight=rules

don't meen to but in but some of the language here was out of hand.
Chasidy Heckenbach
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by ToOntown
Wow... You must REALLY like the Novation Nocturn.
it would seem so

it's not a bad controller and i have thought about picking one up to experiment with just to add some more encoders to my setup.

i don't like the layout of the encoders being offset in the way they are - tho thats only been done to add more space around them i presume.

also +1 on it giving a crossfader to the combined setup. any crossfader is better than no crossfader. can always be mapped to some effect if not needed.
Shonda Soulier
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by buddha131
*snip*
Wow... You must REALLY like the Novation Nocturn.
Shonda Soulier
29.08.2011
Originally Posted by buddha131
durrrrr
This was helpful.
Julio Tewell
29.08.2011
Originally Posted by ToOntown
8 knobs is all the knobs you need? i'm not even THAT into Ableton and I know 8 isn't enough.
i can tell.

the launchpad has fader mode,
plus the middle knob on the nocturn is assignable to anything on the spot.
i dont even use knobs when i use abelton.
if you look at it from a really broad view, there are really only two decks so 8 is, in fact, a large enough number of knobs

edit: remember that there will be one, even two launchpads in this setup, which is more than complete. i am suggesting a nocturn as an alternative whatever the other thing was. It is good to have a crossfader, and some encoders to physically touch, as opposed to relying to the launchpad's touch sensitive thing. durrrrr
Chasidy Heckenbach
29.08.2011
Originally Posted by buddha131
disregard nanokontrol, acquire novation nocturn. all the knobs you need.
a) it doesn't have enough controls at all for most things

b) they're encoders not pots, which is better depends on what u want them for ofc. personally i prefer pots for most things, tho encoders are handy for some effects stuff and if u need to use them in multiple layers
Shonda Soulier
29.08.2011
Originally Posted by buddha131
disregard nanokontrol, acquire novation nocturn. all the knobs you need.
8 knobs is all the knobs you need? i'm not even THAT into Ableton and I know 8 isn't enough.

I've been watching some pretty neat uses of the Launchpad and the BCR2000 and I believe that's what I would use if I started performing in Ableton.
Julio Tewell
29.08.2011
disregard nanokontrol, acquire novation nocturn. all the knobs you need.
Chasidy Heckenbach
29.08.2011
Originally Posted by skappy7
Last question i promise, is there a purpose to getting an oxygen 49 ($139) vs an lpk25 ($50)? I realize that the oxygen has knobs and sliders, but i'd be getting something with knobs and sliders anyway. I'm not much of a piano player, i'd be using it to play a few notes or a short beat. do they have octave switches on them to go lower? Sorry again, I've done a lot of research and there were some questions i couldn't have answered. Thanks again for all of your help!
most of the time the 2 octaves will be fine. i only have a nanokey who's keys are shite (and i wish i'd gone for the lpk25) but most of the times the 2 octaves is fine.

so i'd say it's more about whether u want/need the extra controls or not, and sounds like you won't.

a 3 octave keyboard would be pretty handy but i doubt you'll be using the full 4 octave range too much.
Shandra Addabbo
29.08.2011
Last question i promise, is there a purpose to getting an oxygen 49 ($139) vs an lpk25 ($50)? I realize that the oxygen has knobs and sliders, but i'd be getting something with knobs and sliders anyway. I'm not much of a piano player, i'd be using it to play a few notes or a short beat. do they have octave switches on them to go lower? Sorry again, I've done a lot of research and there were some questions i couldn't have answered. Thanks again for all of your help!
Chasidy Heckenbach
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by skappy7
Thanks for the help everyone. I've looked at the mk2 and the sl mk2, they look fantastic. only problem i could see is that I would much rather prefer using the knobs with my right hand, and sliders with the left. I've heard an apc40 is easier to use in ableton than a launchpad due to ease of setup, all in one, etc. is however twice the price:eek:
there's nothing tricky about setting up a launchpad to work in ableton - worked right away when i first tried it with the live8le that it came with
Shandra Addabbo
30.08.2011
Thanks for the help everyone. I've looked at the mk2 and the sl mk2, they look fantastic. only problem i could see is that I would much rather prefer using the knobs with my right hand, and sliders with the left. I've heard an apc40 is easier to use in ableton than a launchpad due to ease of setup, all in one, etc. is however twice the price:eek:
Chasidy Heckenbach
30.08.2011
Originally Posted by muffintop
I use an mk1 25. Love it with my lp. The extra lcd is really nice but the drum pads are total shite on the mk1. I don't really use them though so the 150 I saved not getting the mk2 was worth.

Also, you can't beat the aurex sequencers for the lp
also i believe the mk1 is missing midi led feedback? which is my biggest gripe about my icon idj.
Nana Mohs
30.08.2011
I use an mk1 25. Love it with my lp. The extra lcd is really nice but the drum pads are total shite on the mk1. I don't really use them though so the 150 I saved not getting the mk2 was worth.

Also, you can't beat the aurex sequencers for the lp
Chasidy Heckenbach
29.08.2011
Originally Posted by deevey
I actually thought thats what the OP was after seeing as he's included an Oxygen 8 in both setups?

For portability and flexibility though and on the SL2 Tip (no pun I swear)
What about a regular SL mkII ?

It probably has ample flexibility ? 9 encoders, 8 Knobs, 8 pads, 8 faders, keyboard, 32 buttons and joystick.... and touch sensitive controls.

Nice setup

Maybe add a launchpad for even more toys ?

$320 seems like a steal if you need a keyboard anyhow

one of those plus a launchpad would make for an awesome production combo

and yep, my bad, the OP mentioned he had got ableton
Rolanda Clodfelder
29.08.2011
seems more suited to something like ableton or other DAW's?
I actually thought thats what the OP was after seeing as he's included an Oxygen 8 in both setups?

For portability and flexibility though and on the SL2 Tip (no pun I swear)
What about a regular SL mkII ?

It probably has ample flexibility ? 9 encoders, 8 Knobs, 8 pads, 8 faders, keyboard, 32 buttons and joystick.... and touch sensitive controls.

Nice setup

Maybe add a launchpad for even more toys ?

$320 seems like a steal if you need a keyboard anyhow

Chasidy Heckenbach
29.08.2011
Originally Posted by deevey
I laugh when I see peeps saying too big, it fits fine in my "tech air" 15' messenger bag alongside my Macbook, soundcard, few external Hard drives, and stand.

Hardly that bulky definetly smaller than an S4
most things don't seem bulky compared to the mahoosive S4

if it was the only controller you needed to take with you (which is possible with all the controls) then i guess it's not so bad. just is big compared to the launchpad if the pads are the main aim of the game. the apc40 is still pretty bloated tho - i'm sure they could have made it a bit smaller.

If Size is really an Issue, what about a Zero SLII as part of the setup?, its a pretty good bang for buck controller.
the sl2 does seem quite cool, not really sure why it's not more popular here. 199$ seems pretty good. maybe just not flexible enough - seems more suited to something like ableton or other DAW's?

ofc u could get 2 launchpads for the price of one apc40 so all depends on what the users priorities are.
Rolanda Clodfelder
29.08.2011
Apc40 is too big and bulky.
I laugh when I see peeps saying too big, it fits fine in my "tech air" 15' messenger bag alongside my Macbook, soundcard, few external Hard drives, and stand.

Hardly that bulky definetly smaller than an S4



If Size is really an Issue, what about a Zero SLII as part of the setup?, its a pretty good bang for buck controller.

The APC40 is very "comfortable" to use, with the amount of free surrounding space, given the choice I'd get a VCM600 though for everything moreso at my fingertips (eq's gains etc...).

Comfort playing over comfort transporting every time for me
Chasidy Heckenbach
29.08.2011
Originally Posted by skappy7
See, now i heard the opposite, that apc40 is for production, and launchpad is for live. haha
i'd have to agree. the apc40 is too big and bulky. makes much more sense in the studio. the launchpad is much easier to wack in your bag and setup somewhere else.
Shandra Addabbo
28.08.2011
See, now i heard the opposite, that apc40 is for production, and launchpad is for live. haha
Gloria Lemmel
28.08.2011
The launchpad is gonna be your best bet for production. If you were running a live set for performance, I'd say get the APC40, but it's big and heavy and the Launchpad is much smaller with just as much useability for production. You just have to know how to use it well. I can do everything that my friend who has an apc40 can do with my Axiom Pro 49 and Launchpad. The combo of a keyboard with faders/pots and the launchpad can't go wrong.
Shandra Addabbo
28.08.2011
Thanks for the help everyone, I also meant to say an oxygen 49, not 8. that or a yamaha psr e323. The reviews/opinions on this are so mixed in regards to an apc40 and launchpad

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