Ideal Ableton controller for mixing a studio set?

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Posted by dorifuto on Jul-27-2007 16:02:

Ideal Ableton controller for mixing a studio set?

What's a suitable midi controller to use with Ableton for mixing a set? I simply want to sequence a set in Ableton and use the controller to eq, fade channels etc...

Not looking for anything overkill like a Xone 3D. Any alternatives to something like the M-Audio Torq Xponent?

Posted by DiscoStew on Jul-27-2007 16:06:

Ecler Nuo 4. Cheaper than the Torq Xponent and it functions as a regular mixer as well. Down side: only two of the channels are assignable to midi funtions. But there is a custom set of knobs on there ass well.

Posted by SPAWNmaster on Jul-27-2007 17:34:

For just a controller I recommend the Novation Remote SL Zero.

Posted by Zild on Jul-27-2007 17:42:

I just use the mouse. I picked an Akai MPD which I've been using lately for production. It would probably work well for a studio mix.

Posted by jupiterone on Jul-27-2007 17:56:

Novation SL Remote

UC-33e

Posted by Inertia on Jul-27-2007 17:59:

quote:
Originally posted by jupiterone
Novation SL Remote

UC-33e

+1

or you could just get a really basic MIDI controller with some buttons, and combine it with the UC-33e.

Posted by tjpatel on Jul-27-2007 18:24:

theres a xone 2d for $699.00

Posted by DiscoStew on Jul-27-2007 18:33:

quote:
Originally posted by tjpatel
theres a xone 2d for $699.00

That is a great product but soooooooo overpriced.

Posted by dorifuto on Jul-27-2007 19:53:

quote:
Originally posted by Zild
I just use the mouse. I picked an Akai MPD which I've been using lately for production. It would probably work well for a studio mix.

That also raises the question, in regard to studio mixes. Do most of you plot the eq settings manually, or use a midi controller to adjust them live on the fly?

Posted by Zild on Jul-27-2007 20:05:

Personally I don't use EQs very much to begin with, so I just use the mouse and bring songs in and out simply using the fader on that channel in the session view. No post processing either. Great results too.

Posted by DjWoody on Jul-27-2007 20:10:

quote:
Originally posted by DJChrisB
That is a great product but soooooooo overpriced.

Yes and no. It has a built in soundcard, which somewhat makes up for the price difference. But even than, you're right. It's kinda over priced.

Posted by jupiterone on Jul-27-2007 21:22:

The 2D actually seems like the biggest waste of 700$ on the market. Really, imo, you're only buying the soundcard. Because for the common DJ getting into Ableton/Midi, they want 3 knobs for EQ like a traditional mixer...yet the 2d only has 2 and 1 endless knob. So I don't see a point in A&H even making the thing.

Posted by adder on Jul-28-2007 06:19:

What is your opinion of the Faderfox? it seems small, functional, and not too expensive. has anybody had any experience using them?

Posted by Bj�rn on Jul-28-2007 09:44:

I suggest you check out the CME Bitstream Pro.

Posted by ZeJayMan on Jul-28-2007 10:18:

quote:
Originally posted by Bj�rn
I suggest you check out the CME Bitstream Pro.

This and the Novation are good bets.

Posted by Ryan0751 on Jul-28-2007 13:55:

Xone 2D is not available until like November, and yes it's over priced. The jog wheel has only one use in ableton worth mentioning: clip scrubbing. After experiencing some really poor firmware issues with the 3D, I'm not sure I'd recommend these products until A+H gets their SH*T together and releases some updates...

For example, if you are DJ'ing with the 3D and your laptop goes to sleep, the mixer will lockup where you can't use the cue buttons anymore. That's "less than ideal" when you have to power cycle your mixer during a set, no?

Don't buy a DJ style controller for Ableton. Ableton is not a DJ program. It's production software.

The novation comes highly recommended, and supports their automap system (google it).
You'll still need a sound card with multiple stereo outs for cueing.

Faderfoxes are awesome... very compact. My only complaint is they are pricey, about $350 USD each, and you'll need 2-3 of them for a decent setup. They also don't have USB interfaces, so you'll need a MIDI interface and also AC adapters if you don't want to use batteries.

quote:
Originally posted by adder
What is your opinion of the Faderfox? it seems small, functional, and not too expensive. has anybody had any experience using them?

Posted by Inertia on Jul-28-2007 21:40:

glad to see you finally came around to the realization that just because it's A&H doesn't mean it'll be that great.

Posted by lwigii on Jul-29-2007 01:47:

Get the BCR-2000 by Behringer, very good, very cheap and most importantly does the job required....and more!

You won't be disappointed

Posted by G-Con on Jul-29-2007 11:28:

IMO the evolution uc33e is perfect for what you are after. It has plenty of knobs for you to assign to eq's and sends effects. It has plenty of faders to assign to channel volumes and it has buttons which can be used to launch and mute clips.

and its quite cheap

Posted by orangejuice on Jul-30-2007 02:47:

what about the new vestax vci-100? iv heard alot of good things about it

Posted by Ryan0751 on Jul-30-2007 10:08:

It's made for traktor or Torq, is completely irrelevant for ableton.

quote:
Originally posted by orangejuice
what about the new vestax vci-100? iv heard alot of good things about it