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Sorry for yet another “please help me choose a controller” thread
I know this question has been asked numerous times here, and I’ve gone through all the threads, but I still can’t make up my mind.
Btw the thread that sold me on buying a new controller was this one by @rs2000 on the drambo forum (thanks, man): http://forum.beepstreet.com/discussion/479/midi-controllers-with-incremental-knob-encoders
My favorite options so far are (by this order):
- Arturia minilab mk2 has perfect form-shape. Don’t like the linear set pads, would rather they’d be arranged in a square or two rows at least. But that’s just a minor detail. How is the action on the keys, though? I assume the pads are equal to those on beatstep in terms of velocity response and aftertouch?
- Beatstep looks great too, but has no keys, although it does MPE. Perfect form, though, enough to make me revaluate if I need keys.
- Novation launchkey mini is also perfectly formed, and seems to be hassle free for using with LK (I’m assuming it has worse build quality than arturia’s, though)
- Novation launchpad X (again no keys, or knobs). This could perhaps be the most versatile, though, although a bit too big for portability. I believe the pads are top quality, though.
My limitations and requirements:
- I have an ipad air 2 and I’m not upgrading in the near future, so it’ll have to work with this old ipad
- I already own a novation x-station 25, it’s been my controller for many years, and it still works. It’s just too clunky for my mobile needs nowadays (read that as: couch). I also have an akai mpc 1000 gathering dust. Also works (needs the x-station for the midi to usb), and not very portable either.
- I’d love for it to be able to just connect to the ipad with the CCK (I have the old one, from apple), and be powered without any powered hubs or anything else, even if it drains the battery fast (a couple of hours at a time and I’d be happy)
- I believe for the new CCK with power capabilities I’d need an ipad with USB3, right? So not my case…
- I’d like it to have keys, even if they are small and non-weighted, but keys or not, I want aftertouch (MPE is not a priority, but could be interesting, thinking of the novation beatstep or korg nanokey)
- I believe I can use the launchpad X (or the beatstep) for melodic input, even if the interface is different from a traditional keyboard, but I can program scales or just the notes I need for a melody, and get even better results, since I’m not that great of a pianist. Can someone confirm?
- Endless encoders are a must, even if just a few knobs (obviously not applicable to the launchpad X)
- I can live without faders
- My budget can go up to any of the aforementioned options
What I want to do:
- Controll drambo, synths, and LK, mostly
- I really want it to excel at finger drumming (good velocity response, aftertouch). I could (and have) play drums on a piano keyboard, instead of pads
- Need to input melodies, even if with pads (that have velocity and aftertouch)
Any help and feedback greatly appreciated, and again, sorry for yet another one of these requests, and quite a verbose one at that.
Cheers!
pedro
Comments
I have a novation lk mini mk3. Build is good (all plastic) though keys feel a little cheap (but fine for the price). Tons of nice functions built in, do recommend especially if you think you’ll ever use ableton. Works as advertised with LK and notation apps. I also find it’s perfectly ‘sofa sized’ - big enough to be stable on your lap or balanced on a cushion, not so big it crushes you 😂
Main drawback is it needs extra power if you have a lightening ipad so you need the cck with both usb and charging, and a power bank or nearly usb charger. I’m not sure if any other options work without extra power, definitely the launchpad needs it (because of the blinkenlichts). Maybe the arturia doesn’t?
@mangecoeur thanks
Working in ableton has not been a factor for several years (used to be my daw of choice, but then life happened). Could be in the future, but I'm not thinking long-term here.
But having it be powered by the air2 alone would be a major deciding factor. And I don't think I can use those CCKs with both usb and charging with an air2, can I?
I also read some comments where it was stated the regular cck with a passive unpowered hub would make it work (go figure). That could be an option, but I read conflicting comments, so I’m not entirely sure
From your list I would recommended the Launchpad X.
I have one and combined with using Midi Synth Control,
as I’m iOS only, it’s almost perfect for finger drumming,
playing in melodic lines, soloing and using it as a controller
for cc messages and it’s useful as a clip launcher.
It does work with a CCK that charges both the ipad and the LP X.
It’s a good all round tool.
Here’s me using it combined with a LaunchControl XL.
@Gravitas thanks, you make a very compelling argument, and I'm really tempted.
I am just not certain I can use that CCK that uses power with an ipad air2? It seems it only works with usb C, is it possible with my anciente air2? Excuse my ignorance, your feedback is much apreciated
I guess much of my indecision comes down to: does the lightning to USB 3 camera adapter work with air 2?
No problem.
Use a standard USB C to USB 2.0 A cable with a CCK and you’re good to go.
That’s what I use.
The LP X works with both my 9.7” ipad pro and Air 3 with no difficulty at all.
🙂
The Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter works with my iPad Air (original), so it will certainly work with your Air 2. It has nothing to do with USB-C, which uses an entirely different connector. There is a newer USB-C adapter, with USB-A and HDMI ports; you don't want that.
This is the one you need.
@uncledave thanks! That’s reassuring. Guess I’m gonna order that then. But first I think I’ll order the minilab, or maybe just a beatstep? Or perhaps the launchpad x?
But thanks, really, all of you, I am much informed now!
And I think my heart is set on the minilab. Perhaps with a side of hercules starlight, it’s just so cute and I hope it’ll bring some drambo scratch and x-fader fun, I’m on a spending spree, and I blame it on @rs2000 😡😂
@pedro
Melodic lines and finger drumming Launchpad XL (light weight)
Sequencing and synth control
Beatstep Pro
(Heavyish weight)
Launchkey if you wanna bang out lines on keys and if you want a few pads to launch or trigger stuff
If you want encoders take a look at MIDIFighter Twister
Your likely not going to find one controller that fits all your needs
I know because I have the twister, Beatstep pro, and a Launchpad X
If you want just one listen to @Gravitas and get the LPX and the app Midi SynthControl (so you don’t have to program it on the desktop)
They all work with a powered hub and a cck
I have a Novation Launchkey mini, it’s fine and as stated before it packs a lot of functionality. Arpeggiator is fun, you can switch midi channels (a must, can’t do it with the Korg nanokey studio which I also own),
BUT It’s pretty lame in the “launch” department. Only 2 rows means you don’t have a global view of the songs, and the “scrolling” is not well implemented, as you start scrolling you loose of where you’re at. It’s a lot easier to just use the iPad screen with LK. Also it doesn’t work (yet) in integration with Loopy Pro, it does via midi but no feedback bla bla.
@audiblevideo
Thanks, you pretty much summed it all.
Disappointing as it may sound, I just went with my initial gut feeling and lost 100€ right now and ordered a minilab. I know, it’s a compromise, but I’m just a poor boy, from a poor family, spare me this life from some monstrosity.
I need to start somewhere, and this seems like a good way to test the waters, since I finally feel like taking ios music more seriously. I’m sure I won’t stop here, but 100€ doesn’t seem so bad as an entry price.
Thanks for putting up with me... you guys are the best
I love this forum
@tahiche thanks, you also informed my current and future decisions. I skipped a reply but please don’t think nothing of it. Much appreciated!
Enjoy your Minilab!. I’m sure you’ll make good use of it!.
And yes, this forum is the best 🤟
I think I will be ordering the Midi Fighter Twister, to use along with the qwerty keyboard for notes, in Drambo.
Just another thought. Seems like the single best knobs solution, but that's all it has.
Yep. That's why I chose the Beatstep over the Twister. Drambo won't provide feedback to control its LED rings anyway.
I see. But you guys are miles ahead from me. I’ll try to catch up
You’ll be hearing from me, check your rear view mirror
I wonder if a midi module in Drambo could be programmed to mirror input from the twister or something like that. Not an actual suggestion the beat step seems solid
@soundtemple posted how to get LED colors on the midifighter here: https://forum.audiob.us/discussion/comment/1046411#Comment_1046411
And anyone who gets a beatstep gets my obligatory link to bending it to your will (i used mozaic):
https://www.untergeek.de/2014/11/taming-arturias-beatstep-sysex-codes-for-programming-via-ipad/
Sure you could do that, it's just not supported out of the box.
Nothing keeps you from using "meta knobs" inside Drambo that control parameters and send note or CC feedback at the same time.
I predict we are gonna run into a problem down the road with devs and automapping. Particularly launchpads.
For example, Loopy, LK, Atom, etc..they all want control of the LP. So youre gonna have to decide who is going to get their features shut off.
Some devs dont even implement a way to turn off the LP control, so you couldnt even use it in a setup with loopy.
Here’s one from the leftfield.
The original Novation Circuits can be picked up pretty cheap used at the moment whilst everybody want the new shiny.
It makes for a freaking great controller. It’s battery powered by AAs (rechargeables work great) works perfectly via midi with the CCK, can do scales and has four rows of pads to play melodies.
It’s also a pretty great sequencer, has two polyphonic synths (which are way better than many people give them credit for — but you’ll know if you like them as it will be similar to the X-Statuon) and four mono sample channels.
The sequencer can be live transposed and even change the scales on the fly (great for temporarily switching modes, say from minor to major for a cool vibe change) and it’s easy to record in two channels of MIDI simultaneously playing the various patterns in and switching up the arrangement on the fly.
It’s also a ton of fun standalone. I use it as my couch jamming toy when I’d never use an iPad due to being tired and needing a break from screens.
The project I’m working on at the moment started on the circuit and I think the original sounds will play a big part in the finished mix.
The knobs are endless too.
It doesn’t do the Launchpad style lighthy-up thing but it is the perfect sofa instrument. Small, light, battery powered.
If notation made a new version with a class compliant audio interface built in like the xioSynth and X-station it would be just about the perfect iOS companion device for me.
I still have my old xiosynth and it’s great but like the x-station it’s still a bit klunky even though it’s a cut down version of the X-station.
I can’t think of a better way to spend £95 on hardware!
It works great as a controller even if you don’t use the built in sounds. Having the built in sequencers adds a lot. The circuit sequencers are really quick to use and encourage me to play parts I wouldn’t play with a piano keyboard.
Anyway. Just a thought :-)
Thanks for all the help. I went for easy solution, and my minilab just arrived. It’s just so cute 🥰
Keys and pads have a nice feel. And it works with simply a cck and the usb cable (I just did a 5min test, I’m at work, don’t tell my boss).
Actually now I have another problem, tonight I might wanna cuddle with it, and my gf might not be understanding. Kick her out of bed, right? Right??...
How do I insert a poll...🤔
Edit the original post? Or maybe start a new thread.
@pedro enjoy you minilab and don’t forget to use the desktop software they bundled with it, it’s good.
Thanks for the links @AlmostAnonymous
I’ll have to check that. I skimmed the manual beforehand but it seemed that it’s only workable with a pc/mac. Not really any ios usable stuff. Not that I regret it, I was fully aware, and will try it for sure. My main interest is using it with the ipad, though
And the keys feel so nice. Glad I went for arturia. I see many hours of fun in my horizon