
Lastly, those who are into outboard gear are in for a treat as this MIDI controller comes with two sets of CV outputs and host of other MIDI connections. The pads are also super useful as you when used with Drum Rack as the pad colours reflect those in the Drum Rack and scrolling through the 127 pads is a breeze. The abundance of faders, buttons and knobs make it very easy for you to navigate around Ableton Live's track settings, as you get dedicated mute and arm buttons for each track. The pitch and modulation wheels also change colour to show what track you're working on, which is a nice touch.
#Best midi keyboard for ableton live 9 full
The five colour LCD screens give you full parameter feedback, allowing you to see everything you are controlling without having to look at your computer screen (great for device macros). The onboard eight-track sequencer, keyboard lighting and various scale/arp/zone modes are all great, unique features on this MIDI controller. This might be the best high-end keyboard option for Ableton Live.
Can be bus powered but needs power adapter to see display clearlyĢ. Create an entire track without having to look at computer screen. Beautiful display that shows detailed info especially when using Live's devices. Flawless Integration with nearly every aspect of Ableton Live. Overall, this is the must-have MIDI controller for any serious users looking to get the most out of Ableton Live. My other favourite features of this MIDI controller include scale modes (allows me to quickly come up with melodies that I wouldn't be able to play on the keyboard) and drum/melody sequencing (a creative way to input drums and melodies). Having 64 pads allows you to do create very interesting combinations when you're working with a long file. The visual element and responsiveness of the knobs adds an MPC-style feel when cutting up the file. One of my most used features that's unique to the Push 2 is sample chopping with Simpler. What I love about the Ableton Push 2 is that I can produce an entire track without once touching or looking at my computer. It allows you to control virtually every parameter within the DAW and shines best when you are using it with Live's stock devices to create your ideas. This is the flagship MIDI controller for Ableton Live and is the most tightly integrated out of the list. This is NOT a review article but I do express my preferences and pro’s/con’s of each controller. I’ve listed my recommendations below and their best use cases. Controls and host integration - how well does the MIDI controller communicate with the DAW that you use? Does it just control basic transport functions (play, stop, record) or is there deeper functionality (recording/launching clips)? This is usually the deal-breaker for me when picking a controller to use with a DAW.Īfter many years producing with Ableton Live I’ve had the opportunity to experiment with MIDI controllers of all different shapes and sizes for various applications in my bedroom, in studio, on stage, and even outside sitting in a park. Quality and type of components - do the keys feel cheap and are they weighted? How sensitive are the pads and do they have a good feel to them when finger drumming? Do you prefer endless rotary encoders or fixed position knobs?. Number of components - how many keys, pads, knobs, buttons and other components would you like to have? Do you value a physical pitch bend and modulation wheel as opposed to a touch one?. Size of MIDI controller - Do you want something you can take with you on the go that easily fits in your backpack or do you want a bigger controller with more physical space to fit things like a screen/display?.
How do you decide what’s best for you, especially as an Ableton Live user? There are many considerations when deciding what controller to get: In a market saturated with MIDI controllers it can be hard to find the right one. While t here are no sounds built into most MIDI controllers you'll find MIDI functionality across a range of gear that does produce sound (like synthesizers and groove boxes). It can come in many sizes and forms, most commonly as piano/synth keys and drum pads. What Is A MIDI Controller?Ī MIDI controller is a physical device used to communicate (generally over USB) with your DAW such as Ableton Live so you can do things like play your virtual instruments and control knobs, faders and buttons in the GUI.
To make the most out of these features and enhance your creative workflow, it’s important to have the right MIDI controller that’s tightly integrated with these parameters in Ableton Live.
Ableton LIve is a unique Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) that features two modes of music production (session and arrangement view) and offers a variety of ways to control the parameters within the software.