@Fperez04 I believe so, but if you're only using Reason, there are better controllers to use. Novation's ZeRO SL MkII has better control for the same amount of money.
Not hating, but just curious. Does it make sense to have a APC40 + The Maschine? I already have an APC40 and a MPC500 I just use as a drum pad, but the pads on that are not going to cut it. I'm just wondering if it's worth dropping the money on the Maschine or just go for a cheaper alternative like an MPD.
@zetterburger it depends on how you like your workflow. I can sit with the Maschine in stand alone mode for hours, bashing out rhythms and bass lines, since I can use Maschine without looking at the computer screen. It helps me focus better. Once I'm done I use Maschine as a plug-in in Live and import my project. Then the APC-40 comes into play. I've heard the MPC500 has a poor interface, and I'm guessing you're not using it as a sampler.
just wondering which software you find best for production, i have reason 4 at the minute but i find it hard to use still do you think its worth buying ableton suite 8? or do you think its best just sticking with reason?
Every track i've produced in the last year or two have been done in Ableton Live. I did a gradual upgrade to Live 8 Suite from a Live 6 LE version, so it didn't seem to cost me a lot. My problem with Reason is that you are stuck with the instruments they give you - and no audio. Buying Record will help with the audio part, I guess. I like the workflow of Live better. I can create multiple arrangements in clip view faster. Also, I have a wider palette of instruments with VST plugins.
I use Rob Papen's Predator synth and Korg/s M1/Wavestation VST - covers a lot of ground. And I can always slave Reason into it. Also Live handles phrase sampling of my hardware synths, such as my Korg Electribe MX and Kaossilator.
You can totally get by with Reason (and Record) but eventually, you'll want to expand.
You might be better off with something like a novation SL mkII Zero (just the controller part of the 61SL minus the keyboard). APC40 is more for clip launching in Ableton. While it can be used for other things, the config is a hassle. Novation has a great template for Reason, however, and with all those knobs and sliders, it is far more intuitive.
The Bitstream is an older piece of hardware, I'm not sure how well it's still being supported. I bought a used Evolution UC-33 controller a while back. Then Evolution got bought by M-Audio and the support for UC-33 all but vanished.
Between the three, I would go with the novation. It's new, the config is next to zero, supports Reason, and the Automap feature is quite spectacular when working with plugins.
It's a DJ laptop stand. Onstage Stands makes them, but they are like $50. I found mine at Amazon for $30, made by Marathon, but the design is the same.
I've been using a mac since 1988, it's just makes more sense to me. The duel monitors are hooked up to my work's PC - but I use my macbook pro for music and illustration.
I have a question is it possible to use the APC40 in reason? to control devices and parameters?
Fperez04 1 year ago
@Fperez04 I believe so, but if you're only using Reason, there are better controllers to use. Novation's ZeRO SL MkII has better control for the same amount of money.
AIJoe 1 year ago
Not hating, but just curious. Does it make sense to have a APC40 + The Maschine? I already have an APC40 and a MPC500 I just use as a drum pad, but the pads on that are not going to cut it. I'm just wondering if it's worth dropping the money on the Maschine or just go for a cheaper alternative like an MPD.
zetterburger 1 year ago
@zetterburger it depends on how you like your workflow. I can sit with the Maschine in stand alone mode for hours, bashing out rhythms and bass lines, since I can use Maschine without looking at the computer screen. It helps me focus better. Once I'm done I use Maschine as a plug-in in Live and import my project. Then the APC-40 comes into play. I've heard the MPC500 has a poor interface, and I'm guessing you're not using it as a sampler.
AIJoe 1 year ago
@zetterburger If you don't do MPC style production then you don't need the Maschine, just get a MPD style controller.
AIJoe 1 year ago
How do you like the SL mkII!? I want one!
mrmeoff 1 year ago
Nice setup!
johnnykilroy9394 1 year ago
cool thanks alot,
yeh i think im going to go for the ableton suite 8 thanks for the advise, what plugins with ableton do you use?
serpz123 2 years ago
hey,
just wondering which software you find best for production, i have reason 4 at the minute but i find it hard to use still do you think its worth buying ableton suite 8? or do you think its best just sticking with reason?
thanks
serpz123 2 years ago
Every track i've produced in the last year or two have been done in Ableton Live. I did a gradual upgrade to Live 8 Suite from a Live 6 LE version, so it didn't seem to cost me a lot. My problem with Reason is that you are stuck with the instruments they give you - and no audio. Buying Record will help with the audio part, I guess. I like the workflow of Live better. I can create multiple arrangements in clip view faster. Also, I have a wider palette of instruments with VST plugins.
AIJoe 2 years ago
I use Rob Papen's Predator synth and Korg/s M1/Wavestation VST - covers a lot of ground. And I can always slave Reason into it. Also Live handles phrase sampling of my hardware synths, such as my Korg Electribe MX and Kaossilator.
You can totally get by with Reason (and Record) but eventually, you'll want to expand.
AIJoe 2 years ago
@serpz123 Abl live 8 suite is defo a mighty music tool, better than reason 4 no question about that
petedelbeat 2 years ago
I'm thinking to buy an Akai apc40.. and I use Reason and Ableton (more Reason than Ableton :P).
it's hard to configure it with Reason??
it's only designed to work well with Ableton?
blissetmizz 2 years ago
You might be better off with something like a novation SL mkII Zero (just the controller part of the 61SL minus the keyboard). APC40 is more for clip launching in Ableton. While it can be used for other things, the config is a hassle. Novation has a great template for Reason, however, and with all those knobs and sliders, it is far more intuitive.
AIJoe 2 years ago
hehe..the novation!yes man!It is just what I'm looking at...
I'm going to buy one of these:
- CME Bitstream 3x
- Novation Remote SL MKII
- Akai APC40
Till now I'm on the Bitstream that seems to be the best...but I don't know really which buy
blissetmizz 2 years ago
The Bitstream is an older piece of hardware, I'm not sure how well it's still being supported. I bought a used Evolution UC-33 controller a while back. Then Evolution got bought by M-Audio and the support for UC-33 all but vanished.
Between the three, I would go with the novation. It's new, the config is next to zero, supports Reason, and the Automap feature is quite spectacular when working with plugins.
AIJoe 2 years ago
yes, the bitstream is a bit old and it has a problem with the knobs in mode Take-Over...
I think I gonna take the Novation...though I have not too clear the diference between the new model and the old one..
!!Thanks a lot AIJoe for your suport!!! ;)
blissetmizz 2 years ago
Besides the LED rings and the touch focus, I think the newer SL models come with Automap Pro. The older models might need a paid upgrade to that.
AIJoe 2 years ago
where can i get a stand like that for my apc40? thax bro nices setup
bdubbz06 2 years ago
It's a DJ laptop stand. Onstage Stands makes them, but they are like $50. I found mine at Amazon for $30, made by Marathon, but the design is the same.
AIJoe 2 years ago
I've been using a mac since 1988, it's just makes more sense to me. The duel monitors are hooked up to my work's PC - but I use my macbook pro for music and illustration.
AIJoe 2 years ago