Akai MPC40 vs Novation Launchpad Which One To Buy

Well, it comes down to your flow.

Why do you want a controller? Are you planning on producing or performing? I’ve been told with Ableton it’s pointless to buy a controller if you’re just looking to produce.

I used to own an APC40 and will say it’s more tightly integrated to Ableton Live. However, some prefer the launchpad for its simplicity.

Well, when I owned an APC40, it seemed great for launching clips, but not for something like a beatpad.

Maybe the launchpad might give you some versatility.

IF you can afford an Akai made Ableton Push, that is your BEST option if you’re using Ableton Live.

Using a controller to produce is absolutely NOT pointless for producing or performing. It creates a much easier workflow and allows you to do things a lot more efficient than just using a mouse and keyboard. A controller is a shortcut executer. It allows you to do mouse and key manipulations simple and much more quickly.

If you’re just looking to launch scenes you could go with the Akai APC Mini, but the pads are NOT velocity sensitive. It does give you 16 pads and 8 vertical faders.

IF you have other controllers then piece it together. I’ve used Midi Fighter and Twister, Traktor Kontrol F1, Korg Nano Pad (Stay away from it – bad quality pads), M-Audio Keystation 49-E (it’s a Midi Keyboard WITH VELOCITY SENSITIVE Keys), Mixtrack Pro II and Pioneer DDJ-SZ. But I find that PUSH is the best controller for Ableton. It’s not cheap, but well worth it.
But if you’re not going to go with Push, you might want to think about getting a Midi Keyboard with velocity sensitive keys – you can use it to create beats with the keys as pads and the velocity sensitivity can give some ‘swing’. You can easily use it to create melodies with the keys setup as a keyboard. Depending on which one you chose, you could likely do everything an APC40 or Launchpad could accomplish – you would just have to create your own Midi assignments for the controller and then save it to re-use. … It’s all about learning how to setup your midi to do what you want. Unless you just want to plug a controller in and use it in it’s default setup. In which case, again, I would point you toward Push.

I’m no expert. But hope that helps.

It’s worth the value to throw the money down for Push if you’re already going to be spending the money on something near that price range.

But if not, rather than going with purchasing a mid priced controller I suggest using the controllers you have now in combination with a lesser priced controller (provided you have enough USB inputs or a proper USB hub), create your own custom Midi mapping with those – then throw down for the Push with the money you save + the money you already SAVED by not purchasing a mid-range controller which you had intentions of upgrading from anyway.
Unless you can get one of those mid-range controllers for a price you can toss the money at without concern later when you have to throw down for something more expensive… i.e. Push.

Do you currently have any controllers besides a mouse and keyboard?

What are you looking to accomplish with the controller. I know you said mixtapes and beats, but does that mean you want to be able to control automation and effects, or you want to be able to finger drum on pads, or you want to play/create/control the melody/pitch or you want to take samples and mix them together? Or all of the above… What’s your main purpose for the controller?
There might be a way to accomplish the same thing with another less expensive controller, OR a combination of 2 or more less expensive controllers.

What kind of things are you currently using Ableton for? What things have you been using the DAW for currently?

Also, are you looking at the Older Launch Pad, or the Launch Pad 2? If you’re looking at the older Launchpad then go with that at $99 compared to the MPC40 @ $229-399

But if you’re comparing the Launchpad 2 to the MPC40 then.. I would consider the way you want to use the controller and the types of controls on the controller. The Launchpad is basically all about pressing pads. You press pads for each function. The MPC40 has a combination of pads, buttons, rotary dials, vertical faders and a cross fader. Personally, I would prefer using the MPC40 over the Launchpad because of the variety in types of controls. Keep in mind the pads on the MPC40 are not velocity sensitive so there will be no “swing” to your sound unless you automate it.
If you’re looking to perform as a DJ, especially if you’re going to use any other software besides Ableton Live, I would again suggest the MPC40.

I also suggest finding these controllers somewhere where you can put your hands on them for a while. Most places will have no problem letting you bring in some gear to hook up and test them out if they’re going to get you to purchase one or the other from them. Play around with them and see which one you are more comfortable using.

You should be able to get Push for around $499. Not 1200.

But if you’re looking to finger drum you may want something with velocity sensitive pads.

You might want to check this thread I found while trying to figure out if the original Launchpad was velocity sensitive – Which is it NOT – for their suggestions. … Again, if you’re using Ableton, Push brings the value at its price. But maybe look into the QuNeo or other similar controllers.

Any pads similar to Launchpad, but velocity sensitive?
byu/Ckovoftdot inabletonlive

Whatever you decide, you’ll be able to make any of them work for you. You may just have to use some workarounds. Seek out some tutorials for the controller and you should be able to accomplish what you want.
And don’t forget that your keyboard can also be used like a controller. Experiment with Live without a controller so you can figure out what things you’d desire for your controller to do if you had the option.