There are many different kinds of Ableton controllers available on the market nowadays. Deciding which are the best Ableton controllers, and which suit your style, is undoubtedly a difficult choice. It may vary based on what kind of music you intend to produce.
Maybe a controller with touch sensitivity, which goes well for drummers and beatmakers, is a great choice for you. Or, perhaps a keyboard controller for those who want to play intricate compositions or make live music or live DJ-ing suits you.
Regardless of your needs, you'll find out exactly what an Ableton midi controller is, what they do, and how to work with them in the following guide. We have also done the needed research and created a list of the five best controllers for Ableton Live available right now. So read on, and enjoy!
What is an Ableton Controller?
An Ableton Live controller is a peripheral device used for playing, mixing, and producing electronic music. These controllers come pre-packaged with Ableton software and are plug and play, meaning that they do not require additional setup on the user's end to operate.
These devices are often used by electronic musicians as "standalone" music production stations, but can also be used for live performances thanks to the software's tempo functions.
This allows the user to drag or rush the music to the desired effect to easily sync up with the rest of the performers.
Features
The below features that most of these controllers share are:
The best of these devices comes with many more options to explore. They are very easy to use and have highly intuitive designs that allow working with little to no practice, hence the reason why they are so desirable.
What Does an Ableton Controller Do?
An Ableton midi controller functions both as an instrument and a mixing tool. It allows the user to control samples, midi instruments, and scenes with ease, giving the performance a more natural feel while also saving time.
For example, if you were to program a drum track in the Ableton midi piano roll by mouse or computer keyboard, the inputs would register the notes played as fixed velocity values, often with input lag (on keyboard).
You would then have to drag the notes on time or quantize them to the tempo and then edit the track again in the midi editor to the desired velocity values.
Features
When using an Ableton controller with velocity-sensitive pads, all you have to do is select the track, arm it, press record, and then finger drum the desired beat on the controller with no latency.
They also have scene control, which means that you can play different designated scenes you made in session view with just one button while keeping control of the selected instrument or drum track you want to play over the selected arrangement.
Some have knobs dedicated to send-return channels for auxiliary tracks that make changing reverb, distortion, delay, and much more not only very accessible but also much more responsive than usual.
Some even allow for effect track parameters to be changed in real-time using the knobs and often include the option to cycle through them.
Controllers that have knobs can also record automation values regarding the track's parameters. The last feature that only a limited number of models can do is recording and slicing samples.
How to Use Ableton Controllers
It would be best to have Ableton Live installed on the computer or laptop you plan on pairing the controller with. Without Ableton Live, your gear will be useless.
The standard connection is USB 2. Once you power the controller (usually direct current), you should connect the device directly to the computer. If you are using a USB hub, make sure it is powered to have the clearest and brightest user interface.
Once you open Ableton Live and the Ableton controller, they sync up, meaning that what you do on the computer and what you do on the controller affects one another.
Depending on the controller's complexity, you could either use the controller for the entire session through its browser, or it might be required for you to assign the tracks to different pads to play them manually.
They can be either sample, midi tracks, VSTs, AUs, or entire scenes. From there onwards, the best way to clean up your session is to arrange the different tracks you are going to use in a comfortable order for what you want to do to ease scrolling between them.
When tracking, you can load samples or loops or even a simple click track, arm the track(s) that you want to be recording, and play the Ableton midi controller from there. For a live performance, you should have everything set up beforehand.
These devices are highly intuitive. By just turning the knobs and looking at the screen you will be given all the necessary information. Some models have color-coded pads corresponding to the color of the tracks on the computer for easy navigation, while others only have yellow for active tracks and green for playing tracks.
While this is not a problem in simple sessions, more complex ones will be more taxing on your actual memory to keep track of all of them. The sampler control is easy to use, allowing for automation when slicing to the track's transients with the turn of a knob.
Another one controls the tempo automation and the slices' tempo stretches, which are usually logarithmic. Some devices offer knobs for send/return options on aux tracks.
When used as a keyboard, the pad controllers offer to tune in any key, making it extremely simple to play, and it is virtually impossible to hit a false note. This is all you need to know so far to get you started on your production, but let's see how these devices fair against MIDI keyboards.
Ableton Controller vs MIDI Keyboard
At first sight, you might think Ableton controllers are simply overestimated midi keyboards on the free market, but you would be dead wrong.
First of all, an Ableton controller is capable of editing, slicing, fading, and layering samples in conformity with the parameters set in Ableton Live.
It is also plug and play, whereas even the best midi keyboard requires installing drivers for it, rebooting, scanning for midi controllers, and then mapping functions and parameters to every button that isn't a key on the midi keyboard controllers.
Both variants usually have touch-sensitive keys, but keyboard midi controllers for Ableton usually have latency problems because of the software's difference, which is extremely rarely optimized for specific DAWs.
What people end up doing at this point is tweaking the latency compensation and sample rate to get a smooth experience yet with no guarantee of complete satisfaction of responsiveness.
Automation syncing is possible in both variants, but recording the automation in real-time can be a real hassle with a midi keyboard. At the same time, with an Ableton controller, the function is already integrated.
All of this makes the experience of playing live simple and effortless for the live controller user. Long story short, if you're a touring musician or travel a lot and time is very precious to you, forget about the keyboard midi controllers for Ableton.
How to Choose the Best Ableton Controller
Depending on what you plan on doing with the controller and your playing style, the answer should be fairly simple. You just need to look at the features and specs.
Top 5 Ableton Controllers
Now with all of that taken into account, here is a list of the best Ableton controllers. This list was made on different criteria, which varies from the best controller when it comes to performance to the best-looking design.
We also added a budget pick to assure that if you're on a budget but still need a controller, you will find such a piece here. So let's dive into it!
1. Ableton Push 2
The Ableton Push 2 is the first choice, but also the most expensive controller on the list. This is the best Ableton controller!
It has 64 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads (which are more responsive than the Push I), a pad strip for pitch bending and scrolling, two footswitch ports, and eight touch-sensitive knobs.
This device has a color display, it is compatible with both PC and Mac, and it comes with Ableton 10 Live Intro software. It is the only controller that comes with a sample editor with all of the sampler parameters accessible. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.
Push 2 is a very capable tool for production and delivers all the pads and parameters you need for total control.
Even if it has many options, it is intuitive to work with, which comes in handy for new music producers. It also has a touch strip that can help you navigate easier between the menus or bend pitches, allowing you to add a more personal touch to the notes.
Since it is compatible with both PC and Mac, it comes with an intro software pack for Live 10, a high power production software. This product is also a plug and play device which does not require additional setup.
Also, Ableton Push 2 has two power supply options. It has a 12V power adapter included in the pack, but you can power it through a USB cable connection as well.
Having two footswitch connection ports makes it even more fun to work with, especially in live situations. With those, you can connect effects pedals or other controllers to skyrocket your production possibilities.
Having an easy to read color display makes everything visible. Scrolling, looping, recording, and more are very easy to navigate, without confusing the user.
This device is a professional-level music production tool, satisfying the need for a full-time performer or a serious music producer. It is not very broad but gives the user enough area to work with. It is high-quality and comes with add-ons that will get you up and running almost instantly. The size of this device is 14.57 X 11.54 inches, and its weight is 6.6 lb.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
64 touch-sensitive pads with high-quality rubber | Could be more compact |
Plug and play compatibility with Ableton Live | One year warranty only |
Color display and easy to use | Might be a bit pricey |
Touch strip |
When it comes to Ableton Live controllers' standards, the Novation Launchpad X is one of the best. The Launch has 64 pressure-sensitive and velocity-sensitive, with Polyphonic Aftertouch pads, which grants a massive expression range.
The RGB pads match the clip's colors on Ableton's session view, making it easier to track individual tracks. It also has two rows of parameter/navigation buttons and it is powered through USB.
Through Dynamic Note and Scale mods available on Novation Launchpad, the user can use the grid-like a keyboard, which is easier because it lets you see the entire chromatic key or a specific scale.
When it comes to drumming, the Launchpad's grid displays the whole drum track, making the production process way easier. On top of this, on Launchpad, you can create custom midi mappings, which grants you complete control of the virtual processors or instruments you use.
Another attribute of the Novation Launchpad is that this controller is cross-platform, making it the best midi controller for platform versatility.
This means that you can still use this midi controller for Ableton with other programs such as Bitwig Studio, FL Studio, and many more. Switching modes is easy, which comes in handy when playing live gigs, as it gives you the ability to use many cross-platform tricks, without hesitation.
Novation Launchpad includes a great software package, which has Ableton Live, AAS Session Bundle, XLN Addictive Keys, and a two months Splice Sound membership.
It is also bundled with software processors like Klevgrand, R0Verb and DAW Cassette, Softube Time, and Tone Bundle and Sound Collective. It also comes with a 3-year warranty. This product is 9.5 X 9.5 inches and weighs 1.81 lb.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Launchpad is cross-platform | Does not have a display |
Compact and lightweight | Does not have a midi controller output on the hardware |
Velocity sensitivity makes it more playable | |
Very durable | |
Relatively affordable and easy to use | Cell |
Impressive light show from the pads | Cell |
3. Ableton Push
This model is the first midi controller by Ableton. The Ableton Push has 64 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads that transmit aftertouch. They contain RGB lighting, which changes depending on the selected mode. In addition, it is meant to be used for Ableton Live and comes with Ableton Live 10 Intro software.
It has two ¼ inches for pedal inputs and has a tough strip, which makes navigation easier. It comes with an AC wall adapter, a Magma MGA75553 Riser Stand Silver, and a USB cable. You can charge it however you want, and will also have a one year warranty.
This device brings Ableton Live's functions in physical reach, making you realize how great live production can be when an equally good live controller supports it. It was one of the best before Push 2. To use Ableton Push, you just have to connect it to your PC via a USB cable and open Ableton Live.
This will trigger the pads, displaying vibrant colors, and you'll be asked on the LCD screen if you want to create a new song. Clicking yes, will turn the controller into a drum machine, and here is where the fun begins.
It is good to know that this controller is particularly built for working with clips in the Session view. It won't work in the arrangement view, which means you will stumble when it comes to linear recording like in regular DAW's. This midi controller can also be changed to a rotational input, which can transform the pads into piano keys, letting you configure the keys into your personal preferences.
Using the scale button, you can change the musical keys to major, minor, or any other exotic key from the many which are available. This helps the beginners and the pros to use the grid as an actual instrument easily.
You can choose the scale you want to compose in and add together melodies and harmonies in a loop mode, just from the controller itself, without touching the mouse. The product is 14.5 X 11.5 inches and weighs 6.6 lb.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
The grid can be used as a keyboard | A limited number of audio controls |
Fun and easy to use | Functions such as recording audio on loop are not easy to achieve |
Can build up lots of clips | |
Makes Ableton Live feel like a dedicated hardware | |
Helps you to compose music faster | Cell |
When it comes to production or music performance, the button layout for the Pro APC40 MKII might look a bit overkill for a beginner, but the ones that know about this field will tell you that all these buttons are necessary.
It might take some time to learn all of them and get used to it, but learning all the switches and their function is worth it. It has 40 pads, nine-channel faders, eight control knobs, and eight device controls for Ableton's interface, and is powered by USB cable.
The buttons are very responsive, even when it comes to lighting. Due to the pads' RGB coding, you can go through most of the set without checking your screen. You also have the nine faders which work with the eight-track selection system. Selecting a track gives you multiple ways of manipulating it.
You can change the sound, mute it, cross-fade it into other tracks, and many more, and these buttons are available below the track selection button.
This device is designed to work for the performer, for someone who is focused on clip-launching rather than for composing new parts. It is the most direct hardware rendering console for Live's Session View. This product comes with Ableton live software and it has a 1-year warranty included. Its size is 16.7 X 10 inches and it weighs 4 lb.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Comprehensive button layout | Some complained that it deteriorates rather quickly after the warranty expires |
Plug and play USB connectivity | Does not have velocity-sensitive buttons |
Great design | Lesser pads than other consoles |
It has a user bank | |
Crossfader routing | Cell |
This one is on the list as it is a budget pick. Akai Professional APC Mini has a 64 pad grid with tri-color lighting (amber, green and red), eight assignable faders, and one master fader.
The color setup is not sophisticated, but effective if you used any other Ableton Live controller: amber means the clip is present, green means the clip is playing, and red means recording.
It might seem a bit intimidating at first, due to the numerous buttons you can work with, but don't let that make up your mind. Due to its portable nature, you can fit it in a laptop bag and carry it with you as you go and resolve your daily obligations.
Since it is portable, it had to be compressed physically, so the manufacturer could not fit as many buttons and knobs as you'd like to have. But this is not a drawback when it comes to functionality. A cool feature in this controller is that whenever you select a track, you get lighting feedback from the device.
You also have faders for each track you are using, making it easy to modulate the volumes of particular tracks. You also have the master fader knob, which you can use when needed to control the volume of all tracks at the same time.
Your computer should automatically detect Akai Professional APC Mini if you have Abelton Live installed. The connection is made through a USB cable, and the device comes with a 1-year warranty. The product is 9.4 X 7.9 inches and it weighs 1.5 lb.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Portable and easy to use | Keys are limited due to the compact design |
Includes Ableton Live Lite | Small keys if you have big fingers |
Affordable | MPC software is difficult for beginners |
Ideal for people who need to launch lots of clips |
Conclusion
There are many things to know about the uses of an Ableton controller, but overall, the best Ableton controllers are the ones that suit you the most.
Our recommendation for the best Ableton controller is Ableton's Push 2, as it is perfectly built for this kind of operation, and the Launchpad is one of the best for its cross-platform ability. But any other models that we presented is great in its own way for live or studio sessions. Pick up your favorite, and let your inspiration bloom!