I’m a pretty big Ableton fan. I use it for my own projects, and I also frequently recommend it to my friends in music production. But recommending the right hardware, especially specifically for use with Ableton, can sometimes be more of a challenge. When friends ask, “but what is the Best MIDI Controller for Ableton?” …in this case, I can think of a few answers. But as most decisions related to DAW and hardware, it really comes down to preference and taste.
Keyboard controllers are great for producers that know their way around a keyboard or those that are ready to learn on the go. Other musicians are happier with an 8×8 matrix setup, or rows of touch-sensitive pads.
Portability could be another factor for those that tend to take their production (or live performance) on the go. For others, the equipment might never be leaving their home studio. The best Ableton controller is really a matter of personal taste. Fortunately, there are a lot of choices.
The Basics of MIDI Controllers for Beginners
A quick word if you’re new to using MIDI controllers. You may be wondering: what’s the big deal? Aren’t all controllers the same? Does what I use with Ableton really make any difference vs. any other DAW?
MIDI vs. Audio
First, let’s talk MIDI controllers. In the simplest terms, a MIDI controller exists to make your job easier. The MIDI controller doesn’t synthesize sounds on its own. But it sends the digital information of what is being played—things like what notes are being played, the velocity they’re being played, pitch bend, modulation, and more.
Different Hardware
With MIDI you can quickly record and edit everything you just played, and then proceed to change the recording completely with the click of the mouse. You’d have a much more difficult time doing this with audio. Some MIDI controllers have a keyboard, drum pad, knobs, and more. Others may just have one or the other.
A Little Bit About Ableton
Ableton is one of the many DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) options for artists and producers. This is a piece of software is essentially your mainframe for recording, editing, and creating.
If you haven’t worked with it before, I highly recommend you check it out. Watch clips of how it works, get a trial version, just give it a try. At the time of writing this (May 1st, 2020, Ableton is offering a 90-day free trial, instead of their typical 30-day.
Choosing Your Hardware
The important thing to remember here is that all the tools in your home studio are a means to an end.—your MIDI controller, DAW, VSTs, and even the headphones you use. For that reason, it’s useful to know what tools work well together, and more importantly, what tools will best help you with what you hope to accomplish.
There are tons of MIDI keyboard controllers on the market. So here are a few of my favorites when it comes to using them with Ableton. They’re all professional-grade, current, and easy to find on Amazon.
Best MIDI Controller for Ableton: My Top 7 Picks
Here are just a few of the best MIDI controller options for Ableton Live. Below, we’ll go over the following controllers:
- Novation 49SL mkIII
- Native Instruments Maschine Jam
- Akai Professional APC40 mkII
- Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller mk2
- Ableton Push 2
- Akai Professional MPK Mini mkII
- Alesis VI25
Novation 49SL mkIII
Novation designed the 49SL mkIIi with Ableton users in mind. It even comes with Ableton Live Lite loaded, in case you don’t already have it. There’s a 61-key version as well, for anyone who wants a slightly wider range—but for most, the 49-key will work for them just as well. The controls are the same in either case. Fader and backlit pad controls give you a wide range of options.
The Keys
It’s got a great set of keys—you’ll feel like you’re playing a classic synth. It’s got aftertouch and semi-weighted keys as, so it feels natural to play. It’s also possible to divide the keyboard up into zones, assigning a spread of instruments to different keys (especially useful if you’re planning on using it for any sort of live performance).
The Cons
There are a few downsides; there is, unfortunately, no USB-only power option, so you can’t power it just from your machine. As such, it’s got just a little less portability than some smaller controllers. But for a controller this size, it makes sense that it needs a power source.
The Pros
The main way that the 49SL MkIII shines is through its ease of use with Ableton Live. For one, the controller comes pre-mapped for Ableton. There’s almost no setup involved. Simply plug and play, and easily control parameters within Ableton with the knobs on the controller.
Final Word
Whatever you use, the Novation 49SL mkIIi will give you plenty of versatility and allow you to control your plugins and devices with a minimum of fuss. It can be adapted to different styles. If you work in Ableton, this controller will help you stay efficient and stress-free.
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Native Instruments Maschine Jam
Now we’ll get to something that looks entirely different. Maschine Jam is a good example of how much variety MIDI controllers can have.
No Keys
Instead of a keyboard, you’re looking at an 8×8 color click pad matrix. It looks less like a keyboard and more like an old electronic game from the 1980s—but don’t let that fool you. Maschine Jam has a high-quality step sequencer that can hold its own against any of the most modern controllers.
The Jam is a handy and compact tool. It allows you to control a lot of features all from one place, and it is an excellent tool for Ableton Live.
The Cons
There are some limitations when it comes to tracking velocity, as the controller lacks velocity-sensitive pads, meaning you would need to make velocity adjustments directly in the program itself—if that’s something you need. Not to say you couldn’t take care of all of that later.
The Pros
The controller also comes with 29 GB of pro-level sounds and high-quality drum synths, all of which you can control from a single spot. Native Instruments has always done great work with their virtual instruments and effects, and Maschine Jam comes with a selection of some of the best from Komplete 11.
The controller isn’t limited to drums. It also allows you to select scales chord progressions, allowing you to create melodies without knowing how to play the piano. This is great for those who aren’t interested in learning the keys.
The best characteristic of Maschine Jam is as a step sequencer. Take your eyes off the computer and create patterns right on the controller.
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Akai Professional APC40 mkII
This controller is perfect for live performance using Ableton. The original Ableton Performance Controller came out back in 2009, as a product of cooperation between Ableton Live and Akai Professional. That was the APC40, and at the time, it was revolutionary, introducing musicians across the world to the dedicated clip-launching controller.
As the years passed, Akai knew it needed to build on its success. It released the follow-up Akai APC40 mkII, an Ableton Live Controller for the next generation of music producers.
What’s New
With the mkII, there are a few noticeable improvements over the original. The clip-launching grid has been updated. Now backlit, the 5×8 grid has assignable RGB options that make it customizable rather than fixed in place.
It’s easier than ever to launch clips, and you can perform without having to setting eyes on your computer. Because it’s assignable, you can color code clips for easy access. A shift button allows you to move between different levels and—again—keeps you hands-free from your computer.
The Layout
Like the original APC40, the mkII comes with nine faders, eight-channel control knobs, and eight device control knobs. The spacing on the mkII is a little better though, particularly when it comes to the faders.
The fact that they’re spread out a little more makes it less likely that you’ll bump or move the wrong control when you’re in the heat of the moment. For anyone who is DJing or using it for any live performance, that’s a huge plus.
It’s Still an APC
One of the remarkable things about the APC40 mkII is that it doesn’t backtrack from its purpose. It doesn’t try to please everyone or compromise quality for the sake of other DAWs. The original APC40 is really built specifically for Ableton Live, and the mkII aims to do the same thing—but better. You don’t need to configure anything when you hook it up to Ableton. Everything is pre-mapped, as long as you’re running at least version 9.1.3.
While it can definitely be used for production, it is one of the most commonly used tool for DJs that use Ableton Live.
The Best Part…It Comes With Ableton Live
The music production suite comes with Ableton Live, 5GB of professional sounds and sample, and two synthesizers. Frankly, the software package on its own is more than worth the price of admission. Fortunately, when you pick up the Akai Professional APC40 mkII, you get a fantastic controller too.
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Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller Mk2
Another standout offering from the folks at Novation is the Launchpad. This is a tried-and-true product that’s been on the market for a while, but they updated it. Now we have the Launchpad Mk2 (not to be confused with the Novation Launchkey or the Novation Launchpad Mini).
The Perks
The Launchpad Mk2 is a pad-based MIDI controller that puts some great music production controls at your fingertips. Like some others on this list, it comes with sensitive pads, RGB light coding, and is designed to work especially well for Ableton Live.
It comes with Ableton Live Lite, which is definitely worth having if you don’t already. USB connectivity makes it an easy hookup for any Mac or PC computer, or an iPad.
Simplicity
The most obvious feature of the Novation Launchpad is its 8×8 light-up button grid and the lack of anything else. No faders or knobs to distract you. If simplicity is what you want in your controller, the Launchpad delivers. Solid build quality makes it a good pick for anyone who thinks they’ll be moving around a bunch, and might subject their controller to a little wear and tear.
Great for Beginners
All in all, the Novation Launchkey is a great choice for beginners, for anyone who is just learning the ropes, or wants to focus on clips. You don’t get a MIDI keyboard, or a lot of other hardware. But you do get a simple, durable controller that works extremely well with Ableton Live. For many beginners, that’s exactly what you need.
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Ableton Push 2
And finally, my personal favorite… The Ableton Push has one advantage that many of the other controllers don’t: it was made by Ableton itself. As a result, buyers can be confident that the product was built with the best Ableton integration in mind. The controller comes with Ableton Live Intro 10, and the device delivers high-quality step sequencing, build quality, and overall device control.
What’s New
The original Ableton Push came out a few years ago, and quickly became a favorite of Ableton users. But the Push 2 is one of those cases where the sequel really is better—and worth the newer and higher price point. The Push 1 had great pads, but the RGB pads on the Push 2 are in another category altogether. The backlit display supports an attractive array of sensitive pads that are a pleasure to play. Anyone who used a Push 1 will have no problem jumping in, but it’s incredibly responsive for new users as well.
A Perfect Fit for Ableton
Most importantly, the Ableton Push 2 controller was designed by the same company that made the software, and that has huge benefits. Ableton was in the best position to understand what features their users would need. With the Push 2, you really won’t need to touch your computer. There’s nothing better than a truly hands-on and click-free experience while creating.
Additionally, with the Push 2, they were able to draw on several years of user feedback regarding the original Push, and design something that took music producers’ real-world experience into account.
Is it Right For You?
Like many on this list, the Push 2 is not a MIDI keyboard, and if using a keyboard is part of your process, you may need something else (or to combine the Push 2 with another controller).
Some users may balk at the higher price point, and that’s understandable. There are a few others on this list that are less costly, but if you are looking for the best all-around tool for Ableton Live, the Push 2 is your best bet.
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Akai Professional MPK Mini mkII
Another one of favorites here. Because of Akai’s early collaborations with Ableton, they are frequently at the forefront of this particular conversation. With the Mini mkII, you get a compact USB MIDI controller, with 25 synth-action keys on the keyboard, 8 drum pads, and even a few significant improvements over the original MPK.
The Akai Pro MPK Mini is one of the best controllers to have in your collection if you want to stay mobile, as it’s incredibly light and portable. The build quality is solid and it could be an option for a live performance if you’re not able to lug around a lot of heavy hardware.
What’s New
When the first MPK Mini came out years, many users complained about the lack of easy pitch and modulation control. The mkII takes that feedback into account. One of the most obvious differences between the original MPK Mini and this newer version is the presence of a 4-way thumbstick in the upper lefthand corner of the device. This lets you control the pitch and modulation in real-time. The mkII also brings a solid built-in arpeggiator to the table, as well as two synthesizers in Hybrid 3 and SONiVOX Wobble, as well as MPC Essentials.
Is it Right For You?
So is it the best MIDI controller for Ableton? That’s up to you. While this controller will work great for any DAW, if you’re looking for keys, drumpads, and portability, you’re in the right spot. You get more power from the Ableton Push 2 if you’re strictly using Ableton. But if you need something that will work with Ableton and also other DAWs, you might consider adding the Akai Mini as a second controller, or as an “on-the-go” option.
The Akai Mini also has a keyboard, compact portability, and a lower price point. If these are important considerations for you, definitely check it out.
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Alesis VI25
The last controller on our list is the Alesis VI25. Like the Akai MPK Mini, this is a keyboard controller featuring 25 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys, and a surprisingly extensive set of controls and drum pads.
Akai vs. Alesis
One of the biggest differences you’ll see is that the Alesis VI25 has 16 drum pads, while the Akai has 8. All in all, I’d say the Akai’s drum pads are slightly better quality in terms of feel and play, but Alesis gives you more to work with if pads are at the forefront of your production/performances.
The Pros
Alesis also works well with a wide range of DAWs on Mac or PC, but the additional pads and knobs on the device give you a wider range of choices.
When working with Ableton, it helps to have a number of options, which is why the 8×8 Ableton controllers have become so popular. Alesis VI25 blends the versatility of the 8×8 clip launchers with the playability of a MIDI keyboard, giving a “best of both worlds” feel to anyone who isn’t committed to just one approach.
What it Includes
The Alesis VI25 also includes Ableton Live Lite, so if you don’t already have it, you get that along with the controller. The exceptional virtual instrument Xpand!2 is part of the bundle as well, giving you access to a high-quality selection of professional sounds. You wind up with a lot of tools that will get you making music right out of the gate, without having to wait while you figure out all the setup.
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The Verdict
So what is the best MIDI controller for Ableton? As these things always are, it really depends on what YOU are looking for.
Mobile and Diverse
If you’re looking for keys, drumpads, and a lightweight controller, my personal favorite is the Akai MPK mini.
The Ultimate Ableton Controller
If you’re trying to get lost in the zone and strictly use Ableton, the Push 2 can be a LOT of fun. It can take touching your computer completely out of your workflow.
Find Out What You Want
Don’t forget—buy choosing one, you’re not limiting yourself. No shame in having more than one controller.
Take a look at what you hope to accomplish. If you want to get better with a keyboard, start playing. If you’d like to take a shot a finger drumming, get something with pads. The world is yours.
