Essential Tools For Music Making
GEAR GUIDE
ABLETON LIVE CONTROLLERS
Ableton Push
From $999
Review: FM397 | Push finally lives up to Ableton’s vision of controller-as-instrument, and standalone mode is a great new way to use Live.
Akai APC64 £339
Review: FM402
The APC64 is a fabulous evolution of the classic APC form, and the standalone functions will bring it into all kinds of new situations.
Novation Launch Control XL £150
Review: FM285
Slightly long in the tooth and less slick than the current gen ‘launch’ range, nonetheless this is still the best mixer-focused device dedicated to Live.
Novation Launchpad X £180
Review: FM356
Neat, compact and more flexible than ever before, the Launchpad remains a must-try tool for Ableton Live users.
Novation Launchkey Mini £100
Review: FM349
The Novation Launchkey Mini Mk3 is a small but perfectly formed MIDI controller that works great with or without Ableton Live.
HARDWARE GROOVEBOXES
Roland SH-4d
£549
Review: FM394 | Roland have released a lot of retroinspired gear in recent years, but this synth/drum combo is a real sonic playground.
Polyend Play $799
Review: FM384
Play’s capabilities aren’t quite ‘DAW-replacement’ level, but the sequencing workflow and live performance tools are some of the best going.
Polyend Tracker £699
Review: FM357
Despite its retro influences, Tracker is less esoteric than it first appears. This is a sleek, well-designed hardware sampler that’s both fun and inspiring.