Best products from r/ableton

We found 63 comments on r/ableton discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 169 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.

Top comments mentioning products on r/ableton:

u/cargous · 7 pointsr/ableton

I have the same 13” mid 2012 MBP and am running 16gb of RAM w/ a 1TB SSD. I also have the same version of Ableton as you. The official specs from Apple list 8gb RAM as the max but it can for sure support 16gb. Based on the specs you provided I’d guess you have the i5 version which comes stock with 4gb of RAM and the 500gb HDD. Your model will support 16gb and you’ll see a significant boost in performance, with Ableton and the computer in general, if you add 16gb and an SSD. If you leave the standard 500gb HDD, I'd assume you'd only see a moderate boost in performance since that's really the big driver of slow performance. I can't speak to the performance of Omnisphere as I don't have a working copy but I do know it made a significant boost for pretty much everything in Ableton and otherwise.

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My recommendation would be to add 16gb of RAM plus an SSD. They are both relatively straight forward processes as well (links below), just need the right tools and to take your time. Watch YouTube tutorials. Attaching links to the items I have in mine. I'd recommend getting the Crucial RAM and Samsung SSD (which is what I have and has a higher performance rating), but the Crucial SSD will be adequate as well.

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Let me know if you have other questions on it.

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INSTRUCTIONS

HDD Swap - https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2012+Hard+Drive+Replacement/10378

RAM Swap - https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2012+RAM+Replacement/10374

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PRODUCTS

Crucial SSD - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0784SLQM6/

Samsung SSD - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0781Z7Y3S/

RAM - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTBJFW/

Tool Kit - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IVKPTP6/

u/salvodaze · 2 pointsr/ableton

The Lynda training helped me a lot as it was short and thought a lot of keyboard shortcuts early on. But I'm sure the free YouTube training playlists would also work. The good thing about Lynda was it was really concise and more professional in not wasting any time, which can be crucial to help keep focus in initial learning.
The manual is good, but I don't find it to be the most straightforward manual. It's still a tremendous reference.

I would suggest to just follow a basic training and start producing whatever you want, watching YouTube tutorials on whatever gets you stuck and keeping this sub close-by to randomly check and say "WTF are these people talking about?" until it becomes more and more familiar or to ask any questions (people are usually very noob-friendly here).

For tips on production and getting stuck, Dennis DeSantis has this amazing book. Really helps open up your mind.

Good luck and don't forget to continuously show up, discipline is the single most valuable skill in my opinion :)

PS: You need to listen to this quote as well.

Edit: About gear, I agree with others. Don't buy anything more than a measly small midi keyboard until you learn the DAW better. Then you'll know if you need anything or what you need.

u/FrostyTheAce · 2 pointsr/ableton

Alright, so I just got my laptop (GS65-RTX 2060), and I've already unboxed it.

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Before I begin, I want to recommend these 2 peripherals: A laptop sleeve; and A laptop stand .Both of them are perfect for this beast.

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I had a lot of doubts about this laptop, before getting it, and I was still over the fence. But now that I have it in my hands, and am an owner, I know that this is the one for me. I am absolutely blown away by it. I saw it and used it in a store a few times, but having your own personal device, and really gelling with it, is something else!

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Right off the bat, the build quality is really solid. I know people complain about creaking and fragility, but my model is extremely solid. The screen is so buttery smooth, and the colors are extremely vibrant. The keyboard feels a little awkward at first, but once you get used to it, it's extremely satisfying. The touchpad, is extremely silky, and it's large area is very useful.

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I know the speakers have gotten a lot of flak, but I like them a lot. They are loud and very clear. They won't bring the house down, but I don't need them to anyways.

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If you want me to run any tests let me know :)

u/benisanerd · 2 pointsr/ableton

I'd definitely suggest an M-Audio device. Akai makes great products, but from my experience, M-Audio's keyboards are better. The Akai MPKs tend to have issues, and the keys aren't as nice (unweighted, not full size). - Edit: oops, that's just the mini. the MPK25 looks pretty rad, but it's expensive.

I have the Oxygen-25, I linked the 49 key version cause it has so much more and it's only a little bit more expensive. If you want pads, like on the MPK, the Axiom line has that, but they're more expensive. It's basically what you want to spend.

I recommend going into a Guitar Center if you can, and getting a feel for the keys. You can get them for cheaper online than in the store, so go for that, and check out the Guitar Center Used section online, I got my Oxygen 25 for $50.

Also, if knobs is all you really want, Korg makes a nanoKontrol from the same line as your keyboard, but it's knobs, faders, and buttons rather than dinky little keys. There are a couple other brands that make something really similar to that, but Korg's is the cheapest I believe.

I've never tried Novation midi controller keyboard, but their UltraNova and Launchpad are amazing devices, so I assume that everything else is quality.

u/karnac · 3 pointsr/ableton

http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-2i2-USB-Recording-Interface/dp/B005OZE9SA
I have one of these and it is awesome. great sound and great build quality. it looks great on my desk as well.

u/PALMLINES · 12 pointsr/ableton

I'm pretty sure she made a post on Facebook awhile back and said she automates everything to trigger and loop. It would take some time to set up, but if you know how the arrangement will go, it shouldn't be too difficult.

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For people asking about the foot pedal, here is a USB/MIDI version:

https://www.amazon.com/Logidy-UMI3-MIDI-over-Controller/dp/B002YL81RW/ref=sr_1_11?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1538681040&sr=1-11&keywords=usb+foot+pedal

I've purchased this awhile back because I was planning on doing live looping but never performed. I can confirm it does work with Ableton and you can map each foot switch to different "loopers" on different channels. Honestly though, it might just be easier to do what Elise does by setting up the arrangement to automate & record than loop. Makes things hands free.

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Timing is everything when it comes to Live looping. Elise has this shit down to a tee.

u/astrosoldiers · 3 pointsr/ableton

Awesome article. Thanks, very clearly written.

If anyone needs more info on gain staging, read the SOS article link he provided.

Below is link if you missed it. I recommend reading the article above first, as it does a good job summarizing the topic.

http://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/gain-staging-your-daw-software

Also see - Bob Katz

https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Audio-Science-Bob-Katz/dp/0240808371



u/404isFUN · 1 pointr/ableton

Wow, $500 is a lot of cash and I'm not comfortable with the thought of dropping that much $$$ on something that's one of my hobbies I dig into every now and then haha

Also, I didn't know what 'balanced line level outs' is and some googling reveals that it's something you encounter when connecting external gear which I doubt I will :)

So is it true that something like the Behringer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FFIGZF6 will not sound as good compared to a Focusrite or something from UA? (Regardless of the quality of whatever mic inputs are available)

Thanks for the reply!

u/KingDariusDragon · 1 pointr/ableton

Thank you! I appreciate your response. I was leaning towards that direction. :-)

I'll take a look at the Focusrite Saffire 6. That's one of the things holding me back. Not sure where to go with a solid entry level audio interface.

EDIT:

According the Amazon the Saffire 6 is discontinued and this is the replacement model:
http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-2i2-USB-Recording-Interface/dp/B005OZE9SA/ref=dp_ob_image_ce

Is this an instance where the older model is better? Sometimes that happens. :)

u/retarded_mongoose · 2 pointsr/ableton

I also have a 256gb MacBook Pro I picked up this Samsung external SSD. I like this for portability. It stores my sample and get libraries. I store the main plugin locally on my Mac. Just make sure what you get is usb 3.1 like this.

Edit: or you can have fun and build a network storage solution. You can go with hdd or ssd based systems. You can also expand it the larger your libraries grow.

u/DeathByDrumming · 2 pointsr/ableton

Can I recommend this for the Push 2/Music Studio while we are here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LFY9RT7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Sticking pads, is that a thing? God I hope not!

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How long have you owned the push?

Do you have a cover for it?

Was it just dust do you think?

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I've been playing my push a lot , I hit the pads 10,000-50,000 times in one session so this is why I am asking. So far no issues, but I feel like I'm going to "wear it down" if I keep playing like this.

u/amaraNT2oo2 · 19 pointsr/ableton

Just to act as devil's advocate here - I would recommend at least balancing this guy's work out with some of the more standard texts on mixing (listed below). I checked out this video a while back and was a little weirded out by his approach, which often steps into pseudoscientific territory. If you go to the author's company website, you'll see some dubious claims and suggestions about mixing techniques:

-"There are archetypal frequencies that have been used since the beginning of time to affect us."

-"As shown by the research of Alfred Tomatis, every frequency is a nutrient."

-"Tuning A to 432 hertz vs. 440 has been proven to resonate better with the resonant frequency of our cells - Tuning concert pitch to more auspicious frequencies makes the music go deeper."

-"High Frequencies activate the mind; Low Frequencies calm the body."

-"When you relate to frequencies based on ancient Chakra energies, the way you "feel" the balance of frequencies in a mix in a whole different way that goes through your whole body instead of just your mind. "

I'm sure the guy's mixes sound great - and he seems to have been a successful mixing engineer - but I personally wanted nothing to do with this guy. There are other "holistic" approaches to mixing (like Mike Stavrou's Mixing with your Mind) that work without having as much of a "snake oil" flavor to them. But as always, if this guy's approach works for you and you can look past his quirks, then I suppose it's a good resource.


Other resources: Mike Senior's Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio, Roey Izhaki's Mixing Audio, Bobby Owsinski's The Mixing Engineer's Handbook

u/synthcamatic · 1 pointr/ableton

I have a 61 key novation impulse, just bought the 25 keyed version for on the go. I can say through demos at guitar center with ableton it's great. If it's like my 61 keyed version it comes with a lite version of ableton live 8 and novation's bass station add on for ableton. It's basically plug and play with the drivers as well. http://www.amazon.com/Novation-Impulse-25-Controller-Keyboard/dp/B005M02VJG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2E33HDHJZW62E&coliid=I1R9FBZ0EP6A7B

u/FiveWoodWilson · 2 pointsr/ableton

I have a Push 2, 88 key wighted piano midi keyboard, Moog Grandmother, 2i2, Cheap Mic and some instruments. Also a mouse and (qwerty) keyboard. A gaming mouse helps a lot for mixing and fine tuning. Id say get a cheap second hdmi monitor and have your studio monitors positioned so you can look at the monitor and hear perfect, then use the laptop as a second monitor to keep plugins/files open. Id recommend this stand for your push. (linked below) I had some other gear and got rid of it, really I just need the push, mouse, and (qwerty) keyboard. https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Ventilated-Adjustable-Laptop-Stand/dp/B00WRDS8H0/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=laptop+stand&qid=1555706074&s=gateway&sr=8-3

u/mrtrikonasana · 1 pointr/ableton

Learn your DAW, the built-in ableton tutorials are an excellent place to start. Then start learning from the masters. These books are pretty good.
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Audio-The-Art-Science/dp/0240808371
http://www.amazon.com/Mixing-Engineers-Handbook-Second-Edition/dp/1598632515/ref=pd_sim_b_4

u/jhynds79 · 3 pointsr/ableton

I'm currently using this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00WRDS8H0/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . works really well and budget friendly. have just ordered a wooden one from https://cremacaffe.shop/ for it as well (mostly to try as it will fit my other synths too)

u/JohnnyNosebleed · 1 pointr/ableton

My friend and I were recently talking about how standard notation isn't the universal language it once was and, in learning guitar, TABs just made more sense for the learning process. I mentioned that, if anything, the piano roll should be integrated into the younger music curriculum due to how relevant it is.

Lo and behold: https://www.amazon.com/dp/069209329X

That's a great idea for introducing people to theory who aren't traditionally trained. After all, it's an awkward added step to have to mentally translate everything through treble and bass clef and then into a piano roll when standard notation isn't really a medium you'll be using enough to have it feel like anything more than a speed bump.

u/flamingojoe80 · 1 pointr/ableton

I keep pretty much all of my Ableton files on a Samsung 1TB SSD because I like to be able to move from my home machine to my laptop. This workflow has been pretty solid so far. The only issue, albeit minor, is that a lot of the installers automatically assume you want to put the VSTs on the main HD. So, I end up having to move things to the external after the install completes. Not a deal breaker, just something to be aware of.

Here's the Amazon link to the drive I have, but I am sure there are deals on other sites.

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-T5-Portable-SSD-MU-PA1T0B/dp/B073H552FJ

u/Kinglm · 2 pointsr/ableton

Thank you for the great advice, I bought this book and havent gotten around to reading it yet, and i probably should...

u/mafgar · 1 pointr/ableton

http://www.amazon.com/Music-Theory-Computer-Musicians-Bk/dp/1598635034/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376269007&sr=1-1&keywords=1598635034

I enjoyed this book, although it has nothing that you couldn't find online already... it was nice to have a physical book to read wherever and think and mull over it all..

u/MenWhoStareatGoatse_ · 8 pointsr/ableton

All that gear and no monitors?

Pro tip: Since you have your Push sitting past the keyboard, you can use a laptop stand to prop it up so it's easier to see and use. I got this one for 20 bucks and it fits pretty much perfectly

edit - just noticed someone else suggested something similar. Seriously though, it makes a world of difference if the Push isn't gonna be right in front of you on the table

u/SandwichSound · 1 pointr/ableton

This site and two apps are very useful as you can practice while out and about or bored and on your phone: Music Theory and Tenuto

Here is the book and related ones on Amazon, if you ever feel the need to direct some money towards the author or at least write up a good review for him instead: Music Theory for Computer Musicians

u/nunonow · 5 pointsr/ableton

This one works pretty well and is also height adjustable

AmazonBasics Ventilated Adjustable Laptop Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WRDS8H0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lhUVCb4FBVHJA

u/scobility · 1 pointr/ableton

I've been using this. Works perfectly.

u/jamieblakebeats · 4 pointsr/ableton

Thanks for watching! It’s a stand from Amazon Stand

u/TheOneMax · 1 pointr/ableton

If I may recommend a book that I think every should read at least once it's Roey Izhaki's Mixing Audio. It has been recommended to me by an audio engineer professor and I must say that it has incredible content that helped me tremendously when I first started producing.

u/aenimalius · 1 pointr/ableton

Slightly more than dirt cheap, but I like this one. It's USB with three switches. I have mine mapped to play, stop, and session record.

u/piotrzak3 · 12 pointsr/ableton

Check out this book: (full disclosure, I am the author).

Music Theory for Electronic Music Producers: The producers guide to harmony, chord progressions, and song structure in the MIDI grid. https://www.amazon.com/dp/069209329X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Brx8AbH0F0BJX

u/Introrama · 1 pointr/ableton

Yea something like this: Sabrent Festplatten - Zubehör Gehäuse Adapter USB 3.0 zu SSD / 2,5-Zoll-SATA-Festplatten Adapter [Optimiert für SSD, Unterstützt UASP SATA III] (EC-SSHD) https://www.amazon.de/dp/B011M8YACM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JVcoDbPB2F0M9

u/JudgementalPrick · 1 pointr/ableton

They look great. I use a metal laptop stand that you can adjust the tilt on, it's very nice but has no wrist rest.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WRDS8H0

u/xtwrexx · 2 pointsr/ableton

For live sound, you'll need some sort of USB audio interface, one of these, that have some sort of monitor out. This will act as a digital to analog converter from your laptop to the house PA for the highest quality audio. It will also give you an input to either DI your guitar, or mic it or a speaker cabinet. You'll also want something to trigger your loops and and adjust things on the Ableton side, but I'd have to know a little more about what you are looking for on that end.

u/Phunkdefied · 1 pointr/ableton

This book got me going. It has a lot of quick situational reads. I apply it to a lot more than just music too. It was published by Ableton, so it is relevant. Not so much an instructional as a motivational.
https://www.amazon.com/Making-Music-Strategies-Electronic-Producers-ebook/dp/B00WHXYZG8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478560710&sr=8-1&keywords=ableton+book

u/Doongbuggy · 3 pointsr/ableton

I bought this one recently with push 2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002YL81RW/ref=sxts_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539212791&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

Logidy UMI3 it takes a little tinkering and reading through manuals to set it up but it is solidly built and reliable.

It plugs in through USB rather than through the Push though so it communicates directly with whatever you map it to