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.
1. AmazonBasics Ventilated Adjustable Laptop Computer Holder Desk Stand
- Ventilated laptop stand helps keep laptops running cooler to help reduce crashes
- Metal-mesh platform draws heat away from laptop
- Adjustable height for increased airflow and comfortable reading and typing; adjustable from 12 to 35 degrees
- Cord organizer with 6 slots promotes a tidier desktop
- Measures approximately 13 x 11 x 7.2 inches (LxWxH) at max height
Features:
2. SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 1TB - Up to 540MB/s - USB 3.1 External Solid State Drive, Black (MU-PA1T0B/AM)
Superfast read write speeds: SSD with V-NAND offers ultra-fast data transfer speeds of up to 540MB/s (up to 4.9x faster than external HDDs); Ideal for transferring large-sized data including 4K videos, high-resolution photos, games and moreCompact and portable design: Top to bottom shock resistant m...
3. Novation Impulse 25 USB Midi Controller Keyboard, 25 Keys
- Ultra-responsive semi weighted keyboard with aftertouch
- Full DAW/plug-in control surface with 8 knobs, 1 fader and button
- Automap 4 control software enables instant hands-on access to your DAW and plug-ins
- Multi-function drum pads enable you to warp arpeggios, roll beats and launch clips in Ableton Live
- Includes downloads for: Ableton Live Lite, Novation’s Bass Station synth, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, and a Loopmasters Sample Pack. Novation now offers a 3-Year Warranty on this and all other Novation products.
Features:
4. Logidy UMI3 MIDI over USB Foot Controller
- USB Powered
- MIDI Class compliant, No driver Needed
- Expression Pedal Input
- Software Configuration Panel
- Durable Steel Case
Features:
5. Sabrent USB 3.0 to SSD / 2.5-Inch SATA I/II/IIIHard Drive Adapter (EC-SSHD)
- Connect a 2.5" SATA I/II/III hard drive or SSD to your computer with UASP Support
- Speeds up to 5Gbps with 3.0
- Hot-swappable, plug and play, no drivers needed.
- An LED light indicates Power and Activity status. Reverse compatible with USB 2.0 & USB 3.0
- This Adapter comes with a free download of Acronis True Image for Sabrent software for easy cloning.
Features:
7. Music Theory for Computer Musicians
- Music Theory For Computer Musicians
- Many DJs, gigging musicians, and electronic music producers understand how to play their instruments or make music on the computer, but they lack the basic knowledge of music theory needed to take their music-making to the next level and compose truly professional tracks
- Beneath all the enormously different styles of modern electronic music lie certain fundamentals of the musical language that are exactly the same no matter what kind of music you write
- It is very important to acquire an understanding of these fundamentals if you are to develop as a musician and music producer
- Put simply, you need to know what you are doing with regard to the music that you are writing
Features:
8. BEHRINGER audio interface (UMC22)
- 2-channel USB Audio Interface with 1 MIDAS Preamp
- Instrument Input
- Phantom Power
- 48kHz
Features:
9. Samsung 860 EVO 500GB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-76E500B/AM)
- Innovative V-Nand Technology: Powered by Samsung V-NAND Technology, the 860 EVO SSD offers optimized performance for everyday computing as well as rendering large-sized 4K videos and 3D data used by the latest applications
- Enhanced read write speeds: Sequential read and write performance levels of up to 550MB/s and 520MB/s, respectively
- Secure encryption: Protect data by selecting security options, including AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption compliant with TCG Opal and IEEE 1670
- Warranty and compatibility: 5-year limited warranty; Windows 8/Windows 7/Windows Server 2003 (32 bit and 64 bit), Vista (SP1 and above), XP (SP2 and above), MAC OSX and Linux
- Included contents: 2.5 inches (7 millimeter) SATA 3 (6 Gb/s) SSD & user manual (All other cables, screws, brackets not included); Reliability (MTBF): 1.5 Million Hours Reliability (MTBF)
Features:
10. Crucial MX500 500GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSD, up to 560MB/s - CT500MX500SSD1(Z)
Sequential reads/writes up to 560/510 MB/s and random reads/writes up to 95k/90k on all file typesAccelerated by micron 3D NAND technologyIntegrated power loss Immunity preserves all your saved work if the power unexpectedly gets cutAES 256 bit hardware based encryption keeps data safe and secure fr...
11. Crucial 16GB Kit (8GBx2) DDR3/DDR3L 1600 MT/s (PC3-12800) SODIMM 204-Pin Memory For Mac - CT2K8G3S160BM
- Improve your system's responsiveness, run apps faster and multitask with ease
- Install with ease; no computer skills required. How-to guides available at Crucial
- Compatibility assurance when using the Crucial System Scanner or Crucial Advisor Tool
- Micron quality and reliability is backed by superior component and module level testing and 42 years of memory expertise
- ECC Type = Non-ECC, Form Factor = SODIMM, Pin Count = 204-pin, PC Speed = PC3-12800, Voltage = 1.35V/1.5V, Rank and Configuration = 2Rx8
Features:
12. ORIA Precision Screwdriver Kit, 76 in 1 with 56 Bits Repair Tool Kit for Cellphone, Game Console, Tablet and Other Devices, Blue
【76 Full Set】: It includes 76 in 1 screwdriver set, utility knife, wrist strap, tweezers, SIM card remover, LCD suction cup, triangle plectrum, plastic spudgers, metal spudger, stainless steel ruler, which are designed for repairing most of your devices.【High Quality & Well Performance】: ORI...
13. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (1st GENERATION) USB Recording Audio Interface
- High quality mic preamps
- Excellent digital performance
- Rugged metal unibody case
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface, truly portable interface
- Includes an authorization code for Ableton Live Lite, Scarlett Plug-in Suite (RTAS/AU/VST), Red 2 & Red 3 Plug-in Suite (AAX/AU/VST), the Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Novation Bass Station, and 1GB of Loopmasters samples
Features:
14. Resuable Lint Roller,Version Lint Roller Resuable & Washable Lint Roller Pet Hair Remover Lint Roller Cleaner for Clothes for Lint, Clothes, Car Seats, Large/Small Size with with Cover with 1L+2s
- PET HAIR REMOVER LINT ROLLER CLEANER FOR CLOTHES No Refills Required Eco-friendly and reusable. Made of eco-friendly materials,100% reusable to save your money. The reusable sticky picker can clean your clothes without change refills, just refresh with light soap and water. Reusable roller for less environmental waste.
- 【Multipurpose】Lint Remover Roller The perfect lint remover for tackling lint, fuzz, dust, crumbs and other dirt on practically all clothes, furniture, furnishings and any household, car or office surface. More convenient than a vacuum cleaner and cheaper than dry-cleaning!
- RESUABLE & WASHABLE LINT ROLLER Last Long Time – Easy to wash, just warm or cold water rinse with soap or detergent and then wait the lint roller completely dry before using it again, or just dry it by tissue.
- LINT ROLLER Portable & Convenient for Travel – The medium or mini lint roller can be taken into your bag, the mini lint roller even can be easy taken into your pocket. You can finish remove hair work anywhere.
Features:
15. Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio (Sound On Sound Presents...)
- Focal Press
Features:
16. Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science
- Ventilated laptop stand helps keep laptops running cooler to help reduce crashes
- Metal-mesh platform draws heat away from laptop
- Adjustable height for increased airflow and comfortable reading and typing; adjustable from 12 to 35 degrees
- Cord organizer with 6 slots promotes a tidier desktop
- Measures approximately 13 x 11 x 7.2 inches (LxWxH) at max height
Features:
17. Music Theory for Electronic Music Producers: The producers guide to harmony, chord progressions, and song structure in the MIDI grid.
- Officially Licensed by the NHL Players Association
- Toronto Hockey Fan Gear and Apparel
- Auston Matthews apparel and accessories are custom and made-to-order!
- Proudly and Meticulously Printed in Austin, TX
- Custom Artwork: Passionately Designed by 500 LEVEL Artists
Features:
18. Steklo Laptop Stand Adjustable Aluminum Computer Riser, Ergonomic Foldable Portable Notebook Holder for Desk, Compatible 12 13 15 16 17 inch Mac MacBook Pro Air, Dell, HP, Lenovo PC Laptops X-Stand
✅ BEST LAPTOP STAND - Are You Looking for Foldable Stand that keeps your Laptop Cool and at the Perfect Height? You Found it! Works great with Laptop and MacBook screen size 12, 13, 15, 16, 17 inch. This Laptop Riser giving you Ergonomic positions hands and better posture and less back/neck stiffn...
19. Making Music: 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers
- Aluminum unibody construction with premium finish and finely crafted switch gear.
- TI PCM1792A DAC, OPA1612 and LMH6642 op amps for ultra low noise, dynamic, and musical rendering
- Supports DSD, APE, FLAC, ALAC, WMA, and WAV
- Powerful dual core processor handles all modern lossless formats at up to 192kHz/24B
- Dual microSD card slots supports 128GB cards for 256GB total
Features:
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/
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.
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 :)
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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. :)
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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)
I just picked this up a couple weeks ago for my Push 2. It fits perfectly, is sturdy, and is highly adjustable to different angles. Would definitely recommend.
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Ventilated-Adjustable-Laptop-Stand/dp/B00WRDS8H0/ref=sr_1_2?s=amazonbasics&srs=10112675011&ie=UTF8&qid=1484198443&sr=8-2&keywords=amazon+basics+laptop+stand
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.
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
I got one of these. Perfect size and adjustable :) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00WRDS8H0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thank you for the great advice, I bought this book and havent gotten around to reading it yet, and i probably should...
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..
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
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
Also, these are great.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Recording-Engineers-Handbook-Second/dp/159863867X
and
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https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mixing-Engineers-Handbook-Bobby-Owsinski/dp/1598632515/ref=pd_sbs_14_t_2/261-3776436-3604719?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1598632515&pd_rd_r=7e9bcf1c-538a-43fc-ad66-9465d23bb515&pd_rd_w=oThLj&pd_rd_wg=We2mC&pf_rd_p=e44592b5-e56d-44c2-a4f9-dbdc09b29395&pf_rd_r=QJKJYAKNV6DM92M141MF&psc=1&refRID=QJKJYAKNV6DM92M141MF
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
I've been using this. Works perfectly.
Thanks for watching! It’s a stand from Amazon Stand
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.
You may not need to switch to Ableton to benefit from it. They wrote a book that has ideas for getting out of a rut. Check it out!
http://www.amazon.com/Making-Music-Strategies-Electronic-Producers-ebook/dp/B00WHXYZG8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450123686&sr=8-1&keywords=ableton+making+music
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.
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
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
I find this does the job just fine. https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-Ventilated-Adjustable-Laptop-Stand/dp/B00WRDS8H0
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
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.
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
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
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WRDS8H0/ref=sspa_mw_detail_6?psc=1
I have one similar to this, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WRDS8H0?keywords=laptop%20stand&qid=1452723544&ref_=sr_1_3&sr=8-3
For less messy amazon links you can extract the part after "/dp/" in
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Ventilated-Adjustable-Laptop-Stand/dp/B00WRDS8H0/ref=sr_1_2?s=amazonbasics&srs=10112675011&ie=UTF8&qid=1484198443&sr=8-2&keywords=amazon+basics+laptop+stand
and make it:
https://amzn.com/B00WRDS8H0
BEEP BOP
Plz send any recommendations via PM