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I have a Launchpad S and a Mini, and I use the Launchpad95 script with both. It takes some time to learn; I would recommend going through the documentation and getting used to each of the different modes at a time, instead of trying to do everything at once.

The way I've been working is like this: I use the drum sequencer mode to create a few drum clips that I like, mostly based on what I learned from the book Drum Programming: A Complete Guide to Program and Think Like a Drummer.

For other instruments I use the melodic step sequencer. I usually chose a scale depending on my mood, and then I use the random button to create a few patterns, until I find a few that I like. In addition, I also add some chords using the melodic step sequencer, creating some pads for the song.

Once I have enough clips for drums, bass, pads and leads I record an arrangement by using the Launchpad in session mode to launch clips. And when I have an arrangement that I'm happy with I'll record the automation of volume and filter parameters on top of it, using a Launch Control.

Sure thing.

The Leap Motion is a USB connected sensor that tracks hand motions. It's very sensitive and can not only track XYZ movement of both hands at the same time but also rotation and gestures. You can pick it up from Amazon for around $50 USD.

The Kintect was fun to map as we created our own program to track skeletal movement and output that data as MIDI CCs. For example, moving your left arm up and down might raise the pitch of a synth while bending that arm would increase the oscillator. The right arm/legs/head would have different sets of controls. We made an art installation of this using a live dancer.

The program that we preferred to use for the Flight Stick on stage (back in the day) was MIDIJoy. This was a 3rd party program that had to be run separate from the DAW in order to convert joystick messages to MIDI. Note that there are now a lot more options for this. For example, there are now a few VST plugins such as MiJoy and MJoy. There are also options for this using Max4Live as well.

I'm not sure if the Apple Store will do that but it's super easy to do yourself. Watch this tutorial on how to install an SSD in the main drive bay, this tutorial on how to install a second SSD in the optical bay, and this tutorial on upgrading the RAM. The MacBook Pro you linked is more than sufficient to run Ableton. I use one just like it every day although it was much slower before I did the SSD and RAM upgrades. Here's a link to the SSD's I use and here's a link to the RAM upgrade kit for that computer. Upgrade at least the main drive to the largest SSD you can afford and max out the RAM to 16GB. Enjoy!

I gig with a little more gear than you, but I fit it all on a cheap X folding stand with a metal shelf I found in the dumpster across the top for a table. The shelf is a rectangle of sheet metal bent around the edges for rigidity. The stand is a little lower than it should be for good ergonomics but its worked for me, gigging about 3-4 times a month for the last 4+ years.

I recently bought a Griffin coffin stand like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Double-Studio-Keyboard-Laptop-Griffin/dp/B004THB8OW/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt

and modified it so that the legs extend further so the table is higher. I haven't gigged with this stand yet because I threw it in the studio and started using it there. Its now too useful to leave folded up next to the door...

These are both dead-tree books and digital resources.

Live itself:

• The manual/built-in tutorials
  
• Jon Margulies' 365 Live Tips from a few years back (best after you've gone through the manual and know what most of the Live features are)
  
• Margulies also wrote a book, Live 9 Power, that's supposed to be good but I haven't read it
  
  Synth/creative stuff:
  
  
• Welsh's Synthesizer Cookbook
  
• The Dance Music Manual by Rick Snoman
  
• Any music theory book
  
• The manual to your favorite synth or effect (just pick one you like and dive in deep)
  
  Production:
  
  
• The Mixing Engineer's handbook by Bobby Owsinski
  
• Practical Recording Techniques (more about traditional recording but I've found that to be very useful)
  
• Zen and the Art of Mixing by Mixerman
  
• Mastering Audio by Bob Katz (haven't read it but it's been well-recommended)
  
  

yes, If you dont have an interface with an instrument port than you can buy this device for pretty cheap if you shop around. I got mine for $20 and it works great, sometimes there is a little bit of a delay though.

Thanks for your feedback! I actually just ordered it (it's like like 60% off today on amazon!) Side question: Do you think using USB power could potentially cause latency? I have a Roland Edirol PCR controller (it was given as a gift) and it has caused me so many problems. It took me a while to even get it to work in Ableton and now that it does, I'm getting a bunch of latency. I've been using it USB, but there is the option of using AC power with a midi cable. I somehow either lost the wall wart, or it didn't come with one.. do you think it would be worth it to purchase a wall wart, or do you think it would make a difference? I could use a wall wart and run the midi through my audio interface, but I'm curious whether or not it's just a lost cause.

Have a look at the Que Neo
This looks like it's perfect for you. It's amazingly durable (You can spill a can of ber on it and drop it out of a 2 story window and it still works), cheap ($200), and functional (touch control, faders, after touch (I think), ect). I suggest that you get it here or here

Hope that this helps! If you need anything else PM me or post on this sub. We usually deliver.

Find sample packs with sounds you like and make your own racks.

Then, go learn music theory. If you don't know the basics (never played any instrument) it will be hard to do anything good.

I'm a drummer, so I have a hardtime with notes and chords, so I started reading a music theory book for computer musicians. It's not great and it can be hard if you don't know nothing, but it sure helps.

APC 40 is not for making beats. You can use it to trigger loops but not as a drum pad.

The first generation PUSH is only $70 more new on amazon than an apc40 and can be used to make beats as well do anything the APC can do.

https://www.amazon.com/Ableton-Push-Controller-Touch-Sensitive-Encoders/dp/B00AZ98TVS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1466804698&sr=8-6&keywords=apc40

These are only $50 and get great reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Akai-Pro-LPD8-Laptop-Controller/dp/B002M8EEW8/ref=pd_cp_MI_1

I'm on a mac and I'm using a Steinberg UR 22. Been great on recording vocals so far. Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR22-2-Channel-Audio-Interface/dp/B00B1FFPYO

Sadly, sustain pedals are restricted to either full off (0) or full on (127) signals. There are no in between values. What you'll need is a MIDI keyboard with an expression pedal output, a MIDI box that accepts an expression pedal, a standalone expression pedal MIDI to USB, or you can go all out and buy MIDI foot controller. There's one by Behringer and one by Roland.

I've been using the Behringer one to use with Amplitube standalone and it works well enough. It has two expression pedals so you can use one for volume swells and the other one for wah. It's a bitch to set up on Windows but once it's going, it's great.

Ahh, I hear you. But still, the Intel celerons and (shudder) atoms in those computers are gonna be a nightmare for anything even a little complex. Maybe a used Windows tablet would serve you better if you don't mind using a touchscreen or carrying around a portable keyboard/touchpad or mouse. I've personally used this tablet in particular for running ableton, and it was plenty fast for what you're describing:

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-XE700T1A-A06US-Slate-Tablet-Professional/dp/B006F1VLZG

Yes, it is possible, not for $200. However, a refurb Surface Pro 3 i5 would be remotely close.

Yeah, or you can just buy stickers and put them on your existing keyboard for a whopping $7.

cheaper nano kontrol

edit- this seems to be a newer version of the audio interface? http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA222-U-Control-Ultra-Low-Interface/dp/B0023BYDHK/ref=pd_cp_MI_2