Midi controller help.

[Deadpix3l]

Im new to the electronic music production world, I just started a few months ago and began getting familiar with abeleton live. But now that I am more proficient and that ive done a few gigs. I think its time for me to purchase a midi controller and a mixer, everyone ive already talked to said get the controller first. Considering I like the ascetics and from what ive seen in video views the feel and operation of controllers. Ive decided on a controller first.

My too favorites so far are,
the midi fighter spectra https://store.djtechtools.com/products/ ... er-spectra
and the Maschine http://www.native-instruments.com/en/pr ... /maschine/

My question is which one is a better fit for me, I want a controller that is not only good for learning on but will be an equally as good ally. For when I'm an expert with it. Im torn between both and contemplating buying both of them, just which one is better. Please aid me with any info you have/personal recommendations and i will thank you kindly

[zosomagik]

For the money your willing to spend i'd say just get an apc40. i have one and i love it, and it's designed especially for ableton. with that you'd basically have a controller and a mixer (that's assuming you mean a DJ mixer?). basically 40 pads, 8 faders, 16 knobs, and a crossfader (and an array of other buttons that are premapped for ableton but you can reassign them)

p.s. i see you're from scranton, i live in the harrisburg area myself

[SunkLo]

Those are two pretty different controllers. The midi fighter is just a button grid for triggering clips, whereas the maschine is a drum machine and integrated workstation. What would you use these controllers for? For production the midi fighter wouldn't really be useful at all. The maschine would be good for programming drums but you'd probably be better off with a keyboard that also has drum pads like an MPK49 or something. You need to properly define your requirements before deciding on what midi controller is best.