Android VS Launchpad - The best MIDI controller? - Does MIDI work through USB from Android? - General

Hey, my rig currently consists of two guitars, a shitty Nexxtech keyboard, and a mic, and I wish to add one of the two aforementioned tools to my arsenal. I use a WIFI-less computer so first off, is there a way to use an android MIDI app through USB, and if so, how (what apps/ software do I need)? And if the above works, which of the two are better? Thanks for reading!

there are midi controller apps for android that run over USB but tbh i would just buy a launchpad rather than pay for a DAW app and deal with the latency and touch screen fumbling about of an android phone or even tablet

Yeah, problem is, I want some faders and knobs. And, also, the launchpad is actually double the price of most androids (which I find ridiculous considering the launchpad isn't too complex, it is really just a bunch of buttions). I like the launchpad, problem is I think I want to like the android more.

[QUOTE=Poopants;40288997]Yeah, problem is, I want some faders and knobs. And, also, the launchpad is actually double the price of most androids (which I find ridiculous considering the launchpad isn't too complex, it is really just a bunch of buttions). I like the launchpad, problem is I think I want to like the android more.[/QUOTE] What kind of Androids are you looking at that are that cheap? A new launchpad goes for $119 on Amazon right now (and you can get a used/barely used one for way cheaper on ebay/craigslist) You CAN use an android as a MIDI controller, though you may run in to some latency problems and the like, plus you don't really get any sort of responsive feedback which imo is very important for any sort of midi equipment you want to use, especially if you're doing any sort of live performing. If you're looking for an Ableton controller that has some knobs and you want to keep it cheap you can pick up an APC20 for $169.00 new on Amazon (I'm sure you can probably find a better deal elsewhere though) which has lots of faders and buttons [t]http://i.imgur.com/j683hyf.jpg[/t] Theres also the APC40 which goes for around $270 or so which offers a few more controls [t]http://i.imgur.com/q7tBtio.jpg[/t] I've had a Launchpad for over a year now and I've just upgraded to the Push, I've tried to use my Nexus 7 as a midi controller before and it just hasn't offered a very effective feel for me, though that's my own personal opinion and in the end it's your own decision

Hmm, how goes the Push?

It's a beautiful device, pretty much been using it almost non stop since I got it a couple weeks ago. It's fun to play around with since I can pretty much just ignore my computer and just focus on the Push since it has pretty much all the features Ableton programmed for display right on it's little screen. It's totally a worthy successor to the Launchpad

APC40 Owner here. It's great, works flawlessly with Ableton. Don't get it if you're colorblind though I have so much trouble with that :(

OP buy your midi gear on craigslist. i was using an mpd26 as my main controller for a few months and i got it for like $80 in perfect condition. on amazon they're like $190. always check craigslist before you decide gear is "too expensive" [editline]18th April 2013[/editline] or if you're british i think there was some site that was basically the UK equivalent called milkleaf or something idk

I found an apc40 with one broken led on a knob for $225. I think I'm going with that.