ArchimedesQ i think my best suggestion is to start small and slow. the problem with buying gear at the beginning is you don’t know what your sound is going to be, what your workflow will look like, whether you prefer a software/hardware/hybrid based set up.
i actually still don’t own a proper controller, but as i use more software, it’s on the list. i’ve gotten along with a launchpad (that i honestly rarely use now), a faderfox controller with 4 faders and knobs (which i use a lot for soft synth midi mapping), and a kordbot for “keys” (although it doesn’t shine as a performance tool). if i had to do it again, i’d probably just spring for a 37 key controller with some knobs and faders (think keystep pro or something similar).
try something like micro lab maybe?
https://www.long-mcquade.com/151776/Keyboards/MIDI-Controllers/Arturia/MicroLab-25-Key-MIDI-Controller---Black.htm
launchpads are good if you need pad for triggering clips or finger drumming. i find i have very little use for pads. i also don’t ‘play’ keys, so i use sequencers much more often, so that’s something to consider. if you’re using ableton and no hardware, you don’t need an external sequencer, so keys may suffice.
bottom line, start slow, buy cheap stuff until you know what you want, and finding used gear if possible is the way to go.
any idea what genre(s) you want to make? do you have a musical background or are you like me and figuring it out as you go?
