Machine question

Hey, I've got the s49 but consittering buying a mashinee controller.
The question I have is,
Can it be used as a midi keyboard alternative in ableton using VST's such as Serum?
Example are the keypads mapped like a keyboard so when I push a button it will play a C note in ableton without the use of machine.
Probably a silly question.

Also if so what mashine controller is best for me?

 

You can use Maschine as a standard Midi controller by switching to Midi mode and there are some good pre-made DAW templates for Ableton that will help make it a more functional midi controller in Ableton. In that sense, yes you should be able to hit C note and go through chronologically. Beyond, I'm not sure how much you can do in terms of using the built in scale and chords or anything. BUT, you really do lose a lot IMO by using it that way without Maschine.

Personally, I do most of my creative work (with exception of guitar and analog synth) in Maschine and arrange in Ableton. If you work in something like Serum in Maschine then save the patch, you can just drag and drop the midi into Ableton and load up the patch on that track. It's relatively painless. If you are savvy, you could also just use Maschine as a VST and run serum vst through Maschine as a vst, but I don't like that approach personally.

If you're hoping to really just use Maschine as a midi controller for Ableton though, I would say don't get Maschine. Go for Push or something cheaper like a Novation Launchpad. If you're wanting what Maschine has to offer, but added functionality as a midi controller in Ableton then it doesn't matter which controller you get, depends on what workflow experience you want and what your budget it.