personally i would recommend abelton every time. its a fantastic program that gives you some much versatility. if there is something you want to achieve on ableton, there is normally always a way to do it. when i started on ableton i would only use my keyboard and a mouse, now i have behringer bcr2000 midi controller and it is sooo good and really really fun.

yeah they have the 200 mk2s at my local record shop and every time i’m on them i do have to cry a little and then scowl at 1210 they have next to it.
i have never really liked the all in one units, they just seem very cramped and its harder to upgrade. you cant just change the mixer any time you want. of course the typical response is just “save for 1000 mk3’s” but they are bloody expensive. i ended up saving for some pioneer 800 mk2’s and they are truly awesome, couldn’t fault them.

man i wish i went for one of the pdx range i always feel so limited by my 1210