Ableton, and maybe a midi controller with 8 knobs that's natively supported and complements your keyboard. Novation Launchcontrol for example which comes with a

Ableton, and maybe a midi controller with 8 knobs that's natively supported and complements your keyboard. Novation Launchcontrol for example which comes with an entry version of Ableton, < 100 bucks. Ableton is the industry standard for electronic music, the makers have a ambient and dub techno background, and there are a ton of tutorials yo get you started. The program is still underrated, because essentially it's like system in which you can build your own software effects and instruments (as racks), and use the ones that other DIYers have created. It can replace VST's, you actually don't need any. Ableton packs of sampled instruments can also replace Kontakt from Native Instruments. Having the 8 knobs on a controller comes in handy because you can "lift" parameters within your racks and map them to a rack macro frontend that consists of 8 knobs, and that's the best way to access the devices and racks within Ableton for sound design. There are also some good controller apps for the iPad like Touchable, and synths that you can integrate (those that support the Ableton Link protocol). The Lite version (that's bundled with controllers and some iPad apps) and the Intro version are very limited, but enough to get started. Upgrading to the Standard version can be done for $250 or maybe even a bit less if you catch a deal, and that's where the fun starts.