Here’s my Akai APC40 Review!

Need a controller for Ableton Live?

Ableton Live is without a doubt one of the best software suites out there for all music composers and even Djs! However, controlling it with a standard MIDI controller can prove to be difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing! It can be even harder for intermediate users or beginners!

There are too many controls to be mapped and some midi keyboard controllers don’t even have the necessary amount of sliders, keys and other controls for all or most of them!

The solution to this problem is simple though, what the average user needs is a dedicated controller made with just the Ableton Live software in mind!

Such a controller will be optimized for use with the software and feature all the necessary controls for all of its most important functions!

After some thorough research on the net, I think I found the best Ableton controller and it’s none other than the Akai APC40! Let’s find out why!

Akai APC40 is available on amazon.com

• Abelton APC40 Controls

Well it goes without saying that the most important aspect about any controller is the ability to seamlessly interface with the software it’s supposed to be controlling! This is where Akai Ableton APC40 really shines! First of all, Akai created and designed it in direct collaboration with Ableton, so it’s practically been made by the people who made the software! If they’re not the best guys to go to for such a controller, I don’t know who are!

The Akai APC40 comes with two banks of eight knobs. The first set controls the Global parameters allowing you instant access to your main sends, pans, and other essentials. The second bank, is dynamically reassigned to the track you select each time. You can control up to eight track parameters at a time, and the Track knobs will even follow your focus, as you switch between the channels.

To better understand what I’m talking about, here’s an example: suppose you’re working with the Beat Decoder on track two, if you switch to track four, the eight Track knobs that  you were using to control the Beat Decoder, will now be controlling the Flangeverb on track four! It’s really simple and easy to use! To help you even more, the settings for each knob load on the light rings so you’ll immediately be aware of each knob’s status.

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It even provides you with special clip-status views and feedback that can only be displayed by the Akai APC40‘s Matrix. The matrix, of course, is not limited to only 40 clips! You can also scroll and shift, which allows you to access, control, and perform with an unlimited number of cells.

Because of the bidirectional communication between the Akai APC40 and the Ableton Live software, it can receive feedback directly from the software and display it on its clip matrix of 40 triggers and on the LED rings surrounding each knob. The clip matrix gives you an instant view of your clip’s status and lets you know what’s loaded, what’s currently playing, and what’s being recorded. Each state is displayed on the matrix in a different color, so you can get info on your clip’s state by just glancing at it! You can also shift your clip focus and get an overview of the clips you have loaded for your set.

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It also features a lot of different controllers. You can access four banks of controls with the eight Global knobs, while the eight Track knobs control nine different track parameters each. Add it all up, and you have a total of 72 controllers that are dynamically reassigned each time you switch tracks! It even comes with Channel faders, bus faders, and a crossfader that will definitely give you smooth control of key values. You can have even more control over your music by using special controls like the Tap Tempo, Tempo Nudge, record enables, solo/cues, and even two assignable footswitch inputs. The amount of control offered is staggering, but what’s really cool, is ow easy and intuitive this controller is to use!

• Interface and ease of use

Like I mentioned above, Akai and Ableton designed the APC40 together, specifically for the Ableton Live software, which has many benefits for every user, from the pro to the beginner! First  of all, you don’t need to map its controls in order for the controller to “talk” to the software. It comes pre-mapped for instant use with the Ableton Live software which makes it perfect for beginners! But experienced users shouldn’t think that this controller is dumbed down for “noobs”!

You can custom-map every single knob, button, and fader on the controller and completely customize the controls to better fit your music and working style! All you have to do to get started, is connect your laptop or PC to the APC40 via USB! It’s class compliant, which means that it’s plug and you won’t have to download or mess around with any drivers!

• Design and build quality

The Ableton APC40 comes in a rugged, metal chassis, surrounded by slip-proof rubber detailing. All of the knobs and faders are solid and precise and it even features a high quality, replaceable crossfader for transitioning between clips and loops assigned to “A” or “B.” All in all, it has 16 knobs and each surrounded by a ring of LEDs that make seeing your settings very easy even on dark stages!

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• Abelton APC40 Software

Inside the package you’ll find Ableton Live Akai Professional APC40 Edition software, which is fully functional for performance and production. If you already own Ableton Live 7 or 8, don’t worry, it goes without saying that the Akai APC40 will work perfectly with them too. Live 7 with the latest automatic update has full support for the Akai APC40 and all versions of Live 8 are APC40-ready, out of the box.

• Cons

Well the first obvious downside to this wonderful Midi controller is the very fact that it’s dedicated ton only one program! While it works perfectly with Ableton Live, you could run into problems if you try using it with other programs and apps. Also, the version of the Ableton Live software included in the package is 7, which is a bit outdated since 8 has already come out! However, you’ll find a voucher to download Ableton Live 8 in the box, which is cool, but I don’t like waiting for downloads! Finally, if you’re using OsX then you can’t re-map the controls. Sorry, Mac users, it appears this was made with Windows in mind!

Affiliate Disclaimer
If you like this Akai APC40 Review and think that is was helpful, then help me continue with offering your support. I am not asking for donations. Just buy the Midi Keyboard you like through this link here.

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Filed under: Midi Keyboard Controllers

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