Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller
The new Akai Professional APC40 was designed from its inception to be the perfect hardware companion to the popular production and performance software Ableton Live. If you've never used Live before, you can simply plug the APC40 into a computer and get acquainted with the included Ableton Live APC Edition software without hassle, because it's designed to plug and play on both Mac and Windows. If you already use Live for music production, performance, songwriting, DJ'ing, post-production video, television production, live theater, art installations, or in any capacity - you will immediately appreciate the APC40's exclusive ability to "talk" to the software.
The unusual front panel of the APC40 is packed with glowing buttons. It looks this way because it's designed to let you to take complete control of Live's unique Session View. Session View features a grid that allows you to load audio and MIDI clips into its cells. You can play and stop each of these clips in any sequence, and you can launch groups of clips together as a "scene." You can choose to have the software time-stretch and quantize all of these sounds so they flow together musically. It's an extremely simple yet wildly creative approach to manipulating sound, but until now there has been no true hardware solution that could free the user from staring deeply into their computer monitor with a mouse in their hand.
The APC40 has finally answered the need for a dedicated Session View controller for Live. When you press a button on the APC40, the command is sent to Live and the software carries out the task. The new and exciting capability here is the result of your command being fed back to the APC40 and displayed on its respective control. For example, if you don't have an audio or MIDI clip loaded into a cell in the software, the respective button on the APC40 will not be illuminated. If you put a clip into a cell in the software, the respective button will illuminate orange. If you press on an orange glowing button to fire a clip, the button will turn green while the clip is playing. If you decide to record into a cell, the respective button will glow red.
You are not limited to the 8 tracks and 5 scenes in the matrix. You can create as large of a Live Set as you please, and use the navigation buttons on the APC40 scroll around to access any of your clips. The portion of the program you currently have control of with the APC40 will be highlighted in red in Live's GUI.
The APC40 also has 8 track faders and a master fader, with the ability to change banks. Each of the 8 tracks has a dedicated mute, solo, and record button. The solo buttons can also be used as cue buttons for DJ'ing. The APC40 also features 16 endless encoder knobs, each with its own LED ring. The upper right portion of the APC40 is the Track Control section with 8 of these knobs. This area acts as a global control for which ever bank of 8 tracks you currently have selected. You can quickly access track panning and control sends A, B, and C. Pressing one of the Track Selection buttons located below the clip launching matrix will assign the other set of 8 knobs on the lower right portion of the APC40. The knobs will map to the device (such as an effect or an instrument) the chosen track holds. There are dedicated buttons for turning devices on and off, scrolling from device to device, and for switching between Clip View and Track View.
If you don't care to use the APC40's pre-mapped controls, all of its 109 buttons, 16 knobs, 9 45mm faders, and replaceable 60mm dual rail-guided crossfader are freely assignable so you can customize its workflow in any way you please. The freedom to reinvent the APC40 doesn't stop there. Users can purchase an additional piece of software called Max For Live, which runs seamlessly within Live 8. Max For Live (which was created in collaboration with Cycling '74) allows users to edit and invent their own custom devices within Live 8, and utilize all of the control capability of the APC40 as a blank canvas. For example, a user can build a custom step sequencer with Max For Live and program the trigger matrix of the APC40 to act as an input device for building sequences, rather than launching clips.
However, you don't have to commit all of your time and energy to building custom instruments and effects with Max For Live. The multitude of different devices that hardcore users build will be shared amongst the Ableton community, so you can download and use the fruits of other users' labor. With an APC40, Live 8, and Max For Live, the only limitation for what can be accomplished is the collective imagination of its global base of creative enthusiasts.
- Session View Controller
- 8 track x 5 scene triggering matrix with real-time feedback from the software
- Dedicated Controls
-
Tap tempo button
+/- Nudge buttons for real-time syncing with live musicians, turntables, performers, etc.
(5) Dedicated scene launch buttons
(8) Stop clip buttons
(1) Stop all clips button
- Reinvention
- Reassign any pre-mapped control to your liking. Reinvent the functionality of the hardware with Max for Live
| Connection | USB |
| Faders | 9 45mm track faders, 1 replaceable 60mm dual rail-guided crossfader |
| Transport Controls | Play, Stop, Record |
| Rotary Controls | 16 endless encoder knobs with LED rings |
| Multiple Units | Up to six APC40's can be used with Live simultaneously |
| Included Software | Ableton Live Akai Professional APC Edition Software |
| Software Supported | Ableton Live, and any software that features assignable MIDI capability |
| System Requirements | Mac and Windows compatible |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 16.5 x 13.2 x 2.6" (420 x 335 x 65mm) |
| Weight | 5.8 lbs (2.64kg) |
| Specialties | Exclusive ability to communicate with Ableton Live. Provides visual feedback of the software in the hardware, and the software updates its GUI according to what you assign in the hardware. |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 29 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Versatile (21)
- Easy to use (19)
- Lightweight (10)
- Compact (8)
- Easy to navigate (6)
Cons
Best Uses
- Performances (19)
- Home studio (15)
- Pro audio / DJ / mixing (11)
- Outdoor events / games (8)
- Professional recording (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (10), Professional musician (9)
- Primary use:
- Personal (5)
- Computer Platform:
- PC (5), Mac (4)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 29 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Multimedia
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
Quality product, great for Ableton Live & Traktor.
I am a DJ and Producer recommend.
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Navigate
- Intuitive
- Versatile
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Multimedia
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
While somebody that's just invested upwards of $600-800 on an Ableton-software-based DAW might not want to hear it, this hardware might as well be bundled with the software from the get-go so that you receive both at the same time and don't waste weeks or months before coming to the realization that you need this device. Shell out the $200+ with confidence and never look back.
I don't know a whole lot about Ableton yet as I'm still a newb, but I can't imagine learning it with a pure mouse-&-keyboard approach, given all of the more complicated aspects of the application - the thought/memory alone makes me cringe, and with my poster-child-grade ADHD issues, I honestly think I would never maintain enough interest to work through that process without the engagement the APC40 offers in terms of actually feeling your skillset growing as you move along.
Any other experienced Ableton user would probably tell you its an absolute must for performing, but I think it's a real must for learning and working if you're serious about getting to know the application to begin with.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Works out of the box
Cons
Best Uses
- Music production
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
So, I have been playing with my APC40 for a few weeks now. I think its great. Previously I had been quite frustrated in my attempts to play with Ableton with nothing more than a mouse because doing so is very much like trying to play a musical instrument while only having one finger! Now with the APC40 I can use all of my fingers and feel that I can finally use Ableton to its fullest potential. It makes it less like software and more like an actual hands-on musical instrument with endless possibilities. I look forward to developing my skills on this fun and powerful new tool.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
Everything it said it would be and more.
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Live production
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
I've been using traktor and a custom VCI-100 for 2 years now and it was starting to limit my ability. I wanted more than just DJ'ing- I wanted to do live remixing, production, and mashing in addition to DJ.
The APC40 is right up that alley and it delivers on all it's promises. I can still use my old setup and slave traktor's clock to ableton and get the best of both worlds. Quite simply it's the best controller for ableton (especially if you have the suite version for custom mappings).
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
Can use all the functionality in the software right out of the box. Period. What else is there to say?
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Multimedia
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
I use akai apc 40 for live dj and create remix
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Music production
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
Awesome product. Exactly what I've been needing to unlock Ableton's full potential at an excellent price [...].
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
I use Ableton Live as my main income producer doing corporate music, TV cues and gigs improvising live house music. After using the APC40 for a few hours I can't believe I didn't have one sooner! If you use Ableton Live! for any length of time, this gear makes things WAAAYYY easier and faster!
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- No Touch Sensitivity
Best Uses
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
I'm new to the producing/mixing game so I was a bit apprehensive about getting something too complex. However, after owning the APC40 for almost a month I was easily able to become familiar with the interface within a matter of hours and program in any of my own customizations (literally every button/switch/knob is programmable).
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Use
- Seamless Ableton flow
- Versatile
Cons
- Fadersknobs fragile
Best Uses
- Performances
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
I use this primarily as a control surface for effects and a way to launch clips in LIVE. It works great for gigging and has served me very well. Extremely easy to remap, even easier to use, great piece of equipment.
Love it!
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Performances
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
Absolute must for an Ableton user. Opens completely new possibilities with existing software (e.g. you can solo multiple tracks at a time by hitting multiple solo buttons simultaneously, etc.) Very intuitive.
A couple of down sides and good to have-s:
1. When computer comes out of sleep (tested on PC only), and you had Ableton open, there is no way to synchronize APC40, so you have to restart Ableton software).
2. Definitely could have used more launchpad buttons so you could have more visibility into the scenes.
3. Scene launch buttons don't stay lit, so you really don't know what scene is playing (yes, you could have clips from multiple scenes going simultaneously, but even then showing "active" scenes would be very helpful).
Other than that it's truly a great solid product.
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
- Friends want to steal it
Best Uses
- Events
- Music Videos
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
I can't believe that the APC40 comes with all this functionality for under $300! Right out of the box you can plug it in and start jammin' out in ableton. No setup necessary just plug and play! WHaaat!?!? And, for those of use who are customize hack junkies you can completely remap it's midi keys in very little time. Very light and easy to situate. 5 stars no doubt.
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
There isnt a more in depth and versitile controller for Ableton on the market.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
I haven't finished experimenting but making music with Live is even easier with the APC. Recording, controlling volume and pan; all easy. Synth parameters are recognized instantly!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
The product is dj controller, used for mix programs djs or music producers softwares ( abelton Live, Traktor Pro etc... )
Advantage plug and play, strong buttons and intuitive comunication for Abelton live.
Used too for controllers 4 decks the Traktor Pro
Pros
- Big - But that is good
- Easy To Use
- No midi mapping setup
- Quality knobs and faders
Cons
- Only works with Live
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
Well after years of dealing with Novation's Automap "technology" it was refreshing to just plug something in and have it just work.
There is a tap-tempo button (like any MPC) but I wish there was a tempo knob.
It would have been nice to have some MPC pads, or some note entry. But I have a Novation 61 SL for notes and a MPC 1000 with great pads.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
Absolutely love this product! If you need a live controller, this is it. Easy to use out of the box, comes with basic software. If you want to actually make tracks, you need Ableton Live 8 at least. I make tracks in Logic, bounce down to wave, then just drag them into the APC and set it up how you wish. Very sturdy machine and easy to use. Great addition to my studio and live shows. B&H was great. I was skeptical after seeing a few scam websites with similar prices, but I saw nothing but good reviews about B&H. GREAT price [...]
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
- TheaterSound Design
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
I need something I don't have to spend a week figuring out. This was reported to be excellent and it has exceeded my expectations. The device was so simple and fast to set up, I thought something was wrong (note I already have Live installed). By the end of my first session, it felt like I'd been using it for years. Although portable, it has a pretty big footprint and might not fit into a standard backpack. It also requires a plug. But for the price B&H charges, it simply is a no brainer if you are an Ableton user.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- No cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Akai APC40 Ableton Performance Controller:
using this for my live setup hip/hop/electronica nice controller nice function
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- Price: $3.59
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- Price: $69.00
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- Price: $21.00
Cases & Protection
- Price: $99.00
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What's in the Box
- Ableton Live Akai Professional APC Edition Software CD (Mac and Windows)
- USB Cable
- Power Supply
- User Manual
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