Akai APC20 - Compact Ableton Controller
The APC20 from Akai is a compact controller, designed in conjunction with Abelton for use with the software manufacture's Live series of products. The APC20 is the ideal controller for performers who like to perform in a small amount of space for maximum portability and thanks to its small footprint, perfect for players who want to combine multiple controllers in their setup.
The APC20 is the link between a performer and computer that perfectly balances analytical parameter control with creative expression. Whether you are an electronic music artist and Live is your canvas, a DJ using Live to mix or remix tracks, or a more traditional musician using Live on stage or in the studio, you will find the APC20 to the intuitive, powerful instrument that directly links your inspiration with Ableton Live.
- Instant Performance
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- Akai Professional and Ableton designed the APC20 specifically for use with Ableton Live
- The controller is plug-and-play, so no need to install drivers
- First-time setup is literally 3 steps - load the included Ableton Live software, plug in and power up the APC20, and select the APC20 as Ableton Live's controller - that's it
- The APC20 comes pre-mapped for instant use with Ableton Live software
- Every single button and fader on the APC20 can be custom-mapped to completely customize the controls for preferred workflow
- Visual Feedback
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- The controller talks directly to Ableton Live, and Live talks directly to the APC20
- The bidirectional communication provides feedback from the software and displays it on its Clip Launch matrix
- The Clip Matrix gives you an instant view of clip status - what's loaded, what's playing, and what's being recorded
- Each state displays in the grid in a different color so you can get a quick picture of clip state
- You can shift your clip focus and get an overview of the clips you have loaded for your set
- Professional Construction
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- Ableton selected Akai Professional as its partner in developing the APC20 because of Akai Pro's leadership position in great-feeling controllers that are rock solid, rugged and precise
- From the legendary MPC series that changed the way music is made to the industry-standard MPD and MPK controllers, Akai Professional is revered by musicians, DJs and producers everywhere for creating the feel that aids their creativity
- The APC20 is built with a rugged, metal chassis and slip-proof rubber detailing
- No flimsy plastic
- Faders are solid and precise for pinpoint performance
- Creative Control
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- Includes Ableton Live Akai Professional APC Edition software, which is fully functional for performance and production
- Owners of standalone editions of Ableton Live 7 or 8 can also work seamlessly with the controller
- Live 7 with the latest automatic update has full support for the APC20 and all versions of Live 8 are APC20-ready
- The controller also enables special clip-status views and feedback that only the APC20's matrix can display
- The matrix is not limited to only 40 clips - you can scroll and shift, enabling you to access, control and perform with an unlimited number of cells
- 9 faders, which can be assigned to volume control, pan, sends and a choice of 3 user-mapped modes
- Special controls include tap tempo, tempo nudge, record enable, solo/cue and 2 assignable footswitch inputs
- Special User Mode enables you to use the Clip Launch buttons to control instruments and the Drum Rack
| System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Mac |
Minimum: PowerPC G4 OS X 10.3.9 512MB RAM Recommended: |
| PC |
Minimum: 1.5GHz processor Windows XP or Vista 512MB RAM Windows compatible sound card Recommended: |
| Other |
QuickTime 6.5 or higher DVD-ROM drive Available USB port |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (6)
- Compact (4)
- Lightweight (3)
- Versatile (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (5)
- Pro audio / DJ / mixing (5)
- Performances (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- Installation Confusing
- Mushy Buttons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
Comments about Akai APC20 - Compact Ableton Controller:
I use the product with Ableton Live and it works like a charm. Does everything it's supposed to and does it all well. Buttons are maybe a little too mushy for my taste, but otherwise a fine product!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
Comments about Akai APC20 - Compact Ableton Controller:
Straight out the box controller.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Performances
Comments about Akai APC20 - Compact Ableton Controller:
I use this product to control Abelton Live, and interface, and a laptop to add effects to a popular live band that performs all over the East Coast. Also I use it when performing.
I needed something reliable that would give me feedback as to the status of efx. per channel. The illuminated and customizable function buttons are perfect! I love that it's small and metal.
I wish it had a dedicated tap-tempo button and a meter bridge, but that's getting picky. It does what I need.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
Comments about Akai APC20 - Compact Ableton Controller:
Durable, reliable, and feels like a controller 4x it's price.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Akai APC20 - Compact Ableton Controller:
Same build and durability as the APC40. The faders are solid and have just enough resistance when you move them. The APC20 is perfect for DJ's on the go and prefer a smaller footprint.
If you can live without or handle not having the extra knobs, then I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
Comments about Akai APC20 - Compact Ableton Controller:
Ableton Live is a powerful framework for computer-based music creation but until Akai built the APC series it wasn't easy to use in a performance setting. The computer keyboard and mouse work fine in a studio but they're not suitable for the stage.
The Akai APC20 is a Performance Controller that gives you the ability to select and trigger loops and events in real time. It also has sliders that let you control levels for eight tracks plus master volume.
The machine is solid and well-built and compact and will make life easier for an experienced Ableton Live user. The hardware interface maps directly to Live controls.
For those who are new to Ableton Live, the APC20 helps smooth the learning curve and the transition from traditional studio hardware to computer-based production. That said, Ableton itself isn't easy to master and not even the APC20 will let you master it without plenty of time and attention. But the hardware controller is a great way to learn Ableton Live.
Displaying reviews 1-6
Data Cables
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- Original: $3.49
- Save: $0.35
- Price: $3.14
Additional Hardware
- Price: $10.64
Cases & Protection
- Price: $19.99
- Price: $39.99
What's in the Box
- External Power Supply
- USB Cable
- Software CD-ROM
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