Akai Professional APC40 mkII Kit with Korg Monologue Analog Synthesizer and Accessories

The APC40 mkII from Akai Professional is a hardware controller designed to work with Ableton Live software in a one-to-one integration, and makes significant improvements over the previous version. A few of those include an RGB clip-launching grid, reinforced fader design, revised knob lay out, and more. The controller comes pre-mapped to Live for an instant performance and production setup.

The 5 x 8 RGB clip-launching grid is designed to launch clips and create or perform songs from the ground up using the forty responsive triggers. RGB lighting provides visual feedback and displays three clip statuses—loaded, playing, and recording. Clips can also be color-coded with the RGB lighting for better visual organization.

Nine assignable reinforced faders and eight assignable channel control knobs are arranged in-line with each channel for an intuitive layout and smarter workflow. The eight Device Control knobs make it easy to tweak device parameters and also light up to provide visual feedback from each parameter. In addition, the Sends button enables users to cycle through all eight send buses right from the controller.

The A/B crossfader has also been reworked and can be assigned and re-assigned without having to touch the mouse. All of controls can be re-assigned on the fly for customized setups that change with a performance or production style. USB power with plug-and-play connectivity allows for taking the unit from the studio to the stage or wherever.

A software music production suite includes Ableton Live, two virtual synthesizers—Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech and SONiVOX's Wobble, along with 5 GB of samples and loops for immediate out-of-the-box music creation. The Puremagnetik Effect Racks features over two hundred audio effects, while five Toolroom artist launch packs and five Prime Loops sample packs feature a mix of electronic music.

The black Monologue from Korg is a monophonic all-analog synthesizer with a fully programmable single-voice architecture and 100 fully editable presets, well suited for musicians and analog enthusiasts. Building upon the success of the Minilogue Polyphonic Synthesizer, Korg reworked the knob-per-function layout, voicing, and sound-sculpting abilities to create a distinctive-sounding instrument for all types of musicians and sound designers.

The synth offers two VCOs and a redesigned filter with a powerful low-end punch. A drive circuit has been added to apply aggressive overtones and distortion to the sound for huge bass sounds and sharp lead tones. The LFO rate can be adjusted into an unprecedentedly ultra-high-speed range to generate crazy space-shattering sounds, or it can be switched to one-shot mode to act as an additional envelope. The OLED display offers parameter information and features a real-time oscilloscope, providing eye-catching visual feedback on the sound being played. A 16-step sequencer not only records notes, but motion sequences of knob movements as well.

The Monologue has a set of factory tuning as well as 12 user slots for creating custom microtunings. Aphex Twin has come onboard as an advisor for the implementation and also to offer scales, sounds, and sequences as part of the factory presets. The enclosure is crafted from a curved aluminum panel, populated by chassis-mounted metal shaft pots with rubber-coated knobs, and a solid pyinkado-wood rear panel. Programming is a breeze with a single-knob-per-function architecture that satisfies seasoned synth professionals and beginner programmers. The Monologue ships with six AA batteries and can be powered by an optional 9 VDC power supply.

The KA350 Power Adapter by Korg is compatible with a variety of Korg electronic instruments including the Wavedrum, microSAMPLER, microKORG XL, Kaossilator Pro, PS60, microSTATION, microPIANO, monotribe and the MS1. It is a 9V DC, 1.7 amp adapter designed for use in 120V electrical power outlets.

The Pearstone USB 2.0 Type-A Male to Type-B Male Cable supports transfer rates up to 480 Mbps. This cable is designed to connect to a PC, Mac, or any USB device. It features a USB Type-A at one end and Type B at the other end and offers high speed transmission to maximize conductivity and minimize data loss. It is fully compliant with USB 2.0 specifications.

This premium cable offers braided copper shielding and an aluminum foil wrap to minimize electromagnetic and radio interference and to ensure clean signal transfers, even with large file sizes and at high speed. The connectors are hot pluggable and are plug and play. Additionally, this cable is manufactured under RoHS guidelines (with no environmentally hazardous cadmium or lead), UL rated, and FCC certified.