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Akai APC20 Features:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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.
| Akai APC20 Specifications |
|---|
| Minimum System Requirements |
| Mac: G4/Intel recommended, OS X 10.3.9/10.4+ recommended PC: 1.5GHz, Windows XP or Vista, Windows 7 Windows-compatible sound card/ASIO driver support recommended 512MB RAM/1GB recommended, QuickTime 6.5 or higher, DVD-ROM drive, & USB port |
| Power |
| Power supply: 12V 2.0A pin-positive (included) Communication: USB-MIDI with proprietary hardware/software handshake Inputs: USB |
| Akai APC20 Ableton Controller System Requirements |
|---|
| 100-240V Power |
Warranty Information
| Product: | Period: |
| Akai APC20 | 1 Year |
Package Contents
-
- (1) Akai APC20
- (1) Sustain Pedal [100-240V 50/60Hz]
- (1) Ableton Live APC Edition CD
- (1) Manual
Product Reviews
Overall Rating
3 out of 3 (100%) customers recommend this product.
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A remarkable controller for an incredible price!All my reviews (9)May 09, 2012
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Review by MichaelThis piece of kit was designed in conjunction with the team at Ableton and it shows! Each softkey is back-lit and displays colors that match their state in Live - red indicates record mode is armed, orange indicates playback is stopped, and green means the clip is currently in play mode. If no clip is loaded in that particular slot, then the softkey is not lit. Pressing the shift key gives access to a row of transport controls and an additional set of functions for the faders, which could be mapped to just about any other parameter such as device controls, pans, etc. There is also a powerful use mode that allows drum racks and instruments to be played via the softkeys, and they can even be used to trigger effects on and off - which is an awesome trick for live performances! It also has a master fader and knob for controlling levels to the outputs.
There are also numerous scripts written by power users available on the internet - some of which require max for live, but do incredible things like turn the APC20 into a 64 note step sequencer and other features to a remarkable controller. The APC20 is also expandable via the addition of an APC40, which runs in combo mode by default in Ableton live - which means that you get 8 more channels of control with and zero setup hassle! There are also several scripts and templates available for running it in conjunction with DJ software such as Traktor Scratch and Traktor Pro - very cool!
The unit has sturdy plastic end cheeks and a metal case. I would caution against setting anything on top of the APC, as the faders WILL bend if anything with any sort of weight is placed on top of it. The APC20 also required external power, there are just too many lights on this thing for USB power, but this is more than offset by the remarkable amount of visual feedback the APC gives a performer.
Yes, I recommend this product. Was this helpful?
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Great product easy to use fast setup.All my reviews (1)November 09, 2011
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Review by DerekI have had a apc20 for a few months. It makes using ableton so much quicker and easier and alot more fun. Great functions faders are great! Highly recommend for the beginner producer starting out.Yes, I recommend this product. Was this helpful? 0
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The best ableton controller for your buck, especially when accompanied by the APC 40All my reviews (2)March 03, 2011
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Review by 3LAUI ordered my APC20 from unique squared, of course, for it to arrive before expected, and in perfect condition. I've added it to my already worn in APC40 for my live set up, and it's done some serious damage. I can not only expand my fader and grid capacity, but Ableton's got this neat little feature called MIDI combination mode where my two controllers interact with the software in perfect synchronization. For unique squared's price, its the best valued ableton controller on the market hands downYes, I recommend this product. Was this helpful? 0
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