Akai APC40
Akai Professional worked in partnership with software developer Ableton to create the Ableton Performance Controller APC40, an awesome stage or studio hardware control surface for Ableton Live. Designed specifically for Live, and now shipping worldwide, the unit is plug-and-go—no mapping required, although advanced users can tweak the controls to their individual tastes, if desired. The APC40 communicates bi-directionally with Live, enabling the controller to display information from the software on its clip matrix of 40 triggers and on LED rings surrounding each knob. And the APC40 is the ideal match for Ableton’s new Live 8 software.
“I have been an Ableton Live user since version 1.0,” says Glen Darcey, Product Manager, Akai Professional. “I’ve never found a controller that did the things I wanted it to do with Live. There were many things that would work, but I could never find an elegant solution. Akai Pro president Jack O’Donnell recognized Live’s popularity and the potential of pairing it with our hardware designs. Before long, we approached Ableton and got moving on developing what would eventually be the APC40.”
The APC40 communicates bi-directionally with Ableton Live, enabling the controller to display information from the software on its clip matrix of 40 triggers and on LED rings surrounding each knob. The clip matrix also provides an instant view of the Session Overview.
The controller has two sets of eight knobs, each of which can access four banks of controls. The Track Control knobs affect global parameters, such as pans and sends, while the Device Controls affect the clip, instrument and effect parameters. The Device Control knobs are reassigned each time that you change tracks or devices. This capability enables you to control at least 8 track parameters per track, for a total of 72, using the same 8 knobs and the 9 Track Selection buttons. Channel faders and a DJ crossfader allow for smooth control of key values.
The APC40 is available now from pro audio and musical instrument retailers at a U.S. retail price of $599 and a street price of $399.
For more information about the APC40 visit www.akaipro.com/apc40, a dedicated Website featuring text, images, interactive product tour, APC40 quick start guide, event listings, news, free downloads and more.
Click here to watch an exclusive video demo of the Akai APC40.
