AKAI Professional APC 40 Mk2

Is an excellent MIDI controller for anyone looking for dedicated live functionality

This is the first hardware controller I bought to use specifically with my Ableton Live software.

Decent

I use midi controllers for Ableton and Resolume Arena for live performance.

The APC40mk2 is barely of a quality that I feel comfortable bringing onto a stage.

We have gone through 3 or 4 of them at this point as they do not handle the abuse of stage-life as well as one would hope.

For knobs, I much prefer the quality and the feel of the midi fighter twister.

Sadly, the apc40mk2 remains the best 1-in-all option still.

Love it

This is my 2nd one to use as backup, i now own 2 of these. Been using them with the Playaudio12 running backing tracks live, reliable control surface and simple to use

Works good with ableton!

It is all about fun! Works very good with ableton.

Great of live performance.

This does all the things it should, I just wish the build was a little sturdier.

GOOD BUT NOT PERFECT.

Very good. integrates with Ableton for Live performance.

It would be perfect if it had motorized faders.

Good quality controller with a reasonable price

I've used multiple versions of AKAI's APC controllers and this is, by far, the most useful and comfortable one to use.

Faders don't get sloppy over time and push buttons feel great.

The controller is great for different software (Resolume Arena, vMix etc.) and provides a good number of different input types unlike some controllers that have mostly faders or only buttons.

There has been only one downside for video software - the row of track select buttons since it is not possible to change their behaviour and they load different values for the rightmost fader block (device control knobs).

But otherwise the APC40 MK2 has been a really good tool to get various controls to physical buttons instead of scrolling and clicking with a mouse.

Highly Recommended.

I mostly compose in MIDI tracks - this machine is helpful for arranging my tracks in rhythm (with the adjustable tempo volume), and the easy integration with Ableton is very simple - you just plug the USB and it is ready to go.. That simple.

For me, there are no cons, only pros.

You can also use this APC40 controller to record tracks in the session view with the first few buttons, but I generally record my midi tracks in the arrangement view.

With the upcoming MIDI 2.0 update version, and the MIDI 2.0 cables, this machine will do wonders I think.

Great for its purpose, except one big miss

I love most things about this controller;

the sturdiness/quality, the layout/design, the feel/response of knobs, faders and buttons.

But.. The biggest reason why I bought the unit was because I was sure that the feature of setting lengths before recording audio clips was implemented, like in Ableton Push.

But since that's not the case, the controller has no use for me and I will probably get a Push instead.

Too bad, I prefer AKAI's layout with the faders.

If AKAI would implement that function (which should be possible), I would definitely go for APC40 mk2 again.

Handy control board

all controllers are "tweakers" or "launchers-triggers" or "keyboards". This one tries to cover all.

As a Keyboard Akai APC 40 Mk2 is not good. Pads are not velocity sensitive - not nice for recording drums or instrument parts - but still you can do it at on-the-go conditions.

As a "Launcher" - I personally find it very nice. 8 channel scenes is cool. When I work at the live sport events I need a variety of samples at my fingertips - Akai APC 40 Mk2 just shines here! I created my own template based on the default one.

As a Tweaker Akai Apc 40 Mk2 offers you 8 knobs-per-selected channel + 1 knob on the top - These knobs are endless spin with a nice travel. But it is often not enough. When Dj - I use a different Template and here I need an extra "Tweaker" to expand tweaking abilities of the device (I use DJTT Twister which is an amazing tweaking device) and for the reset (quick set-to-default) feature.

Mechanically Akai APC 40 Mk2 seems to be proof enough. Not a single issue while using it for 2 years (carefully but intensevely)

Faders and knobs are reliable not flimsy. I would recommend a plastic cover to lingering the lifetime of the device.

so Pro's:

- Universality and functionality within live or studio conditions

- Great launcher (Trigger)

- Fair Tweaker

- Made quality

- light weight

- Well thought Templates available

- Keeps your eyes away from the computer screen

- Foot controller switch functionality

- USB powering

- Price for all that

Con's:

- Not for a Keyboard-ing or Drum Pad-ing

- Not as compact as you may think (not a Con for me though)

- Volume faders a bit tricky to spot on the "0" level (I use fabric tape)

- Triggered clip is indicated in green weakly pulsing (I avoid green color when colouring the steady clips and miss hard pulsing)

I would recommend it for Ableton users as a "Launcher" ("Trigger") controller to pair it with some other "tweaker" deviceand keyboard if needed for a beautifull setup !