AKAI Professional APC 40 Mk2 5-stars Reviews

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.

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 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.

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 !

convenient interface, convenient operation, excellent device!

Fun device, works very well

Great addition to my workflow. Both for jamming, and live performance but also in the studio this device gives easy to access control over Ableton. The layout is straightforward and smart. I'd fancy some more user-dials, I rarely use the adaptive dials that change mapping per active plugin, since I want to control more plugins at a time. I think the color representation of the clips is a bit off, which can be confusing if your color coding is important in bigger projects.

Ableton in physical format!

Exactly what i was looking for, this allows me to get away from mouse control and to improove my workflow A LOT (specially using a "looper setup") after assigning personalized functions i just have to plug in a pedal and i don't even have to touch the pc any more. Worth mentioning: the integration with ableton is "ready to play", you only have to connect the device and turn it on for it to start working. Zero time spent in "preferences" tomake it work. Recommend.

Very nice quality controller

Great quality buttons, knobs and faders, works really well with Ableton Live. Everything you really need to control your DAW for quick recording, looping and sampling... great experience with this product, having good feel of solid buttons under your fingers instead of just clicking with your mouse all over the place.

Great and handy product in my opinion, I couldn`t ask for more at this point. Good job

One of the best ableton controllers

Its perfect for live arrangiment and performance.I love the similiar view with ableton's make it so easy to use.The best controller for live acts. Do not regret for any cent spent on it!

APC40 mk2

I bought it for live use with Ableton and Traktor. The unit is very slim and lightweight so it fits perfectly in my laptop bag, while still being really sturdy and good build quality. It works with Ableton straight away, and takes very little time to learn. I haven't used the mk1 version, so it's all new to me. Mapping it to Traktor is a bit more challenging, as Akai hasn't published specific midi implementation charts which would help e.g. with assigning different LED colors, but for the most part it seems very easy to setup to any software.

I'm really looking forward to actually taking it to gigs and I'm sure it will perform really well.

Deciding between this and the Push is simply a matter of needs - if you need something to actually make music with, buy the Push. If you need a controller for performing, this seems to be the best at the moment.