If you can't get an APC40: It's not all in the same unit but i use the Novation Launchpad X (buttons) + Novation Launch Control XL (faders & knobs) to do the same thing. I also use a Novation Launchkey 37 keyboard to play the live parts and create loops.
@@Joyboy027o in my opinion the LaunchKey 49 has everything you "need" and so you don't "need" more. Adding the Novation Launchpad X (buttons) + Novation Launch Control XL (faders & knobs) simply gives you more buttons knobs and faders to work with, which is nice, but not absolutely necessary.
Hello, I was thinking on the exact same setup because I started a live performance show, but I don't want to throw money out and after that akai release an mk3. I hope they'll release the update soon, or at least make again the apc 40 mk2 :(
I so like when you have artist showing their set up. I learned so much. Thank you to both of you! For tonal change, look at the circle of 5th! Always sound good going +/- a 5th.
Every time I watch one of your artist setup/workflow videos, it pushes me to use my setup differently! Very inspiring. Thanks for another super interesting video!
It's amazing how similar our setups are. It goes to show that if you make a great and intuitive controller, people will change their workflow to fit the controller, not the other way around. When I play live, I can comfortably turn off the screen on my computer and never even think of it. What a great thing this Mk2 is. You hear, AKAI (mk3)?
Get on board the funk machine! ... always inspiring when given the opportunity to tune into the style .. technique .. expertise .. skill of another... there is not a person on the planet that can't teach us something .. cheers to those that hear the sound of music in everything! ...
Absolutely - I really still do think it's the best Ableton Live controller - no need to over complicate things ! Also, if you're interested in a community full of tech peeps talking about gear all day - you might want to hit up my Discord ! Here's a link :-) distrokid.com/vip/liamkillen
Completely agree - absolutely brilliant piece of hardware. Hope AKAI makes a new version at some point, or that Ableton themselves see the light. I use it for DJing, looping and producing - this thing can handle anything.
I really like this concept you are developing in your channel where you are "interviewing" or, more accurately, letting different people with different workflows demo "their method". Like sharing their jems. I think it's really interesting, there's always something to learn. And I mean REALLY something to learn because nowadays the youtube-synth-world is full of "fake" "click-baity" video with tricks and tips that "will really change your approach" from synthfluencers that really don't know how to keep up the pace because the need to upload weekly videos. So as a viewer I sometimes feel treated as stupid because the tip in the videos often ends up being something trivial or very obvious. In summary, I really like this series of videos man 😊.
Favourite Ableton and Bitwig controller and also my favourite Resolume controller. I have both a MK1 and Mk2. Would love it if they made a version with flying faders.
Still use mine all the time. That is when I’m using Ableton. I have a push three standalone and will connect it to the APCmk2 As well. I don’t like the cognitive friction having to switch between modes in the push workflow. The cross fader is very important if you were clip launching for life sets.
Hi Liam. Would it be possible to share the Ableton Live template that was used in this demo ? Even if it’s just an empty set but with the effects used and mapped to the Akai controller? Great video.
great, great video. i dont have ableton so this actually gave me a better idea of how it works. and yes, that apc is beautiful. if i had one, it would be to midi map everything to an mpc. 🤔
Yes but the other ones the mini or mini keys too, they don't have. Many artist live loop midi or audio in performance but that something akai doesn't do
I had one but sold it. It was cool but I didn't like that it had 8 columns of clip buttons but only 5 rows. Doesn't make sense as if your performing live a lot of songs are bigger than 5 rows. It should have been 8x8 then it's less moving about up and down when triggering clips. Other than that it's prob the best controller for ableton . Awesome vid love these insights to how others play :-)
Absolutely the best mixer and launch controller for Ableton Live… especially next to a Push 2 (or 3) for playing and modifying sounds. The APC is very direct, like for instance the TR-8S. And the crossfader is awesome too for controlling multiple channels. Really don’t understand why Akai made the MK3 sort of a Push-clone… it’s no longer complementary and more of the same. The APC is also a very capable controller for Loopy Pro on iPad. And last week I stumbled upon a workaround to map it to Native Instruments’ Maschine+ too.
amazing video. i have a simlar setup. i produce with ableton but the kick&bas group is mixed and prcessed and blended. that is giving me some trouble when going live since i do have to decide if taking them processed or dividing them into just kick and bass and hope for a good result. i cant blend them live has the colums of kicks and bass do not have processing on them, they could not since in live you have all the tracks. so how can i bypass this?
I can make it available on my website, but the only thing is that there is an external VST that I'm using, so there will be one knob that you won't be able to use if you don't have this VST (ShaperBox by CableGuys). All other macros are Ableton Pluggins, so everything else will be working though.
Awesome video! Gave me a lot of new ideas. Was wondering, do you know if there is a quick way, like a macro or something, that could reset all device settings on all 8 tracks at the same time❓
The Apc64 is underrated for sure, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have glaring shortcomings. They just missed on some UX decisions for the most part. Would it really have been that much more expensive with motorized faders as opposed to touch strips? I think the crossfader shouldn’t have been omitted but should have been developed in a more Octatrack type direction. Lastly, if they really wanted them to sell like hotcakes, they should have included alternative tuning layouts and sequencers a la Oxi One. Hence, the older apcs still hold up really well, and arguably deserve the higher prices they’re currently going for. I might be wrong, but having worked in electronics, I’d guess those features would have raised the price by no more than a hundo or so.
I'd 100% pay an extra 100 bucks or even 200 for a great tactile midi controller like this, but with some built in sequencers and chord modes like the LPP or the APC64. If Akai, Novation, or Ableton got the hint and smashed together a LaunchPad Pro with and APC 40 MK2, those things would sell like bananas. I'd sell like 3 pieces of gear I have for something like that.
I immediately picked one up locally for a great price (which is an amzing coincidence as I live on an island). I love how it works with ableton however I discovered it also works out of the box with Loopy Pro. It's a mystery why in 2024 there are still very very limited endless encoder controlers out there....
This is just the best one - it's so clear. We should talk about it in my Discord - if you're not already a member hehe: Here's an invite: discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
I use 2 apc40 mk2's so I get 16 channels in ableton,works absolutely great,i use mine as a ableton mixer and midi controller for effects and instrument controls,I've even bought a third apc40mk2 in case one of them breaks,my dream is a 16 channel all in one APC16C 😂
@@LiamKillenif you do happen to use 2 together then you need to make your default template contain 9 or more tracks,that way both apc's will be mapped 1 though to 16,if you use the standard default template with only a few tracks both apc's will just be duplicated and you won't get the full 1 to 16 channels/tracks if that makes any sense 😂
Whoa! I'm really excited to see Vic is using windows-laptop, since I'm using windows for music production too. Which is quite rare among the Ableton and other software musicians, who consider Mac is a golden standard for music software/controllers. I wonder which model of laptop and what audio-interface he's using? I'm on Thinkpad x13 gen2 (Ryzen) + Zoom L8/Zoom U22/Zoom U24. And of course APC40 mk2/Push 2
When ? Right now lol. I'm not sure if you mean like a video where i'm demonstrating my own set ups ... I have hundreds of these types of videos on my channel!
I think that this is a setting within Ableton, no ? Hit up my Discord community if you'd like to dig into this one - there's lots of resourceful people there ! :-) discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
They’re not the same- I’d say the APC 40 mk2 is the best of them all based on experience- although I’m not an expert with the OG APC 40 . The mk2 just seems a lot more straight forward
@@LiamKillen not at all indeed but in those series he definitely pulls out some different gear. I actually didn’t recognize it until I saw your video and rewatched on a whim.
I don't know why Akai got rid of this controller to go with more of a Push or Launchpad style. This is basically exactly what someone who wants a controller for Ableton is looking for. Unfortunately it's discontinued so finding them can be challenging and expensive.
I know - it should still be in stock honestly - like forever. Or some other company should replicate it lol. PS - you seem like someone who might be interested in joining my Discord community :-) discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
As soon I decided this is the perfect controller for my live setup it gets discontinued and used prices skyrocket. I really hope we get a MK3, but I'm not going to hold my breath.
Akai, Novation, or Abelton need to jump on the ball and build a modern controller with this tactile setup, 8x8 or 8x6 pad grid, faders, assignable knobs, setup to look like clip view, but with more modern features, midi control, a chord mode, a sequencer, automation, add a mousepad or someway to select files and instruments on my computer, so that I never have to touch my mouse or keyboard. Basically, smash together the APC40 mk2 and an LPP or APC 64 and I think a lot of people would eat it up. I would sell multiple pieces of gear for something like that,
ALL I EVER WANTED WAS A 16 FADER/CHANNEL CONTROLLER Or even better a modular system I can increase to 24 or more channels. 8 faders/channels is not enough, never has been, neve will be. I used to do live mix arrangements on a 48 channel mixing console. Lowest amount of tracks I could work with is 16. I'm not alone, I speak to producers all the time about this. The faders ARE NOT just for setting levels. They are for dropping in and out elements of the mix instantly or fading in and out. Basically doing all the arrangement timeline and automation moves you do except its in real time This controller is great but again its the 8 faders routine. I get the bloke can set up a live set and use only 8 channels, but the studio where you write and live arrange the track is different. You're not going to limit yourself to 8 tracks when composing. Seriously Akai, release a modular system and you will sell tons of them w
There's actually a company - i can't recall the name now - that will actually build you a custom controller if that's a road you'd be interested in going down. Sky is the limit at that point ! I bet it's expensive though. Also- you seem like someone who might be interested in joining my Discord ! :-) discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
@@LiamKillen Yes there are a few niche companies that make some products I could use but they are to expensive and generally miss out on something ie there are gotchas. I've checked out every controller system available out there. The closest I could find was Allen +_ Heath Zedr 16/24. Its faders can be turned in to midi faders and it has a handy midi knob and fader section as well. But, although not essential the EQ and Aux pots dont transmit midi + its a system getting on a bit, no longer made today. But ideally a modular system would be ideal which has fader sections and add on sections with knobs and buttons +++ a scribble strip is essential. Get in your shed and build that now :) Still puzzles me no company has manufactured this.
Both mk1 and mk2 are definitely the best Ableton controllers out there. No idea why they moved onto the APC64 - agree that it completely misses the mark compared to the APC40s!
I just sold mine on Ebay for $600. My apc-40 mk2. I didn't think it was that great. There's a lot better Ableton controllers out there. But if you like it, that's all that matters. If it works for your setup, that's awesome. I like the old version better tbh.
I got lucky and found one in excellent condition for $150 plus 2 year warranty, after shipping it was around $200, I haven’t seen them for any other price tbh, glad I got one before it goes up in price, just hope it works…I got a push 2 but it just refused to work with ableton live 12, even after all the troubleshooting and contacted support and they barely helped tbh, just sold the push 2 and ordered this thru guitar center, hopefully I’m able to actually use it 🤞🏾
The biggest drawback of any Live controller that Im aware of relative to a mixer is the lack of ability to modulate multiple tracks at the same time. If anyone knows otherwise please share. But until that’s possible a mixer still dominates for djing Changing the eq of two tracks independently at the same time is something I just couldn’t dj without
You could use the knob at the top of each channel of the APC40 and map a LP/HP filter (or put whatever you want there)... You could then modulate multiple tracks at the same time, but it would only be one knob, so no real Eqing... I agree it's a limitation.
Man i always wanted a controller like that but since it's price almost doubled i couldnt buy one, and now they make a new version that's not even comparable and you can't buy it anymore? I think i will never buy anything from akai ever after this :D
@@LiamKillenIt's insane.. imagine a company like akai making musicians who has apc40mk1/mk2 in their setup and make them buy a used one with 2x price of an original one.. Why would they do that, clearly the new apc64 is no even comparable for most folks, it was all about the knobs and faders, i would imagine a "respectful" company like akai has plans for people who stick with their gear, but no apc40 mk3 release or mk2 coming back in sight.. And with all respects, but it's a an easy unit to manufacture they just want people to switch to something they don't like even though it could make people want to try new apc more if it would be an option between the two who knows..
The Push controllers are best used as instrument keyboards in live use. And also for sequencer step adjustment/editing on the fly. But for launching, mixing, and controlling a mix in live performance? The APC40Mk2 has no equal.
![geräusch - 17122024 [Techno]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MGnOCneJnqg/mqdefault.jpg)
If you can't get an APC40: It's not all in the same unit but i use the Novation Launchpad X (buttons) + Novation Launch Control XL (faders & knobs) to do the same thing. I also use a Novation Launchkey 37 keyboard to play the live parts and create loops.
Ok cool that’s awesome! Thanks for this!
Ye i went in this direction as well.
Downside of the apc40 over the launch pad or apc mini is that there is only 4 rows on the 40
I got launch key 49 I still need Apc 40 no 2?
@@Joyboy027o in my opinion the LaunchKey 49 has everything you "need" and so you don't "need" more. Adding the Novation Launchpad X (buttons) + Novation Launch Control XL (faders & knobs) simply gives you more buttons knobs and faders to work with, which is nice, but not absolutely necessary.
Hello, I was thinking on the exact same setup because I started a live performance show, but I don't want to throw money out and after that akai release an mk3. I hope they'll release the update soon, or at least make again the apc 40 mk2 :(
I so like when you have artist showing their set up. I learned so much. Thank you to both of you! For tonal change, look at the circle of 5th! Always sound good going +/- a 5th.
Yes! I’ve started doing this a lot more now!
Every time I watch one of your artist setup/workflow videos, it pushes me to use my setup differently! Very inspiring. Thanks for another super interesting video!
Love to hear this! Lots more to come 😊
It's amazing how similar our setups are. It goes to show that if you make a great and intuitive controller, people will change their workflow to fit the controller, not the other way around. When I play live, I can comfortably turn off the screen on my computer and never even think of it. What a great thing this Mk2 is. You hear, AKAI (mk3)?
Yeah exactly - that layout is just right there !
Get on board the funk machine! ... always inspiring when given the opportunity to tune into the style .. technique .. expertise .. skill of another... there is not a person on the planet that can't teach us something .. cheers to those that hear the sound of music in everything! ...
Cheers to you!
This is one device I appreciate increasingly more and more as the years go on. The simplicity and practicality!
Absolutely - I really still do think it's the best Ableton Live controller - no need to over complicate things !
Also, if you're interested in a community full of tech peeps talking about gear all day - you might want to hit up my Discord ! Here's a link :-)
distrokid.com/vip/liamkillen
Completely agree - absolutely brilliant piece of hardware. Hope AKAI makes a new version at some point, or that Ableton themselves see the light. I use it for DJing, looping and producing - this thing can handle anything.
Yeah they need to re issue this bad boy PRONTO
Still my favorite Ableton controller been with me for a bit and has never failed me.
Well said
This has got to be the videos that I appreciate the most
Appreciate you watching :-)
I really like this concept you are developing in your channel where you are "interviewing" or, more accurately, letting different people with different workflows demo "their method". Like sharing their jems. I think it's really interesting, there's always something to learn. And I mean REALLY something to learn because nowadays the youtube-synth-world is full of "fake" "click-baity" video with tricks and tips that "will really change your approach" from synthfluencers that really don't know how to keep up the pace because the need to upload weekly videos. So as a viewer I sometimes feel treated as stupid because the tip in the videos often ends up being something trivial or very obvious. In summary, I really like this series of videos man 😊.
Lots more of this to come!!
Favourite Ableton and Bitwig controller and also my favourite Resolume controller. I have both a MK1 and Mk2.
Would love it if they made a version with flying faders.
Ouuu that would be nice
Still use mine all the time. That is when I’m using Ableton. I have a push three standalone and will connect it to the APCmk2 As well. I don’t like the cognitive friction having to switch between modes in the push workflow. The cross fader is very important if you were clip launching for life sets.
It’s still super popular for a reason!
Do you use another daw or just ableton?
With MK2 and Push you are in heaven
Best thing about the APC40 mk2: it connects directly to the Push 3 (standalone on battery) 😊
Yes that's a huge plus ! :-)
Seems like a akai is producing them again. A lot of retailers have them new in stock now. At least in Europe. (Nov 2024)
Oh really ??? Oh amazing.
The looper idea is cool 🎉
I’ve been using it a lot!
AKAI have rereleased the APC 40 MKii, bought a new one on the weekend lots of stock.
HELL YES!
This is awaesome, helped me to fix some things at my set, Cheers!
It’s a pleasure! All the best
Thank you so much for this video, made me finally pull the trigger on a APC 40 after all these years of thinking about it
That's awesome ! The Discord community would love to hear what you think about it !
discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
Hi Liam. Would it be possible to share the Ableton Live template that was used in this demo ? Even if it’s just an empty set but with the effects used and mapped to the Akai controller?
Great video.
You’d have to ask Vic! You can contact him via his website
great, great video. i dont have ableton so this actually gave me a better idea of how it works.
and yes, that apc is beautiful. if i had one, it would be to midi map everything to an mpc. 🤔
Thx for watching! 😊
delete clip, undo/redo not available with akai right ?
I don't think so, it's really more of a performance thing.
Yes but the other ones the mini or mini keys too, they don't have. Many artist live loop midi or audio in performance but that something akai doesn't do
I had one but sold it. It was cool but I didn't like that it had 8 columns of clip buttons but only 5 rows. Doesn't make sense as if your performing live a lot of songs are bigger than 5 rows. It should have been 8x8 then it's less moving about up and down when triggering clips. Other than that it's prob the best controller for ableton .
Awesome vid love these insights to how others play :-)
Thank you for watching!
Absolutely the best mixer and launch controller for Ableton Live… especially next to a Push 2 (or 3) for playing and modifying sounds. The APC is very direct, like for instance the TR-8S. And the crossfader is awesome too for controlling multiple channels. Really don’t understand why Akai made the MK3 sort of a Push-clone… it’s no longer complementary and more of the same. The APC is also a very capable controller for Loopy Pro on iPad. And last week I stumbled upon a workaround to map it to Native Instruments’ Maschine+ too.
Yes! That’s what I love about it! The directness
I love mine
it's the best ! :-)
Is there an Ableton template for download ?
I think Victoria has some on his website!
amazing video. i have a simlar setup. i produce with ableton but the kick&bas group is mixed and prcessed and blended. that is giving me some trouble when going live since i do have to decide if taking them processed or dividing them into just kick and bass and hope for a good result. i cant blend them live has the colums of kicks and bass do not have processing on them, they could not since in live you have all the tracks. so how can i bypass this?
Personally I think it makes the most sense to have your tracks mixed so they sound good together / separate.
So glad I own one.
Just checked the secondhand price and it’s went a bit nuts
yyyyup - a little too nuts if you ask me and I bet this video isn't helping either lol
would be super interesting to get his effect rack that he uses on the track! thanks for the video
My pleasure !
He has some content available on his website! Link in bio 😊
I can make it available on my website, but the only thing is that there is an external VST that I'm using, so there will be one knob that you won't be able to use if you don't have this VST (ShaperBox by CableGuys). All other macros are Ableton Pluggins, so everything else will be working though.
@@Victor-ue7ll thank you!!
Cool that be awesome
Awesome video! Gave me a lot of new ideas. Was wondering, do you know if there is a quick way, like a macro or something, that could reset all device settings on all 8 tracks at the same time❓
Thank you for watching and if I knew I’d let you know!
You can create a macro
Variation inside an instrument rack to the state u want and midi map a button so it can set all devices to a default stste
@@qwertySnowy Yes! Of course. THANKS!!
The Apc64 is underrated for sure, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have glaring shortcomings. They just missed on some UX decisions for the most part. Would it really have been that much more expensive with motorized faders as opposed to touch strips? I think the crossfader shouldn’t have been omitted but should have been developed in a more Octatrack type direction. Lastly, if they really wanted them to sell like hotcakes, they should have included alternative tuning layouts and sequencers a la Oxi One. Hence, the older apcs still hold up really well, and arguably deserve the higher prices they’re currently going for.
I might be wrong, but having worked in electronics, I’d guess those features would have raised the price by no more than a hundo or so.
I can’t deal with those touch sensitive faders or whatever you call them- they’re so finicky which just makes it an immediate no for me.
I'd 100% pay an extra 100 bucks or even 200 for a great tactile midi controller like this, but with some built in sequencers and chord modes like the LPP or the APC64. If Akai, Novation, or Ableton got the hint and smashed together a LaunchPad Pro with and APC 40 MK2, those things would sell like bananas. I'd sell like 3 pieces of gear I have for something like that.
To you both, big same!
@@Jodeo-ck2pq I just use this and a push at the same time. Perfect combo.
Yep, selling apc64 as it did not meet my expectations as standalone sequencer and i am tired to guess which strip is what in ableton…
I immediately picked one up locally for a great price (which is an amzing coincidence as I live on an island). I love how it works with ableton however I discovered it also works out of the box with Loopy Pro.
It's a mystery why in 2024 there are still very very limited endless encoder controlers out there....
This is just the best one - it's so clear.
We should talk about it in my Discord - if you're not already a member hehe:
Here's an invite: discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
In addition to its incredible features, it´s such a beautiful gear.
Looks much better than 2 CDJ´s with a mixer.
Simplicity is king in this instance ! You belong in my Discord ! Here's an invite: discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
Super helpful.. curious whats that other mixer you are using with this setup?
Mackie Pro FX 12 ! (I think)
what replaces the APC40 mk2, as it is discontinued?
There's a new model - the APC 64 or something ? I think it sucks personally.
@LiamKillen yeah that's what I mean, is there something more like the apc40 and why did they discontinue it
I use 2 apc40 mk2's so I get 16 channels in ableton,works absolutely great,i use mine as a ableton mixer and midi controller for effects and instrument controls,I've even bought a third apc40mk2 in case one of them breaks,my dream is a 16 channel all in one APC16C 😂
two!? Geniuusssssssssss
@@LiamKillenif you do happen to use 2 together then you need to make your default template contain 9 or more tracks,that way both apc's will be mapped 1 though to 16,if you use the standard default template with only a few tracks both apc's will just be duplicated and you won't get the full 1 to 16 channels/tracks if that makes any sense 😂
After using various MIDI controllers, the APC40 MK2 was the best.
But for my usage, I'd be happy with a few more channels.
Yeah it’s especially great for live performance!
Whoa! I'm really excited to see Vic is using windows-laptop, since I'm using windows for music production too. Which is quite rare among the Ableton and other software musicians, who consider Mac is a golden standard for music software/controllers. I wonder which model of laptop and what audio-interface he's using? I'm on Thinkpad x13 gen2 (Ryzen) + Zoom L8/Zoom U22/Zoom U24. And of course APC40 mk2/Push 2
He's using the Motu Ultralite MK 5 as an audio interface - not sure of the model of his lap top.
@@LiamKillen Thank you for the input! Good to know 👍
I'm using a DELL XPS 15 9510 - Processor 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-11800H @ 2.30GHz.
Solid and compact laptop.
@@Victor-ue7ll appreciate your input, Vic 🙏good to know 👍
When can I find your setup?
When ? Right now lol. I'm not sure if you mean like a video where i'm demonstrating my own set ups ... I have hundreds of these types of videos on my channel!
@ my bad! Where I can find the template of your setup
Please how in the hell I set the faders to 0dbs at the TOP without loosing the length between 0 and 2 dbs?
I can't believe....
I think that this is a setting within Ableton, no ? Hit up my Discord community if you'd like to dig into this one - there's lots of resourceful people there ! :-)
discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
Hello, I wanted to ask if the Akai Apc Mini Mk2 is the same as the Akai Apc-40? which is better?
They’re not the same- I’d say the APC 40 mk2 is the best of them all based on experience- although I’m not an expert with the OG APC 40 . The mk2 just seems a lot more straight forward
@@LiamKillen thanks my friend! that helps me a lot, I will try to get the apc 40, thank you very much, a big hug.
What is the midi clock/metronome tool he is using at 14:50? I've been looking for something like this for a long time!
I’m not exactly sure what it’s called but if you google Ableton timer I’m sure something will pop up! 😊
Looks like Fred is using one of these in the Studio Live 2 video from 2021.
Oh yeah? Not surprised at all!
@@LiamKillen not at all indeed but in those series he definitely pulls out some different gear. I actually didn’t recognize it until I saw your video and rewatched on a whim.
great stuff!
Thx!
Does anyone know where I can get a used akai apc40 mk2 to buy ?
Facebook marketplace or reverb
looking to find one, on the second hand market. Around 400 euros for now. ouch
Yeah it's bonkers - too much
If it's so saught after but discontinued, must mean something new on the horizon?
I’m not sure because the “next iterations” are similar but IMO just worse versions of the APC-40 mk2 lol
Apc 40 mk 2 or boss rc 505 Mkii?
Good question ! Two different beasts IMHO
Wally World has them for grand new but I got the Apc64 and I like it strips are quicker imo
Oh really? I checked everywhere and couldn’t find them new!
@@LiamKillen sold out now after looking back at my cart lol 1 day later
Can anyone please tell me where to buy this one? It seems like it’s so out of stock and completely unavailable everywhere
It’s no longer issued! It’s only on the second hand market now- annoying…I know
I don't know why Akai got rid of this controller to go with more of a Push or Launchpad style. This is basically exactly what someone who wants a controller for Ableton is looking for. Unfortunately it's discontinued so finding them can be challenging and expensive.
I know - it should still be in stock honestly - like forever. Or some other company should replicate it lol.
PS - you seem like someone who might be interested in joining my Discord community :-)
discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
Seems the unit is back in production. A lot of sellers are offering new ones.
Super solid.
My guy
As soon I decided this is the perfect controller for my live setup it gets discontinued and used prices skyrocket. I really hope we get a MK3, but I'm not going to hold my breath.
Yeah it's gone bonkers for sure.
Akai, Novation, or Abelton need to jump on the ball and build a modern controller with this tactile setup, 8x8 or 8x6 pad grid, faders, assignable knobs, setup to look like clip view, but with more modern features, midi control, a chord mode, a sequencer, automation, add a mousepad or someway to select files and instruments on my computer, so that I never have to touch my mouse or keyboard. Basically, smash together the APC40 mk2 and an LPP or APC 64 and I think a lot of people would eat it up. I would sell multiple pieces of gear for something like that,
You got this PLANNED OUT my guy
A product like this exists fyi - Intech Studio’s Grid series of controllers
I bought one on ebay in 2020 for $180 it is now going for $400+... insane.
Yeah they def need to reissue these bad boys
Yes I clearly having been using it to the beat of my ability...the mapping is hard
super intéressant!
😊
ALL I EVER WANTED WAS A 16 FADER/CHANNEL CONTROLLER
Or even better a modular system I can increase to 24 or more channels.
8 faders/channels is not enough, never has been, neve will be. I used to do live mix arrangements on a 48 channel mixing console. Lowest amount of tracks I could work with is 16. I'm not alone, I speak to producers all the time about this.
The faders ARE NOT just for setting levels. They are for dropping in and out elements of the mix instantly or fading in and out. Basically doing all the arrangement timeline and automation moves you do except its in real time
This controller is great but again its the 8 faders routine. I get the bloke can set up a live set and use only 8 channels, but the studio where you write and live arrange the track is different. You're not going to limit yourself to 8 tracks when composing.
Seriously Akai, release a modular system and you will sell tons of them w
And for the record I enjoyed the video and the French bloke is a likeable chap 😎
There's actually a company - i can't recall the name now - that will actually build you a custom controller if that's a road you'd be interested in going down. Sky is the limit at that point !
I bet it's expensive though.
Also- you seem like someone who might be interested in joining my Discord ! :-)
discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
@@LiamKillen Yes there are a few niche companies that make some products I could use but they are to expensive and generally miss out on something ie there are gotchas. I've checked out every controller system available out there. The closest I could find was Allen +_ Heath Zedr 16/24. Its faders can be turned in to midi faders and it has a handy midi knob and fader section as well. But, although not essential the EQ and Aux pots dont transmit midi + its a system getting on a bit, no longer made today. But ideally a modular system would be ideal which has fader sections and add on sections with knobs and buttons +++ a scribble strip is essential. Get in your shed and build that now :)
Still puzzles me no company has manufactured this.
PS sorry mate, I dont use Diskord
Both mk1 and mk2 are definitely the best Ableton controllers out there. No idea why they moved onto the APC64 - agree that it completely misses the mark compared to the APC40s!
Yeah the slider things on the 64 are pretty garbage.
I just sold mine on Ebay for $600. My apc-40 mk2. I didn't think it was that great. There's a lot better Ableton controllers out there. But if you like it, that's all that matters. If it works for your setup, that's awesome. I like the old version better tbh.
I find that it’s just the most straight that I’ve seen
Few for sale used, say no more. Love mine.
They're sooooo hard to find for a reasonable price, it's true.
Come tell us how much you love it over in my Discord ! :-)
discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
I still use mine every day.
I gotta start using mine more!!
when you say "relevant" what do you mean?
It’s popular despite being a unit that’s 10+ years old. I see it everywhere still!
I got lucky and found one in excellent condition for $150 plus 2 year warranty, after shipping it was around $200, I haven’t seen them for any other price tbh, glad I got one before it goes up in price, just hope it works…I got a push 2 but it just refused to work with ableton live 12, even after all the troubleshooting and contacted support and they barely helped tbh, just sold the push 2 and ordered this thru guitar center, hopefully I’m able to actually use it 🤞🏾
Whaaat! Jealous!!
The biggest drawback of any Live controller that Im aware of relative to a mixer is the lack of ability to modulate multiple tracks at the same time. If anyone knows otherwise please share. But until that’s possible a mixer still dominates for djing
Changing the eq of two tracks independently at the same time is something I just couldn’t dj without
You could use the knob at the top of each channel of the APC40 and map a LP/HP filter (or put whatever you want there)... You could then modulate multiple tracks at the same time, but it would only be one knob, so no real Eqing... I agree it's a limitation.
Yeah it’s def a different thing that’s for sure
I guess I can scratch this off beings there will be 5k people buying the 20 listings.
You can still find them!!
Local markets + such as
I still use my mk1
Haven't tried that one.
Man i always wanted a controller like that but since it's price almost doubled i couldnt buy one, and now they make a new version that's not even comparable and you can't buy it anymore? I think i will never buy anything from akai ever after this :D
Yeah it blew up as soon as people found out it wasn’t being reissued
@@LiamKillenIt's insane.. imagine a company like akai making musicians who has apc40mk1/mk2 in their setup and make them buy a used one with 2x price of an original one.. Why would they do that, clearly the new apc64 is no even comparable for most folks, it was all about the knobs and faders, i would imagine a "respectful" company like akai has plans for people who stick with their gear, but no apc40 mk3 release or mk2 coming back in sight..
And with all respects, but it's a an easy unit to manufacture they just want people to switch to something they don't like even though it could make people want to try new apc more if it would be an option between the two who knows..
i need more knobs!! lmao
Pc-12! th-cam.com/video/vo8SFAV_Xu8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_7hTH6s7iqCjf121
@@LiamKillen touche! i bought 2x launch control xl in user mode for 1/3 the price! Theres money in knobs i tells ya!
VCM600 is the best ableton controller..
I’ll take a look
Depends on how you want to use it though of course
Best live controller?
That’s a bit of a push
Was that an intentional pun?
Depends who you ask I guess! It’s super popular!
@@LiamKillen it was! 😅
And yes it may be popular but still…..
The best?! Um NO. The Push 2 exists! Is this a serious title?! 😂😂😂
I dunno man! It’s def the most straight forward, simple Ableton Live controller! There’s a reason why so many people still use it!
Mk2 has faders 🎚️
The Push is completely different and that’s why Akai missed the mark. The APC was complementary.
The Push is not the same imo. It's not much of a Midi controller. It's more but different.
The Push controllers are best used as instrument keyboards in live use. And also for sequencer step adjustment/editing on the fly. But for launching, mixing, and controlling a mix in live performance? The APC40Mk2 has no equal.