The APC40 Legacy, a groundbreaking collaboration between Akai Professional and the creators of Ableton Live, introduced the original Ableton Performance Controller (APC40) in 2009. Revolutionizing hardware and software integration, the APC40 became an essential performance tool for Ableton Live users across various music production genres. Akai Professional now introduces the reimagined APC40 MK2, incorporating five years of user feedback to deliver a sleek and versatile VJing controller for Ableton Live.
Enhancements and Design
The new APC40 MK2 builds on the success of its predecessor, offering numerous enhancements and improvements. Veteran APC40 users will appreciate the updated RGB clip-launching grid, reinforced fader design, and revised knob layout. These upgrades provide extended controller functionality, countless musical capabilities, and a smarter workflow for VJing artists.
Get On The Grid
The APC40 MK2 boasts a 5×8 RGB clip-launching grid, perfect for launching clips and creating or performing your visuals in real-time. The 40 responsive triggers, along with the RGB lighting, offer visual feedback for clip statuses such as loaded, playing, and recording, enabling intelligent performance without constantly checking your computer screen. Additionally, color code your clips with the RGB lighting for advanced visual organization and use the Shift button and directional arrows to manipulate the grid’s scope.
Total Control
Equipped with an array of assignable faders and knobs, the APC40 MK2 offers nine reinforced faders and eight channel control knobs, intuitively arranged in-line with each channel for a streamlined workflow. The eight Device Control knobs simplify device parameter tweaking and provide visual feedback for each parameter. Moreover, the Sends button allows users to cycle through all eight send buses directly from their APC40 MK2. The reworked A/B crossfader can be assigned and reassigned without the need for a mouse, enabling dynamic mixing on the fly.
Seamless Integration
The APC40 MK2 comes pre-mapped to Ableton Live (version 9.1.3 or later) for instant performance and production setup. When connected to your computer, the controller’s hardware controls correspond 1-to-1 with Ableton Live’s interface, eliminating the need for additional configuration. Furthermore, the APC40 MK2’s controls can be reassigned on the fly, allowing customized setups that adapt to your performance or production style. USB-powered and supporting plug-and-play connectivity, the APC40 MK2 is perfect for taking from the studio to the stage or any VJing environment.
Powerful Production Suite
The APC40 MK2 includes a music production suite featuring Ableton Live Lite, two high-definition virtual synthesizers, and 5GB of professional samples and loops for immediate music creation. This suite also offers the Puremagnetik Effect Racks, a collection of over 200 sophisticated audio effects for instant sound sculpting. In addition, the APC40 MK2 comes with Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist, and five Toolroom artist launch packs and five Prime Loops sample packs to jumpstart your creative process.
Reason+ Offer
Registered customers can now enjoy a 6-month free subscription to Reason+, a creative bundle for music making that includes the Reason DAW and the Reason Rack Plugin (VST3/AU/AAX). Reason+ offers over 80 devices, 39,000 presets, and 24GB of samples, with new plugin and sound content added regularly.
Key Features
- Seamless 1-to-1 integration with Ableton Live (v9.1.3+)
- 5×8 clip-launch matrix with RGB feedback
- 9 channel faders, 8 control knobs,
- and 8 device controls
- USB-powered and plug-and-play connectivity for Mac and PC
- Quick access to 8 send buses with the Sends button
- Assignable A/B crossfader for dynamic mixing
- Shift button and directional arrows for grid scope manipulation
- Revised knob layout for a streamlined workflow
Additional Features
The APC40 MK2 is the ultimate VJing controller for Ableton Live, providing hands-on control and seamless integration for a smooth performance experience. With its intuitive layout and assignable faders and knobs, you can focus on creating and performing without getting lost in your software.
The production package included with the APC40 MK2 offers a wealth of creative tools to kickstart your projects. Ableton Live Lite, Puremagnetik Effect Racks, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist, Prime Loops sample packs, and Toolroom Records artist launch packs ensure you have everything you need to bring your artistic vision to life.
Conclusion
The Akai APC40 MK2 is the ultimate VJing controller, offering unparalleled integration with Ableton Live and a host of user-driven enhancements. Whether you’re an electronic music artist, a DJ, or a traditional musician using Live on stage or in the studio, the APC40 MK2 is the intuitive, powerful instrument that directly links your inspiration with Ableton Live. Experience the improved functionality, countless musical capabilities, and smarter workflow of the APC40 MK2 for yourself and elevate your VJing performance to new heights.
