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Akai Professional APC mini - Demo, Features, and Operation in Ableton Live

Akai Professional APC mini - Demo, Features, and Operation in Ableton Live

Akai Professional
Description
In 2009, Akai Professional collaborated with the creators of Ableton Live, a powerful music performance and production software environment, and introduced the original Ableton Performance Controller-APC40. The instrument raised the standards of controller design, revolutionized hardware and software integration, and proved to be an essential performance tool for Ableton Live users everywhere. Now, after incorporating five years of user feedback into their development, Akai Professional builds upon this original partnership by introducing three new APCs-APC40 mkII, APC Key 25, and APC mini.

Big Surprises Come In Small Packages
Dexterous, versatile, and powerful, the only thing "mini" about this Ableton controller is the size. APC mini is the most portable all-in-one Ableton controller solution with Akai Professional build quality. Engineered specifically for the mobile musician and the desktop producer, APC mini concentrates the essential features of the APC40 mkII, Akai Professional's flagship Ableton controller, into a compact design that fits in your backpack. The result is a dynamic instrument that empowers you to make music with Ableton Live-anywhere.

Get On The Grid
APC mini features an expanded 8x8 multicolor clip-launching grid that's built for hands-on exploration: launch clips and create or perform your song from the ground up using 64 responsive triggers. Tri-color lighting provides visual feedback and displays three clip statuses-loaded, playing, and recording-so you can intelligently perform without looking at your computer. Plus, you can use the Shift button and directional arrows to manipulate the scope of the 8x8 grid.

Fade In, Fade Out
Nine channel faders allow you to mix with an all-new reinforced fader design. Users can change channel-fader functionality with the dedicated buttons for volume, pan, sends, and device control: fade clips in and out of the mix; pan instruments to the left, right, or center; raise the level of reverb or other effects to create fluid transitions; open and close filters for lush sweeps; and much more. Additionally, each fader is completely assignable for flexible mixing and mapping options.

Seamless Integration
APC mini comes pre-mapped to Live for an instant performance and production setup. When APC mini is plugged into your computer, its hardware controls correspond 1 to 1 with Ableton Live's interface-no additional configuring is required. For APC veterans, all of APC mini's controls can be re-assigned on the fly for customized setups that change with your performance or production style. Whether you are an electronic music artist and Live is your canvas, a DJ using Live for performance and real-time mixing, or a more traditional musician using Live on stage or in the studio, you will find the APC mini to be the intuitive, powerful instrument that directly links your inspiration with Ableton Live.

USB Power & Class Compliance
For maximum portability, APC mini is powered over USB and supports plug-and-play connectivity. APC mini also offers a smaller footprint than its APC counterparts, enabling musicians to use APC mini alongside effects controllers and other devices. Users can even run multiple APC minis in parallel for more versatility.

Production Content Included
APC mini comes packed with a version of Ableton Live, a high-definition virtual synthesizer, and professional samples and loops for immediate out-of-the-box music creation. Ableton Live Lite enables musicians and producers to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise, and edit musical ideas in a fluid audio/MIDI environment. Hybrid 3, by AIR Music Tech, is a virtual synthesizer for electronic musicians, DJs, sound designers, and music producers who love to get their hands dirty. Create anything from fat, retro synth sounds to edgy, modern leads and everything in between. Toolroom Records artist launch packs bring you the coveted sounds of electronic music with a premium collection of sample packs, produced exclusively for Akai Professional. Produce, compose, and remix with professional sounds curated by the world's premier electronic music label.
Clearance Akai Professional APC MINI Ableton Live Controller
Clearance Akai Professional APC MINI Ableton Live Controller
Features
  • Ultra-portable all-in-one Ableton Live controller
  • Seamlessly integrates 1 to 1 with Ableton Live
  • 8x8 clip matrix with tri-color lighting displays current clip status
  • 8 assignable faders + 1 master fader
  • Shift button and directional arrows manipulate the scope of the grid
  • USB-powered and plug-and-play setup for Mac and PC
  • Compact, durable design for mobile performers and producers
  • Production package included: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, and Toolroom artist launch packs (downloads)
Specs
System Requirements
  • Macintosh: Intel Mac with Mac OS X 10.5 or later
  • Windows: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8; multicore processor; 2 GB RAM; Windows compatible sound card (ASIO driver support recommended), QuickTime recommended
  • Available USB Port
Reviews

3.8

5 Reviews

75%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Concerts2
  2. Practicing2
  3. Recording1
  4. Rehearsals1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced2
  2. Novice1
  3. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Easy To Use3
  2. Functional3
  3. Good Quality3
  4. Ableton Friendly1
  5. Multitracks Friendly1
  • does the job.....very small so fits in to a tight spot

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted6 years ago

    byCrash

    fromRogers, MN

    part of a big ableton setup in several spots so controlling stuff that is far away really helps.....this does it.

  • Helped my workflow

    4

    submitted7 years ago

    byDirk Chopin

    fromColorado

    I struggled getting comfortable with Ableton and it's session view coming from another DAW. This device has unlocked the potential of session view for me. It has assisted tremendously with organizing ideas and arranging songs. Now I'm considering the apc 40 for it's added control. Great Ableton controller for the price.

  • Not velocity-sensitive

    1

    submitted7 years ago

    byMyles (Umass Lowell Music Studies, 2014)

    fromCohasset, MA

    Velocity sensitive- It means that the harder you press a key, the louder you can play. Because velocity sensitivity was standardized in the 1980s, I accepted my sales rep's reassurance that this had it. Even some MIDI guitars do. It only requires 2 points of reference per note. Unfortunately, this is not velocity sensitive so I will be returning it.

  • We use 2 of these to control DJ lights + Chauvet ShowXPress

    4

    Verified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byDaniel

    fromundisclosed

    The only thing I wish this unit had was a better way to add labels for each button. There isn't enough space between the buttons to make a lay-on laminated paper with button labels.. so I use a label maker with clear tape & black writing - print them and stick them onto each button (like soft calculator buttons), but they tend to come off after use - the labels don't stick well to the mushy buttons. The way the buttons light up is cool, programming through the Chauvet ShowXPress software takes some study, but Chauvet has some helpful video tutorials. Overall, a pretty great choice for changing lighting scenes & chases quickly and easily.

  • Highly reconmend anybody who uses Ableton to check this out.

    5

    submitted10 years ago

    byVictor the Drummer

    fromFramingham, MA

    Great piece for Midi Mapping and it's very affordable and won't give you headaches for hours trying to figure the system out. Anybody can use it and highly recommend it for beginners to professionals because this is truly a great piece of equipment​ that everybody should get.

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Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byRobert

    fromLawrence NY

    Does this work in MainStage too?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    It does not.
  • asked byAndrew

    fromRiverside,CA

    Is it compatible with FL?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Yes it is.
    Open Reply - Ronald
    Yes it is.
  • asked byJoe

    fromSunbury, Pa

    Is this unit usable with Sonar ? Is it Ableton friendly only?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Ableton only.