The Akai Professional APC20 transforms your Ableton
Live 8 software experience from constructing tracks on a computer to a
fluid, musical creation. Ableton Live 8 software is a powerful,
flexible environment for creating, performing, and producing music.
This unique software demands an equally unique control instrument. The
second model in the APC series, the APC20 offers a smaller footprint
than the APC40, enabling musicians to more easily create a personalized
setup with multiple APCs, effects controllers, and other devices.
The
Akai APC20 is the link between human and computer that perfectly
balances analytical parameter control with creative expression. Whether
you are an electronic music artist and Live is your canvas, a DJ using
Live to mix or remix tracks, or a more traditional musician using Live
on stage or in the studio, you will find the APC20 to the intuitive,
powerful instrument that directly links your inspiration with Ableton
Live 8.
Instant perfomance:
Because Akai Professional and Ableton designed the APC20 specifically
for Ableton Live 8, you don't need to map its controls to talk to the
software. Just connect your laptop to the APC20 with the included USB
cable and you're ready to make magic. The APC20 is plug-and-play, so
you don't need to install drivers. First-time setup is literally three
steps: load the included Ableton Live software, plug in and power up
your APC20, and select the APC20 as Ableton Live's controller. That's
it. No mapping, no setup, no hassles.
The
APC20 comes pre-mapped for instant use with Ableton Live software, so
if you're new to it, you'll find using the APC20 to be easy to get
around on. And if you're an experienced Live user, you'll be happy to
note that you can custom-map every single button and fader on the APC20
to completely customize the controls for the way you like to work.
Visual feedback:
The APC20 talks directly to Ableton Live, and Live talks directly to
the APC20. This bidirectional communication makes the APC20 an advanced
controller in that it can receive feedback from the software and
display it on its Clip Launch matrix. The Clip Matrix gives you an
instant view of clip status: what's loaded, what's playing, and what's
being recorded. Each state displays in the grid in a different color so
you can get a quick picture of clip state. You can shift your clip
focus and get an overview of the clips you have loaded for your set.
Professional construction:
Ableton selected Akai Professional as its partner in developing the
APC20 because of Akai Pro's leadership position in great-feeling
controllers that are rock solid, rugged, and precise. From the
legendary MPC series that changed the way music is made to the
industry-standard MPD and MPK controllers, Akai Professional is revered
by musicians, DJs, and producers everywhere for creating the feel that
powers their creativity. The APC20 is built with a rugged, metal
chassis and slip-proof rubber detailing. There's no flimsy plastic
here. Faders are solid and precise for pinpoint performance.
Creative control:
The APC20 comes with Ableton Live Akai Professional APC Edition
software, which is fully functional for performance and production.
Owners of the full edition of Ableton Live 8.1.3 or higher can also
work seamlessly with the APC20. Live 8.1.3 has full support for the
APC20.
The
APC20 also enables special clip-status views and feedback that only the
APC20's matrix can display. The matrix is not limited to only 40 clips:
you can scroll and shift, enabling you to access, control, and perform
with an unlimited number of cells.
The APC20 has nine faders,
which you can assign to volume control, pan, sends, and a choice of
three user-mapped modes. You have even more control power with special
controls including Tap Tempo, Tempo Nudge, record enables, solo/cues,
and two assignable footswitch inputs. A new User Mode enables you to
use the Clip Launch buttons to control instruments and the Drum Rack.
Designed
in partnership with Ableton, the APC20 is the ideal controller for
musicians who like to perform in a small amount of space for maximum
portability. It's also perfect for players who want to combine multiple
controllers in their setup thanks to its small footprint. Don't settle
for cheap, plastic imitations. From the company whose name is
synonymous with the word "production," the APC20 is the serious choice.
Akai APC20 Ableton Live Performance Controller Features:
- Designed in partnership with Ableton, mapped for Live 8, and fully customizable
- Clip Launch matrix with multicolor lighting displays current clip status
- No mapping required; every button and fader is pre-mapped
- Bidirectional hardware/software communication for visual feedback on APC20
- Solid, professional feel with rugged, metal chassis and premium controls
- Comes with Ableton Live Akai Professional APC Edition software
- Works with standalone editions of Ableton Live
- USB plug-and-play connection for Mac and PC
If you run Ableton Live software on your PC, you'll be ecstatic to upgrade to this specially made controller.
