Akai Professional collaborated with the creators of Ableton Live, a powerful music performance and production software environment, to introduce the Ableton Performance Controller—APC40. The instrument raised the standards of controller design, revolutionised hardware and software integration, and became an essential performance tool for Ableton Live users. Building on this partnership, Akai Professional presents the reimagined Ableton Live controller—APC40 mkII. APC40 mkII incorporates user feedback into its design. Every aspect of the original APC40 has been deliberated, reworked, and improved to provide extended controller functionality, countless musical capabilities, and a smarter workflow. In addition to its sleek look, APC40 users will notice enhancements that include an RGB clip-launching grid, reinforced fader design, revised knob layout, and more. APC40 mkII features a 5x8 RGB clip-launching grid that’s built for dexterous exploration: launch clips and create or perform your song from the ground up using 40 responsive triggers. RGB lighting provides visual feedback and displays three clip statuses—loaded, playing, and recording—so you can intelligently perform without looking at your computer. You can also colour code your clips with the RGB lighting for advanced visual organisation, and use the Shift button and directional arrows to manipulate the scope of the 5x8 grid. APC40 mkII comes equipped with an array of assignable faders and knobs: nine reinforced faders and eight channel control knobs are arranged in-line with each channel for an intuitive layout and smarter workflow. Eight Device Control knobs make it easy to tweak device parameters and light up to provide visual feedback of each parameter. In addition, the Sends button enables users to cycle through all eight send buses right from their APC40 mkII. The A/B crossfader can be assigned and re-assigned without ever having to touch the mouse. APC40 mkII comes pre-mapped to Live (version 9.1.3 or later and is compatible with Live 12) for an instant performance and production setup. When APC40 mkII is plugged into your computer, its hardware controls correspond 1 to 1 with Ableton Live’s interface—no additional configuring is required. In addition, all of APC40 mkII’s controls can be re-assigned on the fly for customised setups that change with your performance or production style. APC40 mkII is also powered over USB and supports plug-and-play connectivity, allowing you to take this controller from the studio to the stage or wherever you go. 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 APC40 mkII to be the intuitive, powerful instrument that directly links your inspiration with Ableton Live. APC40 mkII comes packed with a music production suite that includes Ableton Live Lite, two high-definition virtual synthesizers, and 5GB of professional samples and loops for immediate music creation. Ableton Live Lite allows musicians to compose, record, remix, and edit musical ideas in a fluid audio/MIDI environment. Also included is the Puremagnetik Effect Racks, with over 200 audio effects for sound sculpting, Hybrid 3 for creating everything from retro synth sounds to modern leads, and SONiVOX Twist for spectral morphing synthesis. Additionally, five Toolroom and five Prime Loops packs provide an eclectic mix of sounds to jumpstart your creativity. Features Provides hands-on control of Ableton Live and includes a copy of Ableton Live Lite Seamlessly integrates 1 to 1 with Ableton Live 5x8 clip-launch matrix with RGB feedback for clip status and colour coding 9 channel faders, 8 control knobs, and 8 device controls interface with Ableton Live USB-powered and plug-in-play connectivity for Mac and PC Send button for quick access to 8 send busses Assignable A/B crossfader for dynamic mixing on the fly Shift button and directional arrows manipulate the scope of the grid Revised knob layout with in-line controls for streamlined workflow Production package included: Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist, Prime Loops sample packs, and Toolroom Records launch packs (downloads)
