An Ableton Live 8 software controller that's pre-mapped and plug-and-play.
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.
Akai APC20 Ableton Live Performance Controller Specifications:
- Power supply: 12V 2.0A pin-positive (included)
- Communication: USB-MIDI with proprietary hardware/software handshake
- Inputs: USB
Minimum system requirements:
- Mac: G4/Intel recommended, OS X 10.3.9/10.4+ recommended
- PC: 1.5GHz, Windows XP or Vista, Windows 7
- Windows-compatible sound card/ASIO driver support recommended
- 512MB RAM/1GB recommended, QuickTime 6.5 or higher, DVD-ROM drive, & USB port
