Akai APC 40 (and its contenders)

[tonyc2002]

Been thinking about getting one of these for a while now but I'm a little out of touch with what's out there. Can anyone give me the download on the best Ableton controllers?

[tonyc2002]

****...Wrong forum.

Mod's please move to production forum :rubiggrin:

[eppertheleper]

I've got one on the way right now. I'll let you know how it works out. From my research they seem to provide the most bang for the buck. I read a few negative reviews from people who had the crossfader crap out on them, but it's supposed to be replaceable.

[tonyc2002]

You might of seen this but damn....seriously awesome :rucool:

YouTube - The APC40 Ableton Performance Controller in action! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj3kF6dt4uo)

[eppertheleper]

Wow. Impressive. Well, there's something to work toward. Two other controllers that caught my attention were:

http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/quality,85/brand,zzounds/banner_vcm600_L_clipped-94199003fcadab13eba6522e3f3a6a47.jpg

http://www.gpanagopoulos.com/eshop/images/detailed_images/image_2541.jpg

They're both close to a grand, though.

[tonyc2002]

**** the Vestax one. In my experience you dont get much for a large price.

[tonyc2002]

Ordered my APC40 yesterday and its been dispatched so hopefully tomorrow I'll be giving it large :rubiggrin:

Also upgraded to Ableton Suite 8!

/splurge

[eppertheleper]

Finally got mine. I had placed an order on Amazon without realizing it was backordered, so I had to cancel that one and get on eBay. The thing is ridiculously intuitive. I've played with Ableton for a while just using my M-Audio keyboard and a mouse to control it. It was a bit clunky but I managed. The APC40, on the other hand, is smooth and nearly perfect. I'd say perfect but I'm sure I'll find a flaw sometime down the road.

I've mostly used Ableton for straightforward track-to-track mixing until now. I'm looking forward to getting deeper into some loop-based production now that I have the tools.

As to the review, I've only played with it for a few days but I'm in love. I only opened the manual to make sure I installed everything correctly. Other than that I was able to figure out most of the functions on my own within the first five minutes. It's a thing of beauty.

http://i55.tinypic.com/64eaab.jpg

[-LETHAL-ONE-]

I use one for Live P.A.'s and i love it!!! Its the best thing since sliced bread....... For controlling Ableton Live when im producing tracks i also use another apc40 connected with two apc20's.... it works like a charm.......