Akai APC20 delivers an affordable USB Midi Controller for Ableton. Akai APC20 is an extremely compact control surface that features everything you need as an Ableton Controller. APC20 will transform your Ableton Live experience, from constructing tracks on a computer to fluid, musical creation.
APC20 is the second model in the Akai APC range which 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 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.
Akai and Ableton designed the APC20 specifically for Ableton Live, you don’t need to map its controls to talk to the software. APC20 is plug and play, so you don't need to install drivers just connect your laptop via the USB. 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. No mapping, no setup, no hassles.
APC20 is 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 with an unlimited number of cells.
APC20 comes Ableton Live Akai Professional APC Edition software, which is fully functional for performance and production. Owners of standalone editions of Ableton Live 7 or 8 can also work seamlessly with the APC20. Live 7 with the latest automatic update has full support for the APC20 and all versions of Live 8 are APC20-ready. 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 on Akai APC20 even allows you to use the Clip Launch buttons to control instruments and the Drum Rack.