AKAI APC64 Review // Pros and cons vs APC40 MK2, Push, LaunchPad and others // APC 64 tutorial
Vložit
- čas přidán 12. 05. 2024
- Get access to my exclusive In-Complete Book of Electronic Music Ideas, Tips and Tricks, on my Patreon:
► / loopop
Check prices here (affiliate links help the channel regardless of what you buy):
► Perfect Circuit: link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
► Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/LXoNg0
► Thomann: www.thomann.de/intl/search_di...
► Amazon: amzn.to/3PXaXl8
► Guitar Center: guitar-center.pxf.io/oqPmAE
Check out my Ableton Live tutorial here:
► • Don't Panic! Ableton L...
Other places I hang out:
► Instagram: / loopopmusic
► Tiktok: / loopopmusic
► Facebook: / loopopmusic
► Twitter: / loopopmusic
► Web: loopopmusic.com
My music:
► Bandcamp: loopop.bandcamp.com
► Spotify: bit.ly/LoopopOnSpotify
► Apple Music: bit.ly/LoopopOnAppleMusic
► Cool Holographic scopes?
The scopes I use aren't real - I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle.
Gear in this video beside the APC:
► Waldorf Blofeld
► Meris Mercury X
► Moog Sirin
► Intellijel Palette case
► Plum 1U Roved
► Endorphin.es Cockpit and Queen of Pentacles
► OXI Coral
► 4ms Tapographic delay
► 90 degree cables are Tendrils and the blinky ones are Halo by Andrew Huang and myVolts
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:40 Overview
2:05 Grid modes
4:30 Fader modes
6:30 Seq mode
8:40 Buttons
9:35 Screen
10:35 Build
11:00 I/O
11:50 Note mode
12:45 Chord mode
13:20 Drum modes
14:00 Ableton Live
14:30 Live rec
15:15 Quantization
16:05 Automation
17:00 Step seq
17:45 Seq settings
18:40 Modifiers
20:10 Seq live rec
21:45 Performance
22:15 Important tips
22:25 Poly AT v MPE
23:00 Device params
23:50 More buttons!
25:20 Device lock?
25:55 Seq + Live
26:40 Note repeats?
26:55 Latency
27:30 Pros and cons
32:15 Outro
Submit review and video ideas here (sorry I don’t offer 1x1 sessions/setup/purchasing advice):
► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links to stores like Amazon, Sweetwater, Thomann and others. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.
At first glance, it is ticking all the tiny screen and weird-layout boxes…
Unexpected AudioPilz
This is not AudioPilz lol
You mean Future bad gear
🎉
An Austrian man awakes from a deep slumber.
Welcome too Baaadd geaare
- "Mom i want the Ableton Push!"
- "We have the Ableton Push at home"
Joke aside, thanks for your service. Love your channel!
didn't Akai make the Push 1 first edition?
Si può usare per controllare ableton ?? Nel senso senza ricorrere al PC ?? Sia live che in studio ??
It’s funny, no one made these jokes when the Launchpad Pro came out. This is clearly in direct competition with the mk3, not the Push
So is question , what is the double cc on the fader used for , pan style up cc1 and down cc2 ?
I am very fascinated by this as an affordable hardware standalone sequencer, honestly.
I know many people will find it an inferior Ableton controller to the Push series, but $400 US for a hardware sequencer with 8 controllable CCs per track with 8 tracks is pretty nuts, TBQH
No way is it inferior; I can't be the only person who feels this is the best of both worlds between the APC40 and Push, and sold at a much more accessible price point (in fact I believe adjusted for inflation this is a tiny bit cheaper than the OG bulky APC40, insane to me).
APC40 was the first MIDI controller I ever picked up and it made me forever prefer faders over encoders, and this basically addresses everything that's never jived with me about my second gen Push.
It does some things much Better than push
Everyone hates touch strips right? Let’s give them 8 of them!
I HATEEEEEE TOUCH STRIPS
it's sort of a compromise; you can control 4 at the same time; you still have feedback and auto switching when changing pages. encoders work too but you can't use several at the same time. I don't mind the touchstrips as a modwheel on my midi keyboard.
From a performance point, for fingerdrumming I see a lot of benefit on touchstripes over knobs. like quick jumping to specific values, or changing multiple touch stripes at once with one hand. Actully the main reason for me getting a mashine jam instead of an APC where the touchstrips.
Yeah, I get the advantage for multitouch, and quick recall, but they’re not substantially different than say TouchOsc on a tablet. So much of what’s fun with electronic music gear is moving faders and turning knobs 🤷♂️
It's like flying faders except not noisy or fun to use
Now I regret not getting an APC40 mk2 (have a mk1, but you know). They've ruined all the things where it was better than a Push or Launchpad.
Having to switch between mutes, solos, stops etc. is a major pain in a live performance. Same goes for levels, pans, device control etc. Losing the crossfader is pretty damn annoying, it could be setup in so many cool ways for instant performance awesomeness. This is all lost now, reduced to the dregs of mediocrity.
APC40 would do all of this, 1:1, without annoying inbetween steps. It was perfect for performing in a number of ways. And far superior to all the other controllers for a majority of workflows. The only thing it was really missing was a note-mode, and this was easily remedied with any key- or pad controller. And could easily have been added to a new one, without removing all the cool things. By comparison having any 2 other controllers, even be it 2 Push, will not afford you the same immediate performance and/or mix control as a single APC40.
I've tried performing with my Push, it's cumbersome, not nearly as intuitive, and makes a lot of transitions and effects impossible to do live.
This is just another Push/Launchpad, with poorly placed touch faders, and nothing to actually warrant its existence. It's got nothing unique about it. Nothing that boosts its workflow. And it's very clear they only focused on how it looks, not on how it works.
Sure the note modes and 8 sequencer tracks are cool. But considering most of the functions seem lesser than the Launchpad Pro, paying a 50% mark up for some poorly placed touch faders, isn't exactly gonna entice anybody. If all the features were atleast up to Novations level, the 4 extra sequencer tracks would make it a viable choice, albeit one with many competitors.
They ruined a product was the only choice for a number of workflows, to make one that's fighting (and probably losing) for middle of the pack in a crowded field.
Thanks for the detailed video, as always very useful and well done.
oh, no crossfader? bye bye. that changed the game for me production wise. love my sparkling shiny white apc40, those are still the best! i keep lookin, but then i'm like why? i just need to take mine apart and clean the faders.
Same feeling here, but I did get the MK2. Using it next to my Push 2, where it really completes the hands-on control of Live. The only USP for the 64 would be integration of CV-based synths with Live (?) otherwise I don’t get it.
I have both the apc40 mk1 and 2 and kept both. In some ways I prefer the 1. I prefer the form factor of the 2 more but the knobs on 1 are more useful to me.
yeah i would agree, it's not a live performance device by any standards. As a creative tool in the studio it's got some nice things at a cheaper price level than other options. Being able to use it as a central sequencing hub to get creativity going and then being able to send the sequence through at the touch of a button is pretty compelling to me.. I agree though, theres been a lot of odd choices here.. they should have gone for a bigger footprint and proper faders!
@@Grant82gc for sequencing and cv I would definitely go for a BeatStep Pro. It has a much lower price tag then the 64 (or KeyStep Pro) and offers midi and cv, has two melodic and one drum sequencer, which holds multiple lanes and can be assigned separate midi channels for each drum sound (via control software). It has one touch strip, multifunctional pads and a controller mode with decent knobs and MCU compatible play controls. It’s built as a tank and leaves you money for a pad controller or keyboard (standard KeyStep offers you an extra sequencer). There’s so much to choose from in this price range.
As always, the best in depth review in town! Thanks
love the tiny screen. I'm always having to reference things when editing settings on my Launchpad X
Definitely excited to dive in to your deep dive into this piece of gear! Thank you in advance for your efforts in sharing this information. You good sir, are a legend!!!
🔥🤘🧡👍🔥
i like the duality of the device and being able to send your created sequences/melodies through to ableton, thats pretty neat and compelling
so pumped to see a blofeld used in a video in 2023
Damn. From an Ableton user perspective all we needed was a fixed length button on the MK2; not more menu diving and shift-clicking to get to key live mixing functions. The (small) screen is a welcome addition though.
Akai loves shift clicking UIs
Great review as always!!
I hope you have a nice day loopop
Thanks, you too
Thanks for all your amazing videos!
Disable "Delay Compensation". Amazing! I was about to toss out Live for Cubase because the latency was killing me. Thank you, Loopop!
Sold my push 2 and can’t afford the push 3 so just got this ,after a couple of hours I can see its potential and at this price point seems unbeatable ,thanks for another superb tutorial
Hey there! How do you compare this one, the APC 64 versus the Push 2?
I'm in doubt between a new APC 64 or a used Push 2, they are the same price range here in my country. Thanks a lot!
@@PedroLucianoBenpp if you want the full Ableton experience then push 2 is the way to go but this beats all the other competition hands down ,the sequencer is brilliant and the APC64 maps CC easily to any plug in,faders take some getting used to ,very sensitive but I still like them ,hope this helps your question
@@johnathantyrer6077 It did, thank you!
Great overview, as usual. Feels like I can replace my Keystep Pro, Push 2 and Roli Lighted and Keyboard Blocks. Especially since I don't really play keyboards.
Love the RGB cables, so smart to visualize the impulses realtime
Halo by MyVolts
Thanks a lot for your reviews. They are really helpful for making decisions "so I need that stuff"
My pleasure 😊
On another note... Loopop, your voice is what I picture I would hear coming through the P.A. as your landing the plane LoL 👊🤣👍 very calming... even if one of the engines was on fire... weigh the pros and cons.
I guess we’ll see a response from Ableton soon… an entry level Push 3 SE to replace the discontinued Push 2.
So the new controller without audio or standard midi interface, solely for use with Live like the legacy controller. But again, expandable like their other boxes.
It would nicely fill the gap between the APC-64 and the current Push 3. Price and features, because from a UX perspective the screen and knobs on the Push are essential. Something where the APC-40 MK2 added some extra value by its faders, launchpads, x-fader and additional encoders.
And a flex included on the new Meris Mercury X. Nice touch.
thanx for the overview.
i keep my apc 40 mk1...
i see the 64 more as a studio/production tool than a live controller.
I'm new to all this. Re-watching this video after having bought an APC64; so much of it I only vaguely understand right now, so will be referring to this video quite a lot, thanks.
Oooh. Brought out the Siren. And it's a banger, as usual.
When's the next album?
Thanks I need to get to it! But so much going on... not likely in the next 6-8 weeks. and yeah Sirin and a good verb are quite a combo
Nice intro tune!
As an Akai Force owner this saddens me as it is everything we wanted to be available in the now abandoned Akai Force.
I think this is a fantastic device at an incredible price point. Akai really nailed this. The only thing I would have liked to see is a modular design where the top bar with outputs are the main component and you could magnetically snap the rest in whatever configuration you wanted. They could sell individual touch strip modules to be snapped on in whatever layout you want. You could have additional screens, encoders, etc... similar to how Roli Block pads snap together with the pogo pins / magnets.
Oh and I 💯 % agree the touch strips should have been 1-4 on top and 5-8 on the bottom. This not being default means they didn't get input from actual Ableton live performers / genestive artists and instead made marketing / education pr team into "performer trainers" to give demos for videos / expos.
I just fiddled with the APC64 for a couple of hours. It is very well made. HOWEVER I am finding issues with the step sequencer mostly, and with the MIDI config. The manual just says to activate the apc64 ports. Your video shows reality - four, six inputs and outputs. Only a very special combination of checkboxes will work, it seems. I wish the step seq button would just activate the step sequencer in Ableton (like push) and start the clip playing... but it does not. It seems to only step seq via the internal sequencer. Maybe I just have some kinks to work out. I see the potential for a cheaper/lighter/more portable and more streamlined controller to launch clips and such... but for comprehensive control over Ableton - the "close the laptop and make music" feeling - I'll keep my Push3.
Whoa, I didn’t know a black Meris LVX existed!
It's not an LVX - I'm, ahem, leaking it one hour early - shhhhh
@@loopop 😵
Mercury X! 🧐
Ooh, think I want this!
@loopop I hope your family and friends are safe!
Great Video, wow
"Pressure and velocity sensitive pads.." Excellent! Great move by Akai!
I wasn’t clear what you meant by the TRS MIDI jacks being copies of the MIDI out. Which MIDI out, USB or each other? Also what is the voltage range of the CV outs, sorry if I missed it in the video. Thanks as always for another comprehensive demo/review.
The TRS outputs are copies of themselves, meaning they're not separately addressable for different tracks. USB is. Voltage is 0-5v
I wish i cared about Ableton, might be interested in this. 😅 Cool for the Ableton crew though 👍 Thanks for the review! ✌️
wow, finally novation launchpad pro mk4!
noo, they didn't clone the last update. hope they ll make microtiming at least
Great review as always. This is Akai's new flagship Ableton Live controller so does that mean that it's better than the Akai Force or does Akai not consider the Force a legit Ableton Live controller?
The force is a stand alone device
Thanks! No I don't think it does surpass them in all ways (perhaps some). Force (and MPC) are great Live contollers, but I think they're other things first, and in some ways indeed surpass this, for example, seeing which parameter is controlled by which knob on screen.
No use for my workflow save for a couple of functions. I use all of the tactile knobs/faders/buttons on my 40 mk2 and can’t be bothered to select mutes and solos stop clip, etc every time.
I don’t use step sequencing much but if I do I use my maschine mk3 and hardly work in session view. If mk2 had no clip launch buttons I wouldn’t even be upset 😂
Glad I don’t have to but this one 😅
The APC has the best endlesss encoders i ever have experienced. And the only 1 encoder they added is on the worst possible location. I can live with touch strips for faders but removing 16 high quality endlesss encoders with feedback is just a bad design decision. It could have been a amazing symmetrical design.
The sequencer needs real time or microtiming. Also randomization, probability and dedicated ratchets......... why always Ableton? Why dont all the Daw programmers come together in the MKS technology so these controllers can be unbiased in regard to which daw or vsts you prefer. Sanjay C mentioned Launchpad from Novation as a possible future competitor in this price range and I look forward to. Thanks for the Daw controller reviews Loopop . I think they project the most innovation today.
This one in the next Bad Gear episode?😮
nice fresh modern outro
Mad respect.
Reliq would be the device I compare to this combo. Which comes with a CV mod matrix UI and a large CV breakout board. Like a larger push for harware synths. This is a similar modular market, but not the same. This is more affordable but has less I/O.
Hi! Did you try to record a sequence with an external midi keyboard in standalone mode? I'm experiencing difficulties to do that 😢
I love how literally all modern consumer hardware companies are making modular synthesis a staple❤ #EricaSynthsFamily👽
i would love to see a apc64 vs push3 but also them together .. i think apc64+ push3 usb would be better and cheaper than push 3 standalone
Nice device. Cant help to be a bit disapointed though. No mixer faders and no knobs. I miss my old mk1 now suddenly.......so I bought a second hand mk1 last week. 😊
13:44 shouldn't it be possible to change the drum notes also via the up and down buttons? Best Overview Videos in the net by the way. Musst Look before every purchase. Thanks a lot...
I think you should, but you can't currently (note: this applies to standalone mode, you CAN transpose the drums in Live mode)
Useful for someone/something. As with a lot of gear, do manufacturers consult consumers or they an afterthought?
Wow REALLY good video. I will most likely purchase this new unit over the push-3. push-3 has gone way overpriced for what it is.
I remember when push was much cheaper priced, then slowly started to get extremely expensive as ableton company are getting more greedy by the second.
Currently they want $999.99 for a controller and $1,999.99 for a stand alone. Its getting way too crazy now. I will rather buy the APC64 instead as its more affordable.
By the way I own the push-1 and I was going to purchase push-2 when it came out, but I saw the price and said nah never mind. Then saw the price of push-3 and said "h3ll no"
So I will most likely get this Akai APC64 instead.
More menu diving and shift clicking is exactly what we didn't need for live performance. Akai just ditched what made the specificity of the APC 40 and made a cheaper Push. I can understand the need to have a cheaper option for a Push though, but it's still a big waste
Is this useful with Ableton arrangement view? All those controllers, launchpads, keysteps etc. seem to be aiming the session view. I guess I'm oldschool and I always use the arrangement view and I could use a good controller.
Nice, but I'm waiting for Force 2! Cuurently use my Force for all midi work.
I wonder why they went with a 32-step sequencer. I probably have elektron brain, but I tend to think 64 steps is the bare minimum.
It's pretty easy to make chains, so you could look at this as "32 steps at a time" (though ofc that's not exactly the same as a longer sequencer)
And you can do 1/2 resolution if you are fine with 8th notes rather than 16th noes?@@loopop
I've tried doing the kind of thing I do with live in a 64 steps sequencer and it wasn't enough. so besides drum it's pretty limiting. you could use microtimings to go around that but that's not very practical.
How do you chain sequences?
@@alejandrorangel3257you hold the first project (sequence) pad, and then the last, and all the projects (sequences) in between are chained - up to 24 can be stored on board
Novation next need to show the way forward and create a pedal loop controller for live ableton performance instead of trying to compete. Apc 40mk2 had a hidden gem of a loop control pedal function start/stop recording active clip. Backed by a special script api. Akai have dropped pedal support with this apc64. No one has tested multiple apc64 stacked use case and the hidden options.txt feature “dont combine apcs”. Does it still work or have they dropped that also?
29:56 "the only thing better" than touch strips are encoders with light rings around them, i.e. APC40 Mk2
holy taking out of context batman - specifically tell people a sentence before that they should remember knobs as an alternative, and then mention motorized faders as better alternative to touch faders (which would obviously have made this cost much more)
@@loopop sorry, that wasn't my intention :D
just a casual mention of the mercury x - alpha move : )
I like it! I support this, but I roll with the FORCE. Force 2 is going to really knock our socks off!!
Force2? Usable groovebox will be newer🤣
Force Gang😊
Does anybody know if you can transpose sequences within the step sequencer,?great tutorial !
Please make Ableton Push 3 comparison to Synthstrom Deluge.. Honorable Mention for APC64?
What does the cursor do? I know there’s no browse mode but is there a work around like changing patches?
Thank you so much for the review, Loopop. I'm an Ableton user, and I will get this. I can't imagine to be an Ableton user and not be excited by this release, unless you have the Ableton Push 3 already.
For the price this is an amazing Ableton controller. Thank you Akai!
Tempting, but in the end, sitting in the middle kind of hurts this; launchpad pro is nice and portable, right to the point, and an (affordable) Push 2 gives a more complete interface. Sitting in the middle doesn't get you either in the end.
I hope this means Force 2 is coming
Wow this is awesome, PAT, 8 track stand alone sequencer, what's not to like? 4 touch strips.
Loving this so far.
Thx for the upload.
Erm 8 touch strips lol.
Watched this from start to end, you had me captivated.
I've been short listing a sequencer for last 3 months, I had a LPP M3 and never got on with it, this seems better.
Screen is in the right place for once, this will replace my Force which is too cumbersome for a sequencer.
It's ticking all the right boxes atm, some things are missing like poly input and ties, but I am sure Akai will change this.
Price is right too. I was all geared up to get the G2 but this has taken place with some other gear.
One more quick question. I wonder how I can send clock from the 64 to Pam's new workout. Need Pam's to trigger some modules while using the step sequencer in this to make some tunes with some other modules. I assume I can just send a gate signal from one of the outputs to Pam's clock input? I dont know much about Pam's as I just received it. Thanks.
Yes, that’s what I would do
Hello bros .
It's a well thought device..and been designed like this so we can use more as an instrument.
APC 40 is a controller only.
So when we use APC 64 and 40 together ..
We will be laughing 😺😺
Touch bars are a great way to play ,
They may look like not good option.
However once you use them you are gonna love em...😊😊
When the faders are in volume mode do they match the faders in the current project? I use the APC Mini for live performance and with the manual faders the will jump the volume is they aren’t in the right position.
yes the faders here match. to avoid the jumps in the APC mini change the takeover mode to value scaling or pickup in the settings
So how does this pair well with the push3 stand alone do you think
Why haven’t you done a review on access virus ti2 yet? I’m looking to purchase it, but wasn’t able to find your review video on it.
I usually tend to prefer newly released gear, but I do want to get to that at some point
Now if they added an MPC screen to this it would be a force to be reckoned with.... I'll grab my hat on the way out.
that mpc studio 2 style screen tho.
I purchased this unit and its fantastic. Unless I missed it I was wondering what do the time signatures do just below the track select buttons? I have read the manual and cannot see this at all. Thanks
It's related to quantizing in Ableton Live (I explain it in the video)
I do apologise. I must have missed that bit. Thank you very much for your help. I was really hoping it to be a way of controlling the length of a clip. That is a feature Id really like. To be able to play one clip at 1 bar and change another to be 1/2 bar etc on the fly. I wonder if this is possible. Thank you kindly and I absolutely love the video.@@loopop
@@technojunkies1you can before you record using the length button
Yes it was after recording I was really looking this for. To adjust the length of a clip. Any clip. Just it would be good for jamming sessions I would be able to play about with the length of audio clips. Thanks@@loopop
I hope you're safe and doing well ❤️🩹
Thanks yes keeping myself distracted by making videos 🙌🏻🙏🏻
🌿
Why does the sequencer, pad modes and editor software look like the novation launchpad ones?
Might sound strange, but I'm glad they didn't include an audio interface. Saves the space and money for more useful components.
Thank you for your review, the longer I try and study AKAI's products the more I personally realise. They don't have a good strategy with their products. The example with the own sequencer implementation is a good example on 28:12. Why aren't they the same in terms of function? Makes no sense to me. They have good approaches in the various products and certainly get a lot of feedback from customers. But in my opinion, they make far too little of it.
So Push 3 has nothing to be scared of right? 😄
I have a question about the screen. Can you choose sounds in Ableton by using the screen of the APC64?
If you mean browsing then no
Ouch the Novation Launchpad pro mk3 is dead... Unless they release a mk4 with MPE and 8 tracks :)
Any chance you tried this with Logic Pro?
yes, doesn't do anything for now. I don't know if that's on the roadmap
Can I use it to record audio into Ableton using the CV outs to my eurorack? Sequence external and record into Ableton? I would buy this today if that is possible.
It doesn't have an audio interface/input if that's what you're asking, but yes if you've got an other audio input/interface, you can use this to sequence midi / cv using Ableton (0-5v)
you should check the manual but it would suck if you couldn't.
FOR A DAWLESS SET UP THIS IS GREAT BUT IF YOU USE ABLETON LIVE BUY THE PUSH 3
The email Akai sent me this morning said this comes with a "smart" screen. Weird way to mistype "small" but whatever.
The thing I’m actually upset about is the fact that there’s no capture midi button (or even shift button function to access it) AND NO ISOMORPHIC KEYGRID?? Huge miss I hope we see updates soon. Of couse every single one of these companies are gonna miss these details smh
the 8 touch strips with leds is not a terrible idea. I'l take this but whitout half the pad; the standalone part; but with a large screen showing each parameter. I still wonder who these mostly pads driven controllers are for and why they dominate the market.
thats the beautiful thing about pads, they are as universal as it can get.
some of it's users are playing melodies (czcams.com/video/GBL1IMEPrT0/video.htmlsi=BABWCFFdYunER9Mu), textures (czcams.com/video/gBwz3kkS81A/video.htmlsi=TMZbm8J3unu56Uh6&t=249) or drums (czcams.com/video/KTFROSxW41o/video.htmlsi=SgeKob8naZvHb1hQ&t=394), samples (czcams.com/video/GGuAfQhzuM8/video.htmlsi=vAektpYCzDo9xQkP&t=1168), tons of samples (czcams.com/video/DDuQSlVU-yY/video.htmlsi=JQ2uWhIMFd0MAbmu), make loops (czcams.com/video/sRBq6Z6z8R0/video.html), entire performances (czcams.com/video/462A7HPg7sg/video.htmlsi=y3j-PxCwLSBw3dAD), control their lighting rig, play visuals on it with the LEDs... or are just crazy (czcams.com/video/unx9er0sG6o/video.html).
A button or pad being much more universal than even piano keys, is completely open to anything - it triggers, and it does what you say to for it to do. That's where the market comes from.
How about a microfreak added to a session?
As always @loopop is a scholar and a gentleman putting all the detail into these reviews. I think the comments on the touch strips are a bit overblown. I think they're smart, especially in an era when more of these things get thrown into bags and so on, and as Loopop says, it's a cost effective way of achieving the same thing as motorised fader - thus that tech is available to more people. So if you were *aherm* on the fence about these; the advantage of the APC is constantly visible parameter controls that are easy to switch between on the fly. The Launchpad Pro does have parameter control, though this is channel by channel, so this functionality is somewhat hidden (also; not sure if this is automatable like the APC64?) With the sequencer, the Circuit Tracks-esque Novation sequencer is super easy to use, where the sequencer in the 64 is more basic. Though, if you are using the sequencer with Live exclusively, is that disadvantage negated by adding devices to your rack to give you those controls; eg arp, chance etc?
To summarise, it seems like with the 64, you need to make sure your set is ready with all your devices prepped and mapped to get the most out of it. In that scenario, you can go ahead and play notes, drums and DJ style effects "like an instrument", which is of course the MO of the Push. While the Novation doesn't lend itself to this, because there are no exposed parameters to modulate with your hand; you'll need a second pass to edit/automate parameters on a the virtual faders (eg: volumes, sends, device parameters etc.) Is that a fair assessment?
Ableton must have a patent on a 64 pad midi controller with 8 rotary encoders because why would you come up with a design like this. I wish some will make a 32 pad midi controller with encoders the size of the Novation Circuit. I do like the CV options of the Akai..
The original push was desgined by Akai... Akai was the first one to make a controller for Ableton. But still, this product in thr video is another cash grab..
Akai already has the force, which besides beeing a standalone groovebox, is an Ableton controller as well, and a really deep one, far deeper then this APC.
@@d1rtyduckmusic Yeah you are right ! Always thought of it as a stand alone device...
ah; I made pretty much the same comment. I like the touchstrips idea though.
I dont get the choice to leave encoders out either. One of the great things of Push is using it with Simpler. Editing samples without encoders is going to sck on this.
Can you keep playing in note mode with an external midi instrument while doing other stuff in session view? Or is it better to just plug that midi instrument right into your laptop?
no sure I understand the question? if you plug in an external MIDI instrument into APC64's MIDI input, that shows up on your computer, just passing through the APC. Meanwhile, you can do anything you like with the APC
Finally, a Launch Pad with a display. So tired of having to pull the Launch Pad PDF up to remember what colored square does what.
Damnit! I just got a Launchpad Pro to use with Loopy Pro (iOS)… but I also have an MPC Live 2…
Novation is probably dropping a new launchpad soon. If not this year then certainly next year. Overdue for an updated line although their current line is still more than capable
Return it fast
That screen size 😔🔍
Lmao, I was trying to find the screen for a whole minute 😂
Still better than no screen like the Launchpads
@@Claidheambmoroh for sure, just disappointing that it's so small for a device that can also be used as a standalone sequencer. I mean they were small on the Pioneer Squid too but at least it had more than one of them!
Has anyone figured out the problem from 25:40 ? It really anoys me that I can’t use my master fx rack while launching clips in session view without constant switching
Fantastic! Just got it for $277 from Alto 😊
Can u record in midi data via a external midi keyboard etc…..
Do you have to use Ableton in order to chain patterns together?
No, you can chain projects (sequences) stored on the device, using the device itself
When's the Yamaha montage m video coming??👀
soonish?
@@loopop thankyou!! 🎉🎉
Live recording in step sequencer mode does not work for me. Anyone else experiencing this? The "record arm" button does not react and I cannot arm tracks like you do (20:30). Also, sending clips to Ableton is not working. "Shift" button won't bring up the export function in the display. Can anyone help?