APC-40 MK2 // STILL the Best Ableton Live Controller ?

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  • čas přidán 22. 05. 2024
  • APC-40 MK2 // STILL the Best Ableton Live Controller ?
    Distribute your music with DistroKid - 7% Discount Link:
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    ►Soundcloud: / victor-drouin
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    Visit Pheek's Website for more Info on this sort of set up:
    ►audioservices.studio/
    Visit my Patreon for the extended version of this video (with no ads):
    ► / liamkillenmusic
    CONTENT OF THE VIDEO
    0:00 Hello // Exploring the APC-40 MK2
    1:56 Ableton + the APC-40 MK2
    2:50 Vic’s Approach to a Live Set
    5:15 Track / FX Organization
    7:04 Playing Example
    12:22 Pro tips for Live Organization
    12:53 Use DistroKid to Independently Distribute your Music
    14:38 The Dilemma of Changing Keys
    16:15 How Pre-Prepped Should you Set be?
    18:02 Cool use of the APC-40 MK 2’s fader
    18:52 How to Improve this Set up?
    Need help with something? Book a 1 on 1 Consultation:
    ►www.liamkillen.com/consultation
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    ►hyperfollow.com/lkmusic
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    #akai #apc40 #abletonlive
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Komentáře • 122

  • @olafsigursons
    @olafsigursons Před měsícem +10

    I so like when you have artist showing their set up. I learned so much. Thank you to both of you! For tonal change, look at the circle of 5th! Always sound good going +/- a 5th.

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem +1

      Yes! I’ve started doing this a lot more now!

  • @rickhood
    @rickhood Před měsícem +5

    If you can't get an APC40: It's not all in the same unit but i use the Novation Launchpad X (buttons) + Novation Launch Control XL (faders & knobs) to do the same thing. I also use a Novation Launchkey 37 keyboard to play the live parts and create loops.

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      Ok cool that’s awesome! Thanks for this!

  • @andremmmmm2445
    @andremmmmm2445 Před měsícem +4

    Every time I watch one of your artist setup/workflow videos, it pushes me to use my setup differently! Very inspiring. Thanks for another super interesting video!

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      Love to hear this! Lots more to come 😊

  • @notlonnie
    @notlonnie Před 15 dny

    Thank you so much for this video, made me finally pull the trigger on a APC 40 after all these years of thinking about it

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před 10 dny

      That's awesome ! The Discord community would love to hear what you think about it !
      discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP

  • @zwockelbart8226
    @zwockelbart8226 Před měsícem +1

    This is awaesome, helped me to fix some things at my set, Cheers!

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      It’s a pleasure! All the best

  • @jakobDium
    @jakobDium Před měsícem +1

    great stuff!

  • @ionianechoes
    @ionianechoes Před měsícem +2

    I really like this concept you are developing in your channel where you are "interviewing" or, more accurately, letting different people with different workflows demo "their method". Like sharing their jems. I think it's really interesting, there's always something to learn. And I mean REALLY something to learn because nowadays the youtube-synth-world is full of "fake" "click-baity" video with tricks and tips that "will really change your approach" from synthfluencers that really don't know how to keep up the pace because the need to upload weekly videos. So as a viewer I sometimes feel treated as stupid because the tip in the videos often ends up being something trivial or very obvious. In summary, I really like this series of videos man 😊.

  • @kathleencoveny3860
    @kathleencoveny3860 Před měsícem +3

    Get on board the funk machine! ... always inspiring when given the opportunity to tune into the style .. technique .. expertise .. skill of another... there is not a person on the planet that can't teach us something .. cheers to those that hear the sound of music in everything! ...

  • @qwertySnowy
    @qwertySnowy Před měsícem +2

    The looper idea is cool 🎉

  • @saximus81
    @saximus81 Před měsícem +2

    Completely agree - absolutely brilliant piece of hardware. Hope AKAI makes a new version at some point, or that Ableton themselves see the light. I use it for DJing, looping and producing - this thing can handle anything.

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem +2

      Yeah they need to re issue this bad boy PRONTO

  • @fabiancortes6255
    @fabiancortes6255 Před měsícem +1

    Super solid.

  • @HERBERTBARUC-nz8ds
    @HERBERTBARUC-nz8ds Před 13 dny

    In addition to its incredible features, it´s such a beautiful gear.
    Looks much better than 2 CDJ´s with a mixer.

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před 10 dny

      Simplicity is king in this instance ! You belong in my Discord ! Here's an invite: discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP

  • @MrCosmicVictory
    @MrCosmicVictory Před měsícem +1

    great, great video. i dont have ableton so this actually gave me a better idea of how it works.
    and yes, that apc is beautiful. if i had one, it would be to midi map everything to an mpc. 🤔

  • @emmanuelcameron4904
    @emmanuelcameron4904 Před měsícem +1

    super intéressant!

  • @HogiWirjono
    @HogiWirjono Před měsícem +2

    Still my favorite Ableton controller been with me for a bit and has never failed me.

  • @billB101
    @billB101 Před měsícem +1

    Favourite Ableton and Bitwig controller and also my favourite Resolume controller. I have both a MK1 and Mk2.
    Would love it if they made a version with flying faders.

  • @c4guy
    @c4guy Před měsícem +1

    would be super interesting to get his effect rack that he uses on the track! thanks for the video

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      My pleasure !

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      He has some content available on his website! Link in bio 😊

    • @Victor-ue7ll
      @Victor-ue7ll Před měsícem +1

      I can make it available on my website, but the only thing is that there is an external VST that I'm using, so there will be one knob that you won't be able to use if you don't have this VST (ShaperBox by CableGuys). All other macros are Ableton Pluggins, so everything else will be working though.

    • @egonelly
      @egonelly Před měsícem

      @@Victor-ue7ll thank you!!

    • @qwertySnowy
      @qwertySnowy Před měsícem

      Cool that be awesome

  • @JamesBermingham
    @JamesBermingham Před měsícem +1

    Hi Liam. Would it be possible to share the Ableton Live template that was used in this demo ? Even if it’s just an empty set but with the effects used and mapped to the Akai controller?
    Great video.

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem +1

      You’d have to ask Vic! You can contact him via his website

  • @MatsMorlund
    @MatsMorlund Před měsícem +1

    Awesome video! Gave me a lot of new ideas. Was wondering, do you know if there is a quick way, like a macro or something, that could reset all device settings on all 8 tracks at the same time❓

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem +1

      Thank you for watching and if I knew I’d let you know!

    • @qwertySnowy
      @qwertySnowy Před měsícem +1

      You can create a macro
      Variation inside an instrument rack to the state u want and midi map a button so it can set all devices to a default stste

    • @MatsMorlund
      @MatsMorlund Před 25 dny

      @@qwertySnowy Yes! Of course. THANKS!!

  • @Farmatique
    @Farmatique Před 23 dny +1

    Whoa! I'm really excited to see Vic is using windows-laptop, since I'm using windows for music production too. Which is quite rare among the Ableton and other software musicians, who consider Mac is a golden standard for music software/controllers. I wonder which model of laptop and what audio-interface he's using? I'm on Thinkpad x13 gen2 (Ryzen) + Zoom L8/Zoom U22/Zoom U24. And of course APC40 mk2/Push 2

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před 18 dny +1

      He's using the Motu Ultralite MK 5 as an audio interface - not sure of the model of his lap top.

    • @Farmatique
      @Farmatique Před 17 dny

      @@LiamKillen Thank you for the input! Good to know 👍

    • @Victor-ue7ll
      @Victor-ue7ll Před 16 dny +1

      I'm using a DELL XPS 15 9510 - Processor 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-11800H @ 2.30GHz.
      Solid and compact laptop.

    • @Farmatique
      @Farmatique Před 15 dny

      @@Victor-ue7ll appreciate your input, Vic 🙏good to know 👍

  • @qwertySnowy
    @qwertySnowy Před měsícem +1

    I had one but sold it. It was cool but I didn't like that it had 8 columns of clip buttons but only 5 rows. Doesn't make sense as if your performing live a lot of songs are bigger than 5 rows. It should have been 8x8 then it's less moving about up and down when triggering clips. Other than that it's prob the best controller for ableton .
    Awesome vid love these insights to how others play :-)

  • @HIFI1965
    @HIFI1965 Před měsícem +1

    Still use mine all the time. That is when I’m using Ableton. I have a push three standalone and will connect it to the APCmk2 As well. I don’t like the cognitive friction having to switch between modes in the push workflow. The cross fader is very important if you were clip launching for life sets.

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      It’s still super popular for a reason!

    • @qtv6496
      @qtv6496 Před 25 dny

      Do you use another daw or just ableton?

    • @HERBERTBARUC-nz8ds
      @HERBERTBARUC-nz8ds Před 13 dny

      With MK2 and Push you are in heaven

  • @NelsonMcKey
    @NelsonMcKey Před měsícem +1

    What is the midi clock/metronome tool he is using at 14:50? I've been looking for something like this for a long time!

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      I’m not exactly sure what it’s called but if you google Ableton timer I’m sure something will pop up! 😊

  • @koendecroo
    @koendecroo Před měsícem +1

    I immediately picked one up locally for a great price (which is an amzing coincidence as I live on an island). I love how it works with ableton however I discovered it also works out of the box with Loopy Pro.
    It's a mystery why in 2024 there are still very very limited endless encoder controlers out there....

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem +1

      This is just the best one - it's so clear.
      We should talk about it in my Discord - if you're not already a member hehe:
      Here's an invite: discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP

  • @Jodeo-ck2pq
    @Jodeo-ck2pq Před měsícem +1

    Akai, Novation, or Abelton need to jump on the ball and build a modern controller with this tactile setup, 8x8 or 8x6 pad grid, faders, assignable knobs, setup to look like clip view, but with more modern features, midi control, a chord mode, a sequencer, automation, add a mousepad or someway to select files and instruments on my computer, so that I never have to touch my mouse or keyboard. Basically, smash together the APC40 mk2 and an LPP or APC 64 and I think a lot of people would eat it up. I would sell multiple pieces of gear for something like that,

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      You got this PLANNED OUT my guy

  • @maikvanrossum
    @maikvanrossum Před měsícem +1

    Absolutely the best mixer and launch controller for Ableton Live… especially next to a Push 2 (or 3) for playing and modifying sounds. The APC is very direct, like for instance the TR-8S. And the crossfader is awesome too for controlling multiple channels. Really don’t understand why Akai made the MK3 sort of a Push-clone… it’s no longer complementary and more of the same. The APC is also a very capable controller for Loopy Pro on iPad. And last week I stumbled upon a workaround to map it to Native Instruments’ Maschine+ too.

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem +1

      Yes! That’s what I love about it! The directness

  • @greyaltaer8788
    @greyaltaer8788 Před měsícem +4

    The Apc64 is underrated for sure, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have glaring shortcomings. They just missed on some UX decisions for the most part. Would it really have been that much more expensive with motorized faders as opposed to touch strips? I think the crossfader shouldn’t have been omitted but should have been developed in a more Octatrack type direction. Lastly, if they really wanted them to sell like hotcakes, they should have included alternative tuning layouts and sequencers a la Oxi One. Hence, the older apcs still hold up really well, and arguably deserve the higher prices they’re currently going for.
    I might be wrong, but having worked in electronics, I’d guess those features would have raised the price by no more than a hundo or so.

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem +2

      I can’t deal with those touch sensitive faders or whatever you call them- they’re so finicky which just makes it an immediate no for me.

    • @Jodeo-ck2pq
      @Jodeo-ck2pq Před měsícem +1

      I'd 100% pay an extra 100 bucks or even 200 for a great tactile midi controller like this, but with some built in sequencers and chord modes like the LPP or the APC64. If Akai, Novation, or Ableton got the hint and smashed together a LaunchPad Pro with and APC 40 MK2, those things would sell like bananas. I'd sell like 3 pieces of gear I have for something like that.

    • @greyaltaer8788
      @greyaltaer8788 Před měsícem

      To you both, big same!

    • @NelsonMcKey
      @NelsonMcKey Před měsícem

      @@Jodeo-ck2pq I just use this and a push at the same time. Perfect combo.

    • @vovandevu3375
      @vovandevu3375 Před měsícem +1

      Yep, selling apc64 as it did not meet my expectations as standalone sequencer and i am tired to guess which strip is what in ableton…

  • @MediaMusik777
    @MediaMusik777 Před měsícem +1

    Wally World has them for grand new but I got the Apc64 and I like it strips are quicker imo

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      Oh really? I checked everywhere and couldn’t find them new!

    • @MediaMusik777
      @MediaMusik777 Před měsícem

      @@LiamKillen sold out now after looking back at my cart lol 1 day later

  • @Rhythm_Laboratory
    @Rhythm_Laboratory Před měsícem +1

    After using various MIDI controllers, the APC40 MK2 was the best.
    But for my usage, I'd be happy with a few more channels.

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem +1

      Yeah it’s especially great for live performance!

  • @thisisjasonzimmermann
    @thisisjasonzimmermann Před měsícem +1

    Looks like Fred is using one of these in the Studio Live 2 video from 2021.

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem +1

      Oh yeah? Not surprised at all!

    • @thisisjasonzimmermann
      @thisisjasonzimmermann Před měsícem

      @@LiamKillen not at all indeed but in those series he definitely pulls out some different gear. I actually didn’t recognize it until I saw your video and rewatched on a whim.

  • @russcontact
    @russcontact Před měsícem +1

    The biggest drawback of any Live controller that Im aware of relative to a mixer is the lack of ability to modulate multiple tracks at the same time. If anyone knows otherwise please share. But until that’s possible a mixer still dominates for djing
    Changing the eq of two tracks independently at the same time is something I just couldn’t dj without

    • @Victor-ue7ll
      @Victor-ue7ll Před měsícem

      You could use the knob at the top of each channel of the APC40 and map a LP/HP filter (or put whatever you want there)... You could then modulate multiple tracks at the same time, but it would only be one knob, so no real Eqing... I agree it's a limitation.

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      Yeah it’s def a different thing that’s for sure

  • @jazminmohammed6802
    @jazminmohammed6802 Před měsícem +1

    Does anyone know where I can get a used akai apc40 mk2 to buy ?

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      Facebook marketplace or reverb

  • @naanstop6559
    @naanstop6559 Před měsícem +2

    If it's so saught after but discontinued, must mean something new on the horizon?

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem +1

      I’m not sure because the “next iterations” are similar but IMO just worse versions of the APC-40 mk2 lol

  • @MadsHalvorsen
    @MadsHalvorsen Před 29 dny

    Can anyone please tell me where to buy this one? It seems like it’s so out of stock and completely unavailable everywhere

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před 28 dny

      It’s no longer issued! It’s only on the second hand market now- annoying…I know

  • @brainbox9219
    @brainbox9219 Před měsícem +1

    I got lucky and found one in excellent condition for $150 plus 2 year warranty, after shipping it was around $200, I haven’t seen them for any other price tbh, glad I got one before it goes up in price, just hope it works…I got a push 2 but it just refused to work with ableton live 12, even after all the troubleshooting and contacted support and they barely helped tbh, just sold the push 2 and ordered this thru guitar center, hopefully I’m able to actually use it 🤞🏾

  • @tablaninja
    @tablaninja Před měsícem +1

    I still use mine every day.

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      I gotta start using mine more!!

  • @johnrun712
    @johnrun712 Před 10 dny +1

    Few for sale used, say no more. Love mine.

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před 10 dny +1

      They're sooooo hard to find for a reasonable price, it's true.
      Come tell us how much you love it over in my Discord ! :-)
      discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP

  • @Dubsteppah
    @Dubsteppah Před měsícem +1

    I just sold mine on Ebay for $600. My apc-40 mk2. I didn't think it was that great. There's a lot better Ableton controllers out there. But if you like it, that's all that matters. If it works for your setup, that's awesome. I like the old version better tbh.

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem +1

      I find that it’s just the most straight that I’ve seen

  • @user-xj6xf5bf3j
    @user-xj6xf5bf3j Před měsícem +1

    i need more knobs!! lmao

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      Pc-12! czcams.com/video/vo8SFAV_Xu8/video.htmlsi=_7hTH6s7iqCjf121

    • @user-xj6xf5bf3j
      @user-xj6xf5bf3j Před měsícem

      @@LiamKillen touche! i bought 2x launch control xl in user mode for 1/3 the price! Theres money in knobs i tells ya!

  • @b_og
    @b_og Před měsícem +1

    Man i always wanted a controller like that but since it's price almost doubled i couldnt buy one, and now they make a new version that's not even comparable and you can't buy it anymore? I think i will never buy anything from akai ever after this :D

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      Yeah it blew up as soon as people found out it wasn’t being reissued

    • @b_og
      @b_og Před měsícem

      @@LiamKillenIt's insane.. imagine a company like akai making musicians who has apc40mk1/mk2 in their setup and make them buy a used one with 2x price of an original one.. Why would they do that, clearly the new apc64 is no even comparable for most folks, it was all about the knobs and faders, i would imagine a "respectful" company like akai has plans for people who stick with their gear, but no apc40 mk3 release or mk2 coming back in sight..
      And with all respects, but it's a an easy unit to manufacture they just want people to switch to something they don't like even though it could make people want to try new apc more if it would be an option between the two who knows..

  • @_c_y_p_3
    @_c_y_p_3 Před měsícem +1

    I guess I can scratch this off beings there will be 5k people buying the 20 listings.

  • @bonzo230
    @bonzo230 Před měsícem +1

    when you say "relevant" what do you mean?

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem +1

      It’s popular despite being a unit that’s 10+ years old. I see it everywhere still!

  • @AboveTheTrees00
    @AboveTheTrees00 Před měsícem +1

    VCM600 is the best ableton controller..

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      I’ll take a look

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem

      Depends on how you want to use it though of course

  • @jimmywheelo
    @jimmywheelo Před měsícem +1

    Best live controller?
    That’s a bit of a push

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem +1

      Was that an intentional pun?
      Depends who you ask I guess! It’s super popular!

    • @jimmywheelo
      @jimmywheelo Před měsícem

      @@LiamKillen it was! 😅
      And yes it may be popular but still…..

  • @EVILJAMARR
    @EVILJAMARR Před měsícem +1

    The best?! Um NO. The Push 2 exists! Is this a serious title?! 😂😂😂

    • @LiamKillen
      @LiamKillen  Před měsícem +1

      I dunno man! It’s def the most straight forward, simple Ableton Live controller! There’s a reason why so many people still use it!

    • @jetxee
      @jetxee Před měsícem +2

      Mk2 has faders 🎚️

    • @maikvanrossum
      @maikvanrossum Před měsícem +3

      The Push is completely different and that’s why Akai missed the mark. The APC was complementary.

    • @olafsigursons
      @olafsigursons Před měsícem +2

      The Push is not the same imo. It's not much of a Midi controller. It's more but different.

    • @image66media
      @image66media Před měsícem +4

      The Push controllers are best used as instrument keyboards in live use. And also for sequencer step adjustment/editing on the fly. But for launching, mixing, and controlling a mix in live performance? The APC40Mk2 has no equal.