Akai Professional APC64 USB/MIDI Controller for Ableton

General

Practically a decade after the release of the Akai APC 40, its successor is finally here! Meet the APC 64: Akai's newest Ableton MIDI controller with a larger, 8x8 grid, no less than eight Touch Strips, and many more welcome features.

Features of the Akai Professional APC64

For most Ableton Live users, the 8-by-8 grid will be the centre of attention. It's made up of RGB-backlit, velocity-sensitive pads that are loaded with polyphonic aftertouch which means you basically get to inject as much musical expression as you want. Just in case that's not enough, Akai have integrated eight assignable Touch Strips for your filters, vibratos and so on. The APC 64 also comes with a built-in 8-track sequencer and can even be used to control other gear thanks to the TRS-MIDI and CV ports - no laptop needed!

Software

If you do want to work with a laptop, then you'll be happy to know that besides Ableton Live Lite, the Sonivox Essential Keyboard Collection, and Air Instruments Tubesynth, Electric, Ether, Vocal Tuner, Half Speed and Flavor, this next-gen controller comes with 1GB worth of loops and drum samples from Sampletools by CR2 Records. In other words, it's a complete, high-end beat-production bundle in a box!