The launchpad s is compatible with novations automap controller mapping system, although i didnt test this. Im interested in the akai mpkmpd apc40, or the novation mk2 stuff and launchpad. If you are using external effects, see using external audio effects. The apc40 is plug and play, so you dont need to install drivers. The power of this small keyboard controller is the amount of pads it has. Lighting designer, nick foligno from union garage audio designed and ran this light show live to the music of brooklyn band, the vandelles. Akai professional advanced production hardware and software. Akai and ableton have collaborated on the apc40, to bring tightly integrated, hands. Akai professional is now shipping its nanokontrolkiller lpd8 laptop pad controller and lpk25 laptop performance keyboard controller the lpd8 and lpk25 are usbmidi controllers for musicians, producers, djs and other music creators. Novation launchpad pro is a very popular and one of the more expensive options. Akai controllers vs novation controllers gearslutz. Find out more about our music production services on s. This item novation launchkey mini 25note usb keyboard controller, mk2 version novation launchkey mini mk3 25minikey midi keyboard akai professional mpk mini mkii 25 key usb midi keyboard controller with 8 drum pads, 8 assignable qlink knobs and pro software suite included. Use launchpad to browse through and trigger clips the most familiar mode for any ableton live musician.
Of course, as a dedicated live controller, the akai apc40 mk2 retains its close. No faders or encoders, but could probably buy a better dedicated control surface for those with the savings. Akai controllers vs novation controllers im interested in the akai mpkmpd apc40, or the novation mk2 stuff and launchpad. The launchpad user mode 2 would not send midi notes into tracks anymore. Akai mpk mini or launchkey mini which is better youtube.
This project is a fork of the great qlc project written by heikki junnila that aims to continue the qlc development and to introduce new features. Some audio clips from the core library would open in the wrong tempo. Does the novation launchpad offer anything my apc40 doesnt. The pads trigger various clips in abletons session view. Engineered specifically for the mobile musician and the desktop producer, apc mini concentrates the essential features of the apc40 mkii, akai pros flagship ableton controller, into a. Gaz williams takes a look at the new ableton live controller which comes with a software bundle that actually is more expensive to buy than the. Runs off usb power, and its plug and play no drivers required.
Bitwig studio includes technology called the open controller api. Novation launchkey mini mkii usb keyboard controller. Everything about making tracks in ableton live is made easier with. One of the most popular live boxes around, the original apc40 was one of the first if not. They each have a precision keyboard and a full control surface powered by a brand new version of novations automap control software automap 4 which makes getting handson with your dawplugins fast and simple. Apc mini is the most portable all in one ableton controller solution with akai pro build quality. This is incredibly affordable, but does come with some sacrifices. Launchpad s is selected above controller type select controller type or script from the menu showing novation launchpad s. Much like novations response to the apc40 with the launchpad, the mini seems. This is enabled by launchpad95 driver it turns the novation launchpad mini into a full. The new simpler slicing modes are available on push 1 and 2.
Theres zero setup time, then youre armed to play instruments or launch. Launch, play and perform your sounds and build your tracks using the large, supersensitive rgb pads, dynamic note and scale modes, and mixer controls. Enter your email address to stay up to date with the latest offers, tutorials, downloads and more. My concerns are keyboard feel, ease of programming and most of all reliability of drivers and stability on mac and pc.
Audio midi interfaces midi interface equipment allows different electronic musical instruments and computer peripherals to communicate with one another. In this video we demonstrate akais very inspiring apc40 mk2 performance controller for ableton. Midi does not transmit audio, it is a controldata connection keyboard notes, knob movements, soundprogram changes. Novation takes their us field trainer product specialists, and makes them all use the same soundpack to create 5 different songs live. It is now possible to set the color for tracks, clips and drum rack pads from push 2. Novation launchpad usb midi controller launchpad with ableton live 8 the compact novation launchpad is designed to give electronic music makers the most. It might not be as intuitive as akai fire or novation launchpads 64 pads, but it. I just ordered the apc 40 i was hoping to get some more information on that maybe in the future. Live allows for seamless integration of midienabled hardware such as synthesizers, drum machines and samplers. The standout feature of the apc key 25 is how it combines a large number of pads 40 with a set of keys in a tiny box. You can map left, right, forward and back tilt to any parameter including fx, filters, or pitch.
Input device select the device in the input list e. Novation launchpad pro is one of the most recognizable and. But if youre serious about using ableton as a performance daw, or if you. One of the most popular live boxes around, the original apc40 was one. He used a midi controller akai apc40 to activate cues and designated hot keys for special effects like strobes, floods. Use launchpads pads and buttons to control volume, panning and operate two sends channels. The 7 best midi controllers for ableton live musician wave. Akai apc40mk2 apc40 mkii ableton controller westenddj. Its very portable and comes with a bunch of software bundles. How to use hardware synthesizers with live ableton. The core of the apc40 remains the 9x5 cliplaunch grid, laid out above faders.
Akai professional and sample tools by cr2 have joined forces to provide apc 40 mk ii users with a free download of two exclusive sample packs and ableton live project templates from the critically acclaimed platinum producer series a collection of hard hitting, indemand one shots, loops and melodics that will spark that initial idea or add. By combining a gyroscope, accelerometer, and compass we provide the smoothest, most accurate 3d control you can possibly imagine. Compared to the standard 64pad launchpad model, the launchpad pro adds. Below is a catalog of scripts submitted by the community to bitwig. The apc40 is class compliant, so you dont even need to install drivers. Novation launchkey mini 25note usb keyboard controller.
Live sets, racks, presets, max for live devices, and anything else you can download and use in ableton live. The past, present and future of experimental music. Unlike its predecessor, the launchpad s is a classcompliant midi device. Akai professional entered the electronic music industry in 1984 with one purpose to give artists the tools they need to express and explore new musical possibilities. How about a video showing some ways of using the apc when playing live.
Novation impulse 25 usb midi controller keyboard, 25 keys. Midi to dmx control dmx lighting with midi keyboards or. There is a max for live device called launchsync, that syncs the xl and. Akai controllers vs novation controllers ableton forum. Novation s launchpad pro so im a loop artist and im planning to do live gigs next year, since for now i only record and play stuff to put online. Novations launchkey mini is small, but it packs a real punch. Ableton push vs akai apc40 mkii which one is best for you. The launchpad pro user mode would not send midi notes into tracks anymore.
Launchpad95 is an alternate driver for novation launchpad. Music production novation launchpad pro midi controller btv professional music production software works as a standalone application or with your daw as a vst or au plugin optional. The midifighter also includes a completely unique 3d controller set. Novations impulse is a range of professional usbmidi controllers. Launchpad x is our essential 64pad midi grid controller for ableton live. The best ableton controller for every budget 2020 edition. The 40 pads work well with fl studios step sequencer. Akai controllers vs novation controllers im interested in the akai mpkmpdapc 40, or the novation mk2 stuff and launchpad. This allows anyone, from controller manufacturers to everyday bitwig music makers, to create highlydetailed control scripts for your favorite controllers.
Novation launchkey 49 usb keyboard controller for ableton live, 49note mk2. Novation launchpad vs akai apc40 the dsp project youtube. The cornerstone of novations launch seriesincluding the launchkey, launch control, and launchpad minitheir recently released pro version includes a host of. Up for sale an akai apc 40 apc40 ableton live dj controller usb performance digital edm one owner only.
So im upgrading my set up so that i can do more stuff with live looping. It doesnt need any drivers and, sure enough, it appeared in the midi setup screen on my mac pro, which doesnt have the launchpad 1 drivers installed. Akai professional apc mini demo, features, and operation. To download your free trial of ableton live visit try live for free. This means that after configuring the user ports correctly, you can enter user mode and create your own midi mappings, allowing you to swap back and forth between your own mappings and predefined ones. The apc 40 session ring would reset to the top left of lives session view when adding or removing another control surface. Buy akai apc40 ableton performance controller at amazon uk. Buy novation launchkey mini mkii usb keyboard controller at amazon uk. The iconic apc40 ableton live controller gets a revamp and gives birth to new offspring. Using 3 apc 40 units in combination mode would cause leds on the apcs to flash erratically. With a 25key velocitysensitive keyboard, 8 backlit mpcstyle pads and 8 qlink knobs, the mpk mini is the ultimate portable controller to get your music moving. Livid block 8x8, monochrome, knobs novation launchpad 8x8, a dozen colors, follows fls native track orientation, track stop pads liine lemur 8x12, mapping designed for fl native instruments traktor kontrol f1 4x4, full. Xp or vista, windowscompatible sound cardasio driver support recommended.
Some devices like push 2 or the novation launchpad have a dedicated user mode. Its in the top 3 bestselling midi controllers and has many popular alternatives in the same price range, such as maudio keystation ii or maudio keystation mini 32. Each model is less than inches across and weighs less than a pound to easily fit into a laptop case, backpack or messenger bag for extreme. Im interested in the akai mpkmpdapc 40, or the novation mk2 stuff and launchpad.
Featuring eight control knobs, 16 rgb pads with preloaded ableton live compatibility, and the incontrol button. I think novation really has something here and that launchpads ability to trigger drum rack samples, its modular capabilities, and ability to use with other midi software, really sets it apart from the apc 40. Hey guys, after a bit of feedback, pros and cons of the above hardware controllers, and how you guys may use them. Mpk mini is an ultracompact keyboard with an impressive array of buttons, knobs and pads that provide handson performance and production control over your music software. If you are using cvenabled hardware, see how to use cvenabled hardware with live. A dedicated audio interface and an electric piano is all youll need to crank out your own tunes. Buy akai professional apc key 25 usb midi keyboard controller featuring 25 piano style keys, 40 buttons and 8 assignable encoders, for ableton live at amazon uk. Dj techtools search for midi maps by dj software and. In order to integrate hardware effectively with live, youll need the following.