Akai collaborated with the creators of Ableton Live in the design of the of their benchmark keyboard controllers: APC40 mkII, APC Key 25, and APC mini. As you might as well know, Ableton is a music performance and production software preferred by a great audience around the world. Back in 2009, Akai and Ableton started working together to design a controller for Ableton Live. In this article we’ll be covering the APC Key 25, which features a 5×8 multicolored launch grid that has 40 responsive triggers that provide great performance capabilities without even looking at your computer.
APC Key 25: Features
The APC Key has 8 control knobs that you can easily tweek. Similarly, you can reassign them to control volume, sends, pans, and device control. Also, you can assign mixing and mapping options to each knob for flexibility. As mentioned before, the manufactures pre-mapped this controller for Ableton Live with no additional configuration required. Still, you can reassign or redistribute your mapping to suit your music production style. Additionally, you can use the APC Key 25 as a general MIDI keyboard controller to manipulate other applications, virtual instruments, plugins or DAWs.
Moreover, the keyboard controller is USB powered and has class compliance. This means that there is no need for a power adapter or any drivers. As a result, getting this controller setup will be an easy and simple task. In addition, it has a really practical size for its capabilities. Therefore, the APC Key 25 is mobile and desk friendly. In other words, it’s great to sit alongside your other effects controllers and devices. Furthermore, with this controller Akai includes a version of Ableton Live and two high virtual synthesizers. Also, it offers a set of professional samples and loops for you to get cracking right after you set it up.
This dedicated MIDI keyboard controller could be a great addition to your music production journey. It’ll enhance your workflow. Thus, it’ll be super easy to set up and mobile-friendly. In short, the APC Key 25 is ready for you to take it with you to the show or to produce wherever you are.
Image: Akai
