Just as Musikmesse 2014 kicks off, Akai has refreshed its iconic APC line of Ableton controllers. Perhaps the biggest news is the APC40 Mk2, which replaces the original APC40. The APC40 was the quintessential Ableton Live controller (at least, until competition like Ableton’s own Push hit the scene), and the APC40 Mk2 hits back with RGB pads, a more conventional shape and layout, and USB-only power if required.
Next up: The APC Key 25. Joining Novation’s Launchkey and Reloop’s KeyPad, but boasting a more complete Ableton pad trigger section than either of these, the APC Key 25 offers tri-colour (note: not full LED) pads, and perhaps most interestingly for budding DJ/producers, includes music production content to get you started.
Finally, the APC Mini cuts everything down to essentials, coming across like a Novation LaunchPad Mini with the addition of eight short-throw faders. Again, those tri-colour pads (this time in an 8×8 grid) make an appearance as does some bundled music production content.
• All units will be available from Summer 2014, the APC40 MkII at US$399, the APC Key 25 at US$129 and the APC Mini at just US$99.
Are you considering taking your first steps into production with Ableton? Which units are you considering and would any of these change your mind? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.