The APC40 features a Clip Launch matrix, with 40 different buttons — and it's easily navigable to get to other clips that aren't currently in view. The buttons light up green when that clip is playing, yellow when the slot contains a clip, red when the clip is record armed, and stay unlit when there's no clip there. Best yet, the APC40 communicates bidirectionally with the software, so it updates automatically when you make an adjustment in the software — and your software screen will also update when you make a tweak on the control surface. The grid itself is 5-scenes-deep and 8-tracks-wide, and a Bank Select button and a Shift button help you move up or down scenes one at a time or by holding shift 5 scenes at a time — or one track at a time or 8 tracks at a time — the matrix can be easily navigated up to 125 scenes by 64 tracks.
Another awesome Live feature is the ability to dynamically control the tempo of the performance — nudging it in one direction or another, or tapping it into place. The Akai Professional APC40 gives you control over that, as well, thanks to its Tap Tempo button, and "Nudge -" and "Nudge +". Stay in sync with turntables, the other members of the band, or quickly repair timing issues. You can use the Tap Tempo traditionally, to make the set follow your tapping, or use it to count in.
If you don't already have a copy of Ableton Live, it's okay — you can get started using your APC40 straight out of the box. It comes with a custom-tailored software package, the Ableton Live Akai Professional APC40 Edition. This version features eight audio tracks and eight MIDI tracks, plus 20 Session View scenes. It also includes all of Live's effects and supports custom-mapping parameters within Live.
Akai Professional APC40 Ableton Live Performance Controller Features at a Glance: - Dedicated USB performance controller for Ableton Live software
- Co-designed by Ableton and Akai Professional
- 40 Buttons for Launching Clips
- 8 Encoders for Track/Device control
- Transport and Global Control buttons
- 8 Bankable Encoders for Track Control
- Tap Tempo and Nudge Left/Right buttons
- Replaceable Crossfader
- Can be MIDI-mapped to Over-ride Preassigned Functions
- Includes Ableton Live Akai Professional APC Edition software
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