Akai Professional APC Key 25 MKII Ableton MIDI Controller

Full Description

Deep integration with Ableton Live - 5x8 pad matrix and dedicated controls

Building on the success of the original APC Key, the MKII features a new and improved 5x8 matrix pad with RGB backlit pads. The 40 onboard pads and the customisable grid provide in-depth integration with Ableton, allowing you to navigate between clips and sounds no matter how complicated your session is. You can also easily navigate between the clips in the matrix using the four dedicated directional arrow buttons.

From studio to the stage, the APC Key MKII features everything you need to create captivating songs and performances including dedicated ‘Scene’ launch buttons. When toggled to ‘Device Mode’, the APC Key will automatically map the eight encoders to the eight macro controls of Ableton Live’s selected device. This gives you the ability to control multiple parameters with a single knob, allowing you to create unique and layered sounds with ease. Get hands-on and take it a step further with the inclusion of ‘Soft Keys’ for Solo, Mute, Stop and Record arm functions.

Optimised expression with Gen 2 keybed and endless encoders

The new and improved keybed (Gen 2) has been optimised to capture every nuance of your performance, providing maximum expression for highly accurate articulation. From creating loops and full songs, the APC Key MKIII provides you with everything you need to get there. Accompanying the keybed are eight rotary knobs. The “endless” encoders allow you to dial-in parameters with ease, perfect for controlling automation, volume, filters and other parameters. Simply assign any of the encoders to a parameter within your music software and dial in your settings without boundaries.

Complete with Ableton Live Lite and VST instrument package

Get started straight out of the box with the inclusion of Ableton Live Lite – a condensed version of the award-winning software that provides everything you need to create sounds, songs and performances. Jam-packed with instruments, sounds, samples and powerful effects; Ableton Live Lite provides all the tools you need to translate your musical ideas into reality.

If that wasn’t enough, Akai Professional has also teamed up with AIR Music Technology – including a variety of high-end plugin instruments. Hybrid 3 is a powerful polyphonic analog synthesizer virtual instrument featuring over 1200 onboard sounds and three ‘high-definition’ oscillators, as well as dual filtering and saturation modes. Mini Grand is a faithfully recreated piano instrument with seven different acoustic piano sounds as well as built-in room simulation and re-pedalling technology to replicate the behaviour of string resonance. Last but not least is Velvet – a virtual electronic piano featuring five legendary electric pianos from the 60 and 70s.

Features

• 5x8 pad grid matrix with 40 RGB-backlit pad
• 25-note Gen 2 dynamic keybed for optimised expression
• Eight assignable endless 360 rotary knobs – control parameters, automation, volume and more
• Dedicated ‘Scene Launch’ buttons
• Four directional arrows to navigate clip matrix
• Soft Keys for Solo, Mute, Stop and Record arm functions
• Complete with Ableton Live Lite music software
• Three powerful VST instruments from award-winning AIR Music Technology:
  • Hybrid 3 – a powerful polyphonic analog synthesizer
  • Mini Grand – acoustic piano with seven different piano sounds
  • Velvet – a vintage electric piano instrument with models of classic models from the 60s and 70s
• Compact, USB-bus powered design
• 10-octave range with octave up/down buttons

Specifications

• Note Keys: 25 velocity-sensitive keys; 10-octave range with octave up/down buttons
• Clip Buttons: 40 RGB backlit clip-launch buttons in 8x5 matrix
• Knobs: 8 x 360º knobs with 4 modes
• Inputs / Outputs: 1 USB port
• Power: USB-bus-powered
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 12.4” x 7.6” x 1.9” 315 x 193 x 47 mm
• Weight: 0.9 kg (2.1 lbs.)
• Product Code: APCKEY25MK2