Akai APC Key 25 mkII
€99,00
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USB MIDI CONTROLLER FOR ABLETON LIVE WITH 40 LED-BACKLIT PADS
The Akai Professional APC Key 25 Mk2 is a compact USB MIDI controller featuring a matrix of 40 LED-backlit pads for managing clips in the Ableton Live software Session view, and a two-octave keyboard with velocity-sensitive mini keys for playing your favorite virtual instruments. Using the 8 physical 360° rotary knobs, you have quick access to track volume, pan, and send levels in the mixer, as well as device parameters (instruments and effects).
In addition to a more modern aesthetic, this "MK2" version of the AKAI APC Key 25 distinguishes itself from the previous model with an optimized, new-generation synth-action keyboard featuring a mechanism similar to that of larger MIDI controllers. The LED backlighting of the 40 pads has been improved; beyond being brighter, it is now able to better replicate the colors assigned to clips in Ableton Live, as it supports hundreds of different colors. Furthermore, the 8 potentiometers offer 360° of movement (compared to the 270° of previous models) to allow for immediate interaction with software parameter values. Also worth noting is the change in position of the USB-B port, now located on the back of the instrument (instead of on the side), allowing you to conveniently place other controllers or instruments from your setup next to the APC Key 25 MK2.
The Ableton Performance Controller (APC) series from AKAI Professional was the first line of hardware designed specifically for seamless interaction with Ableton Live software. Controllers in this series offer an immediate "Control Surface" configuration that allows the pad matrix to adapt dynamically to the clips in your music project's Session view. Other physical controls, such as the rotary knobs, are also automatically remapped to whatever you have selected in the project or on the hardware: from controlling devices—such as audio effects loaded in track inserts or virtual instrument parameters—to controlling mixer volumes, panning, and effect sends.
The APC Key 25 Mk2 represents a comfortable, compact, and versatile control surface that can be used both in the recording studio and live to control the Ableton Live DAW, taking up minimal space on your desk or console. The AKAI APC Key 25 Mk2 is a class-compliant USB/MIDI peripheral that requires no driver installation to function and is automatically recognized by all operating systems. It connects to your PC or Mac, which will provide power directly.
Clip management in Ableton Live's Session view is precise and immediate via the 40 backlit pads of the AKAI PRO APC Key 25 Mk2. Thanks to 4 dedicated buttons, you can easily move horizontally or vertically through your project to select the tracks and corresponding clips to manage. From playback to recording, from individual clips to entire scenes: play, trigger, and launch audio samples, loops, and MIDI clips.
Play bass lines, synth lead melodies, plucks, or acoustic and/or electric piano parts thanks to the new-generation keyboard that will respond perfectly to your fingers, melodic phrases, and chords. In addition to the instrument devices present in Ableton Live, you can play your favorite VST or AU virtual instruments, including the 3 virtual instruments developed by Air Music Tech included for free: Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, and Velvet. With the dedicated octave transposition buttons (up and down), you can cover up to 10 octaves of range with the APC Key 25 Mk2 keyboard, while the Sustain button allows you to simulate typical pedal control directly from the instrument's interface.
Four buttons allow you to select what to control with the 8 knobs: volume, pan, sends, or the parameters of the selected device. Control filters, reverbs, and write and record automation to give that extra touch to your live performances and musical productions. In Device mode, the physical rotary controls automatically assign themselves to the macro mapping of the effect or instrument selected in Ableton Live. Through the various buttons, you can also manage essential transport functions such as Start, Stop, and Record, as well as Solo, Mute, and track arming.
By registering your APC Key 25 Mk2 controller on the AkaiPro.com website, you can access the software provided for free for promotional purposes. You will find the code to unlock a Lite version of Ableton Live software and three free licenses for 3 virtual instruments from Air Music Tech: the virtual analog synthesizer Hybrid 3 (perfect for EDM, Trap, House, Techno, and modern electronic genres in general), the acoustic piano Mini Grand, and the electric piano Velvet.
Features
USB MIDI Controller
Ableton Performance Controller
5x8 Pad Matrix with 40 backlit pads
25-key velocity-sensitive synth-action mini keyboard
Total range: 10 octaves
8 x 360° rotary potentiometers
Dedicated scene control buttons
4 buttons for navigating the clip matrix
USB-B port for Mac and PC
Direct power from computer via USB
1m USB-B to USB-A cable included
Dimensions: 315 x 193 x 47mm
Weight: 0.9kg
Pickup available at Clan della Musica
Usually ready in 24 hours