Akai APC Key 25 Ableton Controller Review

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Hey what’s good fam!

Today I’ve got a review for all the Ableton users out there.

The new APC Key 25 from Akai Pro

Let’s check it out.


So what is the APC Key 25?

APCKey25_ortho_web_lg_thumbThis is one of 3 new APC controllers from Akai.

The main difference between this and the other APC controllers in the past is this one has 25 keys on it as well.

So it’s an all in one APC/Midi keyboard controller made to work seamlessly with Ableton Live.

It’s got a dedicated clip/scene launch section as well as 8 knobs for controlling devices, volume, pan, and sends.

Of course it’s got transport control, octave up/down, and arrows to navigate through your session grid.

Quick Specs

So what’s the bottom line?

In my opinion Akai wrote the book when it comes to integrated Ableton control, so I was very excited to see an APC with keys on it.

It just works seamlessly straight out of the box with no type of setup needed, the learning curve is very small.

4subsOverall I give the APC Key 25 a 4 out of 5 subs, it’s a great controller with direct access to your session clips as well as the ability to use it for actual composition.

I really…really..REALLY, hope they continue this line and make larger versions.

I have dreams of a 61 or even 88 key version with full apc control as well as the normal MPK controls like MPC pads, note repeat, arp, etc. Oh and throw some scribble strips on there to keep up with track/parameter names.

Man…that would be sick! (Attention Akai…I’m ready to help test such a device….call me!)

Anyway, as for this device, I think it’s a great step in the direction of merging control and performance with the creation aspect of Live.

I was really impressed with how intuitive it was, giving the lack of dedicated knobs as compared to an actual APC.

If you’re using Ableton in a mobile setting or you just need a small space-saving controller for Live, this is definitely something I suggest looking at.

The only thing I can think of to be missing is modulation/pitch-bend, again, something that could easily be fixed on a larger version ๐Ÿ™‚

Go on over and check it out:ย http://www.akaipro.com/product/apc-key-25

Leave me a comment below and let me know what you think

3 Comments

  1. Frankly,I was still struggling to understand how to use Ableton session view until I got this.1 hour intensive session with this controller and I started to understand the depth of the Ableton software.A must buy if you want to use synth instruments or plugins.Only ยฃ70 in UK.That is a great price for what you are getting.I even got a free gigbag!

    Reply

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