APC-40 MK2 // STILL the Best Ableton Live Controller ?
Рет қаралды 11,472
Күн бұрынAPC-40 MK2 // STILL the Best Ableton Live Controller ?
Distribute your music with DistroKid - 7% Discount Link:
►distrokid.com/vip/liamkillen
Check out Vic's music:
►Soundcloud: / victor-drouin
►Website: v-ictor.ca/
►Instagram: / ___v.ictor___
Visit Pheek's Website for more Info on this sort of set up:
►audioservices.studio/
Visit my Patreon for the extended version of this video (with no ads):
► / liamkillenmusic
CONTENT OF THE VIDEO
0:00 Hello // Exploring the APC-40 MK2
1:56 Ableton + the APC-40 MK2
2:50 Vic’s Approach to a Live Set
5:15 Track / FX Organization
7:04 Playing Example
12:22 Pro tips for Live Organization
12:53 Use DistroKid to Independently Distribute your Music
14:38 The Dilemma of Changing Keys
16:15 How Pre-Prepped Should you Set be?
18:02 Cool use of the APC-40 MK 2’s fader
18:52 How to Improve this Set up?
Need help with something? Book a 1 on 1 Consultation:
►www.liamkillen.com/consultation
Stream my Music:
►hyperfollow.com/lkmusic
Other Related Videos:
►DAWLESS Improvised Techno Set up: • Tips + Tricks on Appro...
►Use DistroKid to Distribute your music: • Release Unlimited Musi...
SOCIALS:
►Instagram: / liamkillenmusic
►Tiktok: / liamkillenmusic
#akai #apc40 #abletonlive
@rickhood 2 ай бұрын
If you can't get an APC40: It's not all in the same unit but i use the Novation Launchpad X (buttons) + Novation Launch Control XL (faders & knobs) to do the same thing. I also use a Novation Launchkey 37 keyboard to play the live parts and create loops.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Ok cool that’s awesome! Thanks for this!
@olafsigursons 2 ай бұрын
I so like when you have artist showing their set up. I learned so much. Thank you to both of you! For tonal change, look at the circle of 5th! Always sound good going +/- a 5th.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Yes! I’ve started doing this a lot more now!
@alice10888 28 күн бұрын
This is one device I appreciate increasingly more and more as the years go on. The simplicity and practicality!
@LiamKillen 27 күн бұрын
Absolutely - I really still do think it's the best Ableton Live controller - no need to over complicate things ! Also, if you're interested in a community full of tech peeps talking about gear all day - you might want to hit up my Discord ! Here's a link :-) distrokid.com/vip/liamkillen
@andremmmmm2445 2 ай бұрын
Every time I watch one of your artist setup/workflow videos, it pushes me to use my setup differently! Very inspiring. Thanks for another super interesting video!
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Love to hear this! Lots more to come 😊
@notlonnie 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for this video, made me finally pull the trigger on a APC 40 after all these years of thinking about it
@LiamKillen Ай бұрын
That's awesome ! The Discord community would love to hear what you think about it ! discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
@zwockelbart8226 2 ай бұрын
This is awaesome, helped me to fix some things at my set, Cheers!
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
It’s a pleasure! All the best
@kathleencoveny3860 2 ай бұрын
Get on board the funk machine! ... always inspiring when given the opportunity to tune into the style .. technique .. expertise .. skill of another... there is not a person on the planet that can't teach us something .. cheers to those that hear the sound of music in everything! ...
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Cheers to you!
@qwertySnowy 2 ай бұрын
The looper idea is cool 🎉
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
I’ve been using it a lot!
@ionianechoes 2 ай бұрын
I really like this concept you are developing in your channel where you are "interviewing" or, more accurately, letting different people with different workflows demo "their method". Like sharing their jems. I think it's really interesting, there's always something to learn. And I mean REALLY something to learn because nowadays the youtube-synth-world is full of "fake" "click-baity" video with tricks and tips that "will really change your approach" from synthfluencers that really don't know how to keep up the pace because the need to upload weekly videos. So as a viewer I sometimes feel treated as stupid because the tip in the videos often ends up being something trivial or very obvious. In summary, I really like this series of videos man 😊.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Lots more of this to come!!
@saximus81 2 ай бұрын
Completely agree - absolutely brilliant piece of hardware. Hope AKAI makes a new version at some point, or that Ableton themselves see the light. I use it for DJing, looping and producing - this thing can handle anything.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Yeah they need to re issue this bad boy PRONTO
@jakobDium 2 ай бұрын
great stuff!
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Thx!
@chrisegonsearlemusic 23 күн бұрын
So glad I own one. Just checked the secondhand price and it’s went a bit nuts
@LiamKillen 20 күн бұрын
yyyyup - a little too nuts if you ask me and I bet this video isn't helping either lol
@el_dani 13 күн бұрын
Best thing about the APC40 mk2: it connects directly to the Push 3 (standalone on battery) 😊
@LiamKillen 13 күн бұрын
Yes that's a huge plus ! :-)
@fabiancortes6255 2 ай бұрын
Super solid.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
My guy
@HogiWirjono 2 ай бұрын
Still my favorite Ableton controller been with me for a bit and has never failed me.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Well said
@MrCosmicVictory 2 ай бұрын
great, great video. i dont have ableton so this actually gave me a better idea of how it works. and yes, that apc is beautiful. if i had one, it would be to midi map everything to an mpc. 🤔
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Thx for watching! 😊
@HERBERTBARUC-nz8ds Ай бұрын
In addition to its incredible features, it´s such a beautiful gear. Looks much better than 2 CDJ´s with a mixer.
@LiamKillen Ай бұрын
Simplicity is king in this instance ! You belong in my Discord ! Here's an invite: discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
@billB101 2 ай бұрын
Favourite Ableton and Bitwig controller and also my favourite Resolume controller. I have both a MK1 and Mk2. Would love it if they made a version with flying faders.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Ouuu that would be nice
@emmanuelcameron4904 2 ай бұрын
super intéressant!
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
😊
@Jodeo-ck2pq 2 ай бұрын
Akai, Novation, or Abelton need to jump on the ball and build a modern controller with this tactile setup, 8x8 or 8x6 pad grid, faders, assignable knobs, setup to look like clip view, but with more modern features, midi control, a chord mode, a sequencer, automation, add a mousepad or someway to select files and instruments on my computer, so that I never have to touch my mouse or keyboard. Basically, smash together the APC40 mk2 and an LPP or APC 64 and I think a lot of people would eat it up. I would sell multiple pieces of gear for something like that,
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
You got this PLANNED OUT my guy
@palaHD Ай бұрын
I use 2 apc40 mk2's so I get 16 channels in ableton,works absolutely great,i use mine as a ableton mixer and midi controller for effects and instrument controls,I've even bought a third apc40mk2 in case one of them breaks,my dream is a 16 channel all in one APC16C 😂
@LiamKillen 27 күн бұрын
two!? Geniuusssssssssss
@palaHD 27 күн бұрын
@@LiamKillenif you do happen to use 2 together then you need to make your default template contain 9 or more tracks,that way both apc's will be mapped 1 though to 16,if you use the standard default template with only a few tracks both apc's will just be duplicated and you won't get the full 1 to 16 channels/tracks if that makes any sense 😂
@djcrouton2680 26 күн бұрын
I don't know why Akai got rid of this controller to go with more of a Push or Launchpad style. This is basically exactly what someone who wants a controller for Ableton is looking for. Unfortunately it's discontinued so finding them can be challenging and expensive.
@LiamKillen 20 күн бұрын
I know - it should still be in stock honestly - like forever. Or some other company should replicate it lol. PS - you seem like someone who might be interested in joining my Discord community :-) discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
@HIFI1965 2 ай бұрын
Still use mine all the time. That is when I’m using Ableton. I have a push three standalone and will connect it to the APCmk2 As well. I don’t like the cognitive friction having to switch between modes in the push workflow. The cross fader is very important if you were clip launching for life sets.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
It’s still super popular for a reason!
@qtv6496 2 ай бұрын
Do you use another daw or just ableton?
@HERBERTBARUC-nz8ds Ай бұрын
With MK2 and Push you are in heaven
@qwertySnowy 2 ай бұрын
I had one but sold it. It was cool but I didn't like that it had 8 columns of clip buttons but only 5 rows. Doesn't make sense as if your performing live a lot of songs are bigger than 5 rows. It should have been 8x8 then it's less moving about up and down when triggering clips. Other than that it's prob the best controller for ableton . Awesome vid love these insights to how others play :-)
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching!
@Digitalstone 8 күн бұрын
As soon I decided this is the perfect controller for my live setup it gets discontinued and used prices skyrocket. I really hope we get a MK3, but I'm not going to hold my breath.
@LiamKillen 6 күн бұрын
Yeah it's gone bonkers for sure.
@TheoTzu Ай бұрын
I love mine
@LiamKillen 27 күн бұрын
it's the best ! :-)
@koendecroo 2 ай бұрын
I immediately picked one up locally for a great price (which is an amzing coincidence as I live on an island). I love how it works with ableton however I discovered it also works out of the box with Loopy Pro. It's a mystery why in 2024 there are still very very limited endless encoder controlers out there....
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
This is just the best one - it's so clear. We should talk about it in my Discord - if you're not already a member hehe: Here's an invite: discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
@maikvanrossum 2 ай бұрын
Absolutely the best mixer and launch controller for Ableton Live… especially next to a Push 2 (or 3) for playing and modifying sounds. The APC is very direct, like for instance the TR-8S. And the crossfader is awesome too for controlling multiple channels. Really don’t understand why Akai made the MK3 sort of a Push-clone… it’s no longer complementary and more of the same. The APC is also a very capable controller for Loopy Pro on iPad. And last week I stumbled upon a workaround to map it to Native Instruments’ Maschine+ too.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Yes! That’s what I love about it! The directness
@Farmatique 2 ай бұрын
Whoa! I'm really excited to see Vic is using windows-laptop, since I'm using windows for music production too. Which is quite rare among the Ableton and other software musicians, who consider Mac is a golden standard for music software/controllers. I wonder which model of laptop and what audio-interface he's using? I'm on Thinkpad x13 gen2 (Ryzen) + Zoom L8/Zoom U22/Zoom U24. And of course APC40 mk2/Push 2
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
He's using the Motu Ultralite MK 5 as an audio interface - not sure of the model of his lap top.
@Farmatique 2 ай бұрын
@@LiamKillen Thank you for the input! Good to know 👍
@Victor-ue7ll 2 ай бұрын
I'm using a DELL XPS 15 9510 - Processor 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-11800H @ 2.30GHz. Solid and compact laptop.
@Farmatique 2 ай бұрын
@@Victor-ue7ll appreciate your input, Vic 🙏good to know 👍
@doflamingo85 9 күн бұрын
amazing video. i have a simlar setup. i produce with ableton but the kick&bas group is mixed and prcessed and blended. that is giving me some trouble when going live since i do have to decide if taking them processed or dividing them into just kick and bass and hope for a good result. i cant blend them live has the colums of kicks and bass do not have processing on them, they could not since in live you have all the tracks. so how can i bypass this?
@LiamKillen 6 күн бұрын
Personally I think it makes the most sense to have your tracks mixed so they sound good together / separate.
@JamesBermingham 2 ай бұрын
Hi Liam. Would it be possible to share the Ableton Live template that was used in this demo ? Even if it’s just an empty set but with the effects used and mapped to the Akai controller? Great video.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
You’d have to ask Vic! You can contact him via his website
@Rhythm_Laboratory 2 ай бұрын
After using various MIDI controllers, the APC40 MK2 was the best. But for my usage, I'd be happy with a few more channels.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Yeah it’s especially great for live performance!
@c4guy 2 ай бұрын
would be super interesting to get his effect rack that he uses on the track! thanks for the video
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
My pleasure !
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
He has some content available on his website! Link in bio 😊
@Victor-ue7ll 2 ай бұрын
I can make it available on my website, but the only thing is that there is an external VST that I'm using, so there will be one knob that you won't be able to use if you don't have this VST (ShaperBox by CableGuys). All other macros are Ableton Pluggins, so everything else will be working though.
@egonelly 2 ай бұрын
@@Victor-ue7ll thank you!!
@qwertySnowy 2 ай бұрын
Cool that be awesome
@MatsMorlund 2 ай бұрын
Awesome video! Gave me a lot of new ideas. Was wondering, do you know if there is a quick way, like a macro or something, that could reset all device settings on all 8 tracks at the same time❓
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching and if I knew I’d let you know!
@qwertySnowy 2 ай бұрын
You can create a macro Variation inside an instrument rack to the state u want and midi map a button so it can set all devices to a default stste
@MatsMorlund 2 ай бұрын
@@qwertySnowy Yes! Of course. THANKS!!
@greyaltaer8788 2 ай бұрын
The Apc64 is underrated for sure, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have glaring shortcomings. They just missed on some UX decisions for the most part. Would it really have been that much more expensive with motorized faders as opposed to touch strips? I think the crossfader shouldn’t have been omitted but should have been developed in a more Octatrack type direction. Lastly, if they really wanted them to sell like hotcakes, they should have included alternative tuning layouts and sequencers a la Oxi One. Hence, the older apcs still hold up really well, and arguably deserve the higher prices they’re currently going for. I might be wrong, but having worked in electronics, I’d guess those features would have raised the price by no more than a hundo or so.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
I can’t deal with those touch sensitive faders or whatever you call them- they’re so finicky which just makes it an immediate no for me.
@Jodeo-ck2pq 2 ай бұрын
I'd 100% pay an extra 100 bucks or even 200 for a great tactile midi controller like this, but with some built in sequencers and chord modes like the LPP or the APC64. If Akai, Novation, or Ableton got the hint and smashed together a LaunchPad Pro with and APC 40 MK2, those things would sell like bananas. I'd sell like 3 pieces of gear I have for something like that.
@greyaltaer8788 2 ай бұрын
To you both, big same!
@NelsonMcKey 2 ай бұрын
@@Jodeo-ck2pq I just use this and a push at the same time. Perfect combo.
@vovandevu3375 2 ай бұрын
Yep, selling apc64 as it did not meet my expectations as standalone sequencer and i am tired to guess which strip is what in ableton…
@NelsonMcKey 2 ай бұрын
What is the midi clock/metronome tool he is using at 14:50? I've been looking for something like this for a long time!
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
I’m not exactly sure what it’s called but if you google Ableton timer I’m sure something will pop up! 😊
@MediaMusik777 2 ай бұрын
Wally World has them for grand new but I got the Apc64 and I like it strips are quicker imo
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Oh really? I checked everywhere and couldn’t find them new!
@MediaMusik777 2 ай бұрын
@@LiamKillen sold out now after looking back at my cart lol 1 day later
@marcosrotllan 18 күн бұрын
Please how in the hell I set the faders to 0dbs at the TOP without loosing the length between 0 and 2 dbs? I can't believe....
@LiamKillen 13 күн бұрын
I think that this is a setting within Ableton, no ? Hit up my Discord community if you'd like to dig into this one - there's lots of resourceful people there ! :-) discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
@thisisjasonzimmermann 2 ай бұрын
Looks like Fred is using one of these in the Studio Live 2 video from 2021.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Oh yeah? Not surprised at all!
@thisisjasonzimmermann 2 ай бұрын
@@LiamKillen not at all indeed but in those series he definitely pulls out some different gear. I actually didn’t recognize it until I saw your video and rewatched on a whim.
@johnrun712 Ай бұрын
Few for sale used, say no more. Love mine.
@LiamKillen Ай бұрын
They're sooooo hard to find for a reasonable price, it's true. Come tell us how much you love it over in my Discord ! :-) discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
@jazminmohammed6802 2 ай бұрын
Does anyone know where I can get a used akai apc40 mk2 to buy ?
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Facebook marketplace or reverb
@MadsHalvorsen 2 ай бұрын
Can anyone please tell me where to buy this one? It seems like it’s so out of stock and completely unavailable everywhere
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
It’s no longer issued! It’s only on the second hand market now- annoying…I know
@russcontact 2 ай бұрын
The biggest drawback of any Live controller that Im aware of relative to a mixer is the lack of ability to modulate multiple tracks at the same time. If anyone knows otherwise please share. But until that’s possible a mixer still dominates for djing Changing the eq of two tracks independently at the same time is something I just couldn’t dj without
@Victor-ue7ll 2 ай бұрын
You could use the knob at the top of each channel of the APC40 and map a LP/HP filter (or put whatever you want there)... You could then modulate multiple tracks at the same time, but it would only be one knob, so no real Eqing... I agree it's a limitation.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Yeah it’s def a different thing that’s for sure
@tablaninja 2 ай бұрын
I still use mine every day.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
I gotta start using mine more!!
@brainbox9219 2 ай бұрын
I got lucky and found one in excellent condition for $150 plus 2 year warranty, after shipping it was around $200, I haven’t seen them for any other price tbh, glad I got one before it goes up in price, just hope it works…I got a push 2 but it just refused to work with ableton live 12, even after all the troubleshooting and contacted support and they barely helped tbh, just sold the push 2 and ordered this thru guitar center, hopefully I’m able to actually use it 🤞🏾
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Whaaat! Jealous!!
@Dubsteppah 2 ай бұрын
I just sold mine on Ebay for $600. My apc-40 mk2. I didn't think it was that great. There's a lot better Ableton controllers out there. But if you like it, that's all that matters. If it works for your setup, that's awesome. I like the old version better tbh.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
I find that it’s just the most straight that I’ve seen
@HEDNOD-Official Ай бұрын
ALL I EVER WANTED WAS A 16 FADER/CHANNEL CONTROLLER Or even better a modular system I can increase to 24 or more channels. 8 faders/channels is not enough, never has been, neve will be. I used to do live mix arrangements on a 48 channel mixing console. Lowest amount of tracks I could work with is 16. I'm not alone, I speak to producers all the time about this. The faders ARE NOT just for setting levels. They are for dropping in and out elements of the mix instantly or fading in and out. Basically doing all the arrangement timeline and automation moves you do except its in real time This controller is great but again its the 8 faders routine. I get the bloke can set up a live set and use only 8 channels, but the studio where you write and live arrange the track is different. You're not going to limit yourself to 8 tracks when composing. Seriously Akai, release a modular system and you will sell tons of them w
@HEDNOD-Official Ай бұрын
And for the record I enjoyed the video and the French bloke is a likeable chap 😎
@LiamKillen Ай бұрын
There's actually a company - i can't recall the name now - that will actually build you a custom controller if that's a road you'd be interested in going down. Sky is the limit at that point ! I bet it's expensive though. Also- you seem like someone who might be interested in joining my Discord ! :-) discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP
@HEDNOD-Official Ай бұрын
@@LiamKillen Yes there are a few niche companies that make some products I could use but they are to expensive and generally miss out on something ie there are gotchas. I've checked out every controller system available out there. The closest I could find was Allen +_ Heath Zedr 16/24. Its faders can be turned in to midi faders and it has a handy midi knob and fader section as well. But, although not essential the EQ and Aux pots dont transmit midi + its a system getting on a bit, no longer made today. But ideally a modular system would be ideal which has fader sections and add on sections with knobs and buttons +++ a scribble strip is essential. Get in your shed and build that now :) Still puzzles me no company has manufactured this.
@HEDNOD-Official Ай бұрын
PS sorry mate, I dont use Diskord
@naanstop6559 2 ай бұрын
If it's so saught after but discontinued, must mean something new on the horizon?
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
I’m not sure because the “next iterations” are similar but IMO just worse versions of the APC-40 mk2 lol
@user-xj6xf5bf3j 2 ай бұрын
i need more knobs!! lmao
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Pc-12! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rNVohqlyu8W8pWw.htmlsi=_7hTH6s7iqCjf121
@user-xj6xf5bf3j 2 ай бұрын
@@LiamKillen touche! i bought 2x launch control xl in user mode for 1/3 the price! Theres money in knobs i tells ya!
@_c_y_p_3 2 ай бұрын
I guess I can scratch this off beings there will be 5k people buying the 20 listings.
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
You can still find them!!
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Local markets + such as
@b_og 2 ай бұрын
Man i always wanted a controller like that but since it's price almost doubled i couldnt buy one, and now they make a new version that's not even comparable and you can't buy it anymore? I think i will never buy anything from akai ever after this :D
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Yeah it blew up as soon as people found out it wasn’t being reissued
@b_og 2 ай бұрын
@@LiamKillenIt's insane.. imagine a company like akai making musicians who has apc40mk1/mk2 in their setup and make them buy a used one with 2x price of an original one.. Why would they do that, clearly the new apc64 is no even comparable for most folks, it was all about the knobs and faders, i would imagine a "respectful" company like akai has plans for people who stick with their gear, but no apc40 mk3 release or mk2 coming back in sight.. And with all respects, but it's a an easy unit to manufacture they just want people to switch to something they don't like even though it could make people want to try new apc more if it would be an option between the two who knows..
@wildbird78 2 ай бұрын
when you say "relevant" what do you mean?
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
It’s popular despite being a unit that’s 10+ years old. I see it everywhere still!
@AboveTheTrees00 2 ай бұрын
VCM600 is the best ableton controller..
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
I’ll take a look
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Depends on how you want to use it though of course
@jimmywheelo 2 ай бұрын
Best live controller? That’s a bit of a push
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
Was that an intentional pun? Depends who you ask I guess! It’s super popular!
@jimmywheelo 2 ай бұрын
@@LiamKillen it was! 😅 And yes it may be popular but still…..
@EVILJAMARR 2 ай бұрын
The best?! Um NO. The Push 2 exists! Is this a serious title?! 😂😂😂
@LiamKillen 2 ай бұрын
I dunno man! It’s def the most straight forward, simple Ableton Live controller! There’s a reason why so many people still use it!
@jetxee 2 ай бұрын
Mk2 has faders 🎚️
@maikvanrossum 2 ай бұрын
The Push is completely different and that’s why Akai missed the mark. The APC was complementary.
@olafsigursons 2 ай бұрын
The Push is not the same imo. It's not much of a Midi controller. It's more but different.
@image66media 2 ай бұрын
The Push controllers are best used as instrument keyboards in live use. And also for sequencer step adjustment/editing on the fly. But for launching, mixing, and controlling a mix in live performance? The APC40Mk2 has no equal.
Alice Yalcin Efe - Mercurial Tones Academy
Рет қаралды 89 М.