AKAI APC64 Review // Pros and cons vs APC40 MK2, Push, LaunchPad and others // APC 64 tutorial

[@Centomila]

- "Mom i want the Ableton Push!" - "We have the Ableton Push at home" Joke aside, thanks for your service. Love your channel!

[@iwillnevergetone5]

didn't Akai make the Push 1 first edition?

[@MIRKO1982roma]

Si può usare per controllare ableton ?? Nel senso senza ricorrere al PC ?? Sia live che in studio ??

[@alchemistrpm82]

It’s funny, no one made these jokes when the Launchpad Pro came out. This is clearly in direct competition with the mk3, not the Push

[@MediaMusik777]

So is question , what is the double cc on the fader used for , pan style up cc1 and down cc2 ?

[@BackspinZX]

I am very fascinated by this as an affordable hardware standalone sequencer, honestly. I know many people will find it an inferior Ableton controller to the Push series, but $400 US for a hardware sequencer with 8 controllable CCs per track with 8 tracks is pretty nuts, TBQH

[@PanderingSlats]

No way is it inferior; I can't be the only person who feels this is the best of both worlds between the APC40 and Push, and sold at a much more accessible price point (in fact I believe adjusted for inflation this is a tiny bit cheaper than the OG bulky APC40, insane to me). APC40 was the first MIDI controller I ever picked up and it made me forever prefer faders over encoders, and this basically addresses everything that's never jived with me about my second gen Push.

[@doverbeachxyz]

It does some things much Better than push

[@partyboeller]

At first glance, it is ticking all the tiny screen and weird-layout boxes…

[@francisconunez6339]

Unexpected AudioPilz

[@alt_r_n9nth]

This is not AudioPilz lol

[@Valentine98766]

You mean Future bad gear 🎉

[@milkduds24]

An Austrian man awakes from a deep slumber.

[@CoffinNachtmahr]

Welcome too Baaadd geaare

[@darrentatemusic]

Damn. From an Ableton user perspective all we needed was a fixed length button on the MK2; not more menu diving and shift-clicking to get to key live mixing functions. The (small) screen is a welcome addition though.

[@daniel_dumile]

Akai loves shift clicking UIs

[@johnathantyrer6077]

Sold my push 2 and can’t afford the push 3 so just got this ,after a couple of hours I can see its potential and at this price point seems unbeatable ,thanks for another superb tutorial

[@PedroLucianoBenpp]

Hey there! How do you compare this one, the APC 64 versus the Push 2? I'm in doubt between a new APC 64 or a used Push 2, they are the same price range here in my country. Thanks a lot!

[@johnathantyrer6077]

@@PedroLucianoBenpp if you want the full Ableton experience then push 2 is the way to go but this beats all the other competition hands down ,the sequencer is brilliant and the APC64 maps CC easily to any plug in,faders take some getting used to ,very sensitive but I still like them ,hope this helps your question

[@PedroLucianoBenpp]

@@johnathantyrer6077 It did, thank you!

[@JustinKahrs]

so pumped to see a blofeld used in a video in 2023

[@crypticallegory]

Everyone hates touch strips right? Let’s give them 8 of them!

[@cowmilkbiz]

I HATEEEEEE TOUCH STRIPS

[@valdir7426]

it's sort of a compromise; you can control 4 at the same time; you still have feedback and auto switching when changing pages. encoders work too but you can't use several at the same time. I don't mind the touchstrips as a modwheel on my midi keyboard.

[@d1rtyduckmusic]

From a performance point, for fingerdrumming I see a lot of benefit on touchstripes over knobs. like quick jumping to specific values, or changing multiple touch stripes at once with one hand. Actully the main reason for me getting a mashine jam instead of an APC where the touchstrips.

[@crypticallegory]

Yeah, I get the advantage for multitouch, and quick recall, but they’re not substantially different than say TouchOsc on a tablet. So much of what’s fun with electronic music gear is moving faders and turning knobs 🤷‍♂️

[@EightsEverywhere]

It's like flying faders except not noisy or fun to use

[@hansolo989]

I hope you have a nice day loopop

[@loopop]

Thanks, you too

[@0e0]

love the tiny screen. I'm always having to reference things when editing settings on my Launchpad X

[@MarctheDarc]

Now I regret not getting an APC40 mk2 (have a mk1, but you know). They've ruined all the things where it was better than a Push or Launchpad. Having to switch between mutes, solos, stops etc. is a major pain in a live performance. Same goes for levels, pans, device control etc. Losing the crossfader is pretty damn annoying, it could be setup in so many cool ways for instant performance awesomeness. This is all lost now, reduced to the dregs of mediocrity. APC40 would do all of this, 1:1, without annoying inbetween steps. It was perfect for performing in a number of ways. And far superior to all the other controllers for a majority of workflows. The only thing it was really missing was a note-mode, and this was easily remedied with any key- or pad controller. And could easily have been added to a new one, without removing all the cool things. By comparison having any 2 other controllers, even be it 2 Push, will not afford you the same immediate performance and/or mix control as a single APC40. I've tried performing with my Push, it's cumbersome, not nearly as intuitive, and makes a lot of transitions and effects impossible to do live. This is just another Push/Launchpad, with poorly placed touch faders, and nothing to actually warrant its existence. It's got nothing unique about it. Nothing that boosts its workflow. And it's very clear they only focused on how it looks, not on how it works. Sure the note modes and 8 sequencer tracks are cool. But considering most of the functions seem lesser than the Launchpad Pro, paying a 50% mark up for some poorly placed touch faders, isn't exactly gonna entice anybody. If all the features were atleast up to Novations level, the 4 extra sequencer tracks would make it a viable choice, albeit one with many competitors. They ruined a product was the only choice for a number of workflows, to make one that's fighting (and probably losing) for middle of the pack in a crowded field. Thanks for the detailed video, as always very useful and well done.

[@XenonOrion]

oh, no crossfader? bye bye. that changed the game for me production wise. love my sparkling shiny white apc40, those are still the best! i keep lookin, but then i'm like why? i just need to take mine apart and clean the faders.

[@maikvanrossum]

Same feeling here, but I did get the MK2. Using it next to my Push 2, where it really completes the hands-on control of Live. The only USP for the 64 would be integration of CV-based synths with Live (?) otherwise I don’t get it.

[@Iofflight78]

I have both the apc40 mk1 and 2 and kept both. In some ways I prefer the 1. I prefer the form factor of the 2 more but the knobs on 1 are more useful to me.

[@Grant82gc]

yeah i would agree, it's not a live performance device by any standards. As a creative tool in the studio it's got some nice things at a cheaper price level than other options. Being able to use it as a central sequencing hub to get creativity going and then being able to send the sequence through at the touch of a button is pretty compelling to me.. I agree though, theres been a lot of odd choices here.. they should have gone for a bigger footprint and proper faders!

[@maikvanrossum]

@@Grant82gc for sequencing and cv I would definitely go for a BeatStep Pro. It has a much lower price tag then the 64 (or KeyStep Pro) and offers midi and cv, has two melodic and one drum sequencer, which holds multiple lanes and can be assigned separate midi channels for each drum sound (via control software). It has one touch strip, multifunctional pads and a controller mode with decent knobs and MCU compatible play controls. It’s built as a tank and leaves you money for a pad controller or keyboard (standard KeyStep offers you an extra sequencer). There’s so much to choose from in this price range.

[@drindy5166]

Definitely excited to dive in to your deep dive into this piece of gear! Thank you in advance for your efforts in sharing this information. You good sir, are a legend!!! 🔥🤘🧡👍🔥

[@digitaldiezel5870]

I like it! I support this, but I roll with the FORCE. Force 2 is going to really knock our socks off!!

[@challow90221]

Force Gang😊

[@blaster3744]

Love the RGB cables, so smart to visualize the impulses realtime

[@cockur]

Halo by MyVolts

[@NicleT]

As always, the best in depth review in town! Thanks

[@uwu-nyaa]

people in these comments are very salty. thanks loopop for the goated review as always. The Push 3 is absurdly expensive for me and buying a 64 pad workhorse sequencer used (Push 2) gives me trepidation. Honestly this product seems perfect for a market that looked at the price tag on the Push 3 and said "yikes" but still want to be able to do live sequencing and stuff. I just wish the touch strips were replaced with 16 digital encoders for my massive 16-macro instrument racks (and touch strips kinda suck).

[@richardcfrost61]

Great overview, as usual. Feels like I can replace my Keystep Pro, Push 2 and Roli Lighted and Keyboard Blocks. Especially since I don't really play keyboards.

[@cougarman8]

Whoa, I didn’t know a black Meris LVX existed!

[@loopop]

It's not an LVX - I'm, ahem, leaking it one hour early - shhhhh

[@cougarman8]

@@loopop 😵

[@Space_pulse]

Mercury X! 🧐

[@petrpazyna]

wow, finally novation launchpad pro mk4!

[@petrpazyna]

noo, they didn't clone the last update. hope they ll make microtiming at least

[@Grant82gc]

i like the duality of the device and being able to send your created sequences/melodies through to ableton, thats pretty neat and compelling

[@lars-fenin]

thanx for the overview. i keep my apc 40 mk1... i see the 64 more as a studio/production tool than a live controller.

[@MultiMam12345]

The APC has the best endlesss encoders i ever have experienced. And the only 1 encoder they added is on the worst possible location. I can live with touch strips for faders but removing 16 high quality endlesss encoders with feedback is just a bad design decision. It could have been a amazing symmetrical design.

[@dajac]

Disable "Delay Compensation". Amazing! I was about to toss out Live for Cubase because the latency was killing me. Thank you, Loopop!

[@buxycat]

I'm new to all this. Re-watching this video after having bought an APC64; so much of it I only vaguely understand right now, so will be referring to this video quite a lot, thanks.

[@Hanoveur]

Finally, a Launch Pad with a display. So tired of having to pull the Launch Pad PDF up to remember what colored square does what.

[@ankursahu5193]

Hello bros . It's a well thought device..and been designed like this so we can use more as an instrument. APC 40 is a controller only. So when we use APC 64 and 40 together .. We will be laughing 😺😺 Touch bars are a great way to play , They may look like not good option. However once you use them you are gonna love em...😊😊

[@_DrumsArt]

Reliq would be the device I compare to this combo. Which comes with a CV mod matrix UI and a large CV breakout board. Like a larger push for harware synths. This is a similar modular market, but not the same. This is more affordable but has less I/O.

[@moonbird5221]

More menu diving and shift clicking is exactly what we didn't need for live performance. Akai just ditched what made the specificity of the APC 40 and made a cheaper Push. I can understand the need to have a cheaper option for a Push though, but it's still a big waste

[@robertfimbres9628]

No use for my workflow save for a couple of functions. I use all of the tactile knobs/faders/buttons on my 40 mk2 and can’t be bothered to select mutes and solos stop clip, etc every time. I don’t use step sequencing much but if I do I use my maschine mk3 and hardly work in session view. If mk2 had no clip launch buttons I wouldn’t even be upset 😂 Glad I don’t have to but this one 😅

[@youknowwhoiam6484]

I love how literally all modern consumer hardware companies are making modular synthesis a staple❤ #EricaSynthsFamily👽

[@blkrbbt]

Oooh. Brought out the Siren. And it's a banger, as usual. When's the next album?

[@loopop]

Thanks I need to get to it! But so much going on... not likely in the next 6-8 weeks. and yeah Sirin and a good verb are quite a combo

[@alexwestconsulting]

Tempting, but in the end, sitting in the middle kind of hurts this; launchpad pro is nice and portable, right to the point, and an (affordable) Push 2 gives a more complete interface. Sitting in the middle doesn't get you either in the end.

[@johnnyparker2128]

Great review as always. This is Akai's new flagship Ableton Live controller so does that mean that it's better than the Akai Force or does Akai not consider the Force a legit Ableton Live controller?

[@motoboy6666]

The force is a stand alone device

[@loopop]

Thanks! No I don't think it does surpass them in all ways (perhaps some). Force (and MPC) are great Live contollers, but I think they're other things first, and in some ways indeed surpass this, for example, seeing which parameter is controlled by which knob on screen.

[@kaislate]

As an Akai Force owner this saddens me as it is everything we wanted to be available in the now abandoned Akai Force. I think this is a fantastic device at an incredible price point. Akai really nailed this. The only thing I would have liked to see is a modular design where the top bar with outputs are the main component and you could magnetically snap the rest in whatever configuration you wanted. They could sell individual touch strip modules to be snapped on in whatever layout you want. You could have additional screens, encoders, etc... similar to how Roli Block pads snap together with the pogo pins / magnets. Oh and I 💯 % agree the touch strips should have been 1-4 on top and 5-8 on the bottom. This not being default means they didn't get input from actual Ableton live performers / genestive artists and instead made marketing / education pr team into "performer trainers" to give demos for videos / expos.

[@Rollur1234]

The sequencer needs real time or microtiming. Also randomization, probability and dedicated ratchets......... why always Ableton? Why dont all the Daw programmers come together in the MKS technology so these controllers can be unbiased in regard to which daw or vsts you prefer. Sanjay C mentioned Launchpad from Novation as a possible future competitor in this price range and I look forward to. Thanks for the Daw controller reviews Loopop . I think they project the most innovation today.

[@drindy5166]

On another note... Loopop, your voice is what I picture I would hear coming through the P.A. as your landing the plane LoL 👊🤣👍 very calming... even if one of the engines was on fire... weigh the pros and cons.

[@word2RG]

"Pressure and velocity sensitive pads.." Excellent! Great move by Akai!

[@LCmaxime]

So... let's redesign our flagship... We take some buttons from the push and pop them onto it, then remove the best of our former product, and replace a third of it with something that will show its limitations live in no time... At least they sell it for less than they did the APC40 mkII...

[@chr1st0h1]

This one in the next Bad Gear episode?😮

[@BartDaniel....]

Nice device. Cant help to be a bit disapointed though. No mixer faders and no knobs. I miss my old mk1 now suddenly.......so I bought a second hand mk1 last week. 😊

[@MakeSomething]

Any chance you tried this with Logic Pro?

[@loopop]

yes, doesn't do anything for now. I don't know if that's on the roadmap

[@viavsaragov]

Thanks a lot for your reviews. They are really helpful for making decisions "so I need that stuff"

[@loopop]

My pleasure 😊

[@TwstedTV]

Wow REALLY good video. I will most likely purchase this new unit over the push-3. push-3 has gone way overpriced for what it is. I remember when push was much cheaper priced, then slowly started to get extremely expensive as ableton company are getting more greedy by the second. Currently they want $999.99 for a controller and $1,999.99 for a stand alone. Its getting way too crazy now. I will rather buy the APC64 instead as its more affordable. By the way I own the push-1 and I was going to purchase push-2 when it came out, but I saw the price and said nah never mind. Then saw the price of push-3 and said "h3ll no" So I will most likely get this Akai APC64 instead.

[@Artek604]

29:56 "the only thing better" than touch strips are encoders with light rings around them, i.e. APC40 Mk2

[@loopop]

holy taking out of context batman - specifically tell people a sentence before that they should remember knobs as an alternative, and then mention motorized faders as better alternative to touch faders (which would obviously have made this cost much more)

[@Artek604]

@@loopop sorry, that wasn't my intention :D

[@paterfiets]

Ableton must have a patent on a 64 pad midi controller with 8 rotary encoders because why would you come up with a design like this. I wish some will make a 32 pad midi controller with encoders the size of the Novation Circuit. I do like the CV options of the Akai..

[@swaroopa1965]

The original push was desgined by Akai... Akai was the first one to make a controller for Ableton. But still, this product in thr video is another cash grab..

[@d1rtyduckmusic]

Akai already has the force, which besides beeing a standalone groovebox, is an Ableton controller as well, and a really deep one, far deeper then this APC.

[@paterfiets]

@@d1rtyduckmusic Yeah you are right ! Always thought of it as a stand alone device...

[@valdir7426]

ah; I made pretty much the same comment. I like the touchstrips idea though.

[@moistpeanut5986]

I dont get the choice to leave encoders out either. One of the great things of Push is using it with Simpler. Editing samples without encoders is going to sck on this.

[@SHLDMusic]

Ouch the Novation Launchpad pro mk3 is dead... Unless they release a mk4 with MPE and 8 tracks :)

[@LagoLhn]

And a flex included on the new Meris Mercury X. Nice touch.

[@acaposotta]

Thanks for all your amazing videos!

[@fluidparadigms6719]

Might sound strange, but I'm glad they didn't include an audio interface. Saves the space and money for more useful components.

[@MrFullyCharged]

I just fiddled with the APC64 for a couple of hours. It is very well made. HOWEVER I am finding issues with the step sequencer mostly, and with the MIDI config. The manual just says to activate the apc64 ports. Your video shows reality - four, six inputs and outputs. Only a very special combination of checkboxes will work, it seems. I wish the step seq button would just activate the step sequencer in Ableton (like push) and start the clip playing... but it does not. It seems to only step seq via the internal sequencer. Maybe I just have some kinks to work out. I see the potential for a cheaper/lighter/more portable and more streamlined controller to launch clips and such... but for comprehensive control over Ableton - the "close the laptop and make music" feeling - I'll keep my Push3.

[@ktreier]

I wasn’t clear what you meant by the TRS MIDI jacks being copies of the MIDI out. Which MIDI out, USB or each other? Also what is the voltage range of the CV outs, sorry if I missed it in the video. Thanks as always for another comprehensive demo/review.

[@loopop]

The TRS outputs are copies of themselves, meaning they're not separately addressable for different tracks. USB is. Voltage is 0-5v

[@robertsyrett1992]

I wonder why they went with a 32-step sequencer. I probably have elektron brain, but I tend to think 64 steps is the bare minimum.

[@loopop]

It's pretty easy to make chains, so you could look at this as "32 steps at a time" (though ofc that's not exactly the same as a longer sequencer)

[@robertsyrett1992]

And you can do 1/2 resolution if you are fine with 8th notes rather than 16th noes?@@loopop

[@valdir7426]

I've tried doing the kind of thing I do with live in a 64 steps sequencer and it wasn't enough. so besides drum it's pretty limiting. you could use microtimings to go around that but that's not very practical.

[@alejandrorangel3257]

How do you chain sequences?

[@loopop]

@@alejandrorangel3257you hold the first project (sequence) pad, and then the last, and all the projects (sequences) in between are chained - up to 24 can be stored on board

[@maikvanrossum]

I guess we’ll see a response from Ableton soon… an entry level Push 3 SE to replace the discontinued Push 2. So the new controller without audio or standard midi interface, solely for use with Live like the legacy controller. But again, expandable like their other boxes. It would nicely fill the gap between the APC-64 and the current Push 3. Price and features, because from a UX perspective the screen and knobs on the Push are essential. Something where the APC-40 MK2 added some extra value by its faders, launchpads, x-fader and additional encoders.

[@kantortibor4426]

@loopop I hope your family and friends are safe!

[@NigDub]

Great review as always!!

[@connorcarbon]

I can hear his hidden bitterness to Akai's parent company for what they're gonna do to Moog haha and I AGREE

[@loopop]

Actually quite the opposite - yes, in a perfect world Moog would have remained independent, but as we now know, that was not possible, so, better InMusic/Akai than a worse fate

[@lolabloom9443]

Hi! Did you try to record a sequence with an external midi keyboard in standalone mode? I'm experiencing difficulties to do that 😢

[@apoclypse]

Now if they added an MPC screen to this it would be a force to be reckoned with.... I'll grab my hat on the way out.

[@lwpweb]

nice fresh modern outro

[@Clubvibes-j7l]

this controller to me is much better to buy then ableton push 3.cos the price of it is just crazy,,,this is a lot more afordable and it does almost all stuff as Push...Thank you AKAI

[@technojunkies1]

I purchased this unit and its fantastic. Unless I missed it I was wondering what do the time signatures do just below the track select buttons? I have read the manual and cannot see this at all. Thanks

[@loopop]

It's related to quantizing in Ableton Live (I explain it in the video)

[@technojunkies1]

I do apologise. I must have missed that bit. Thank you very much for your help. I was really hoping it to be a way of controlling the length of a clip. That is a feature Id really like. To be able to play one clip at 1 bar and change another to be 1/2 bar etc on the fly. I wonder if this is possible. Thank you kindly and I absolutely love the video.@@loopop

[@loopop]

@@technojunkies1you can before you record using the length button

[@technojunkies1]

Yes it was after recording I was really looking this for. To adjust the length of a clip. Any clip. Just it would be good for jamming sessions I would be able to play about with the length of audio clips. Thanks@@loopop

[@parisdontlikeyou]

I hope this means Force 2 is coming

[@bastianofner2492]

13:44 shouldn't it be possible to change the drum notes also via the up and down buttons? Best Overview Videos in the net by the way. Musst Look before every purchase. Thanks a lot...

[@loopop]

I think you should, but you can't currently (note: this applies to standalone mode, you CAN transpose the drums in Live mode)

[@markkilley2683]

Useful for someone/something. As with a lot of gear, do manufacturers consult consumers or they an afterthought?

[@nukenoly8751]

Fantastic! Just got it for $277 from Alto 😊

[@georgegeorge4199]

Thank you so much for the review, Loopop. I'm an Ableton user, and I will get this. I can't imagine to be an Ableton user and not be excited by this release, unless you have the Ableton Push 3 already. For the price this is an amazing Ableton controller. Thank you Akai!

[@ghaez]

Is this useful with Ableton arrangement view? All those controllers, launchpads, keysteps etc. seem to be aiming the session view. I guess I'm oldschool and I always use the arrangement view and I could use a good controller.

[@melodywave3]

akai if you are reading this just give us an apc40 mk3

[@dubbylabby6068]

How do you imagine that?

[@FSK1138]

i would love to see a apc64 vs push3 but also them together .. i think apc64+ push3 usb would be better and cheaper than push 3 standalone

[@danielkovari5198]

From APC 64 can you control Ableton clips/scenes and launch/handle the internal sequencer connected to external gear simultaneously? Many thanks

[@samekahn3785]

Why haven’t you done a review on access virus ti2 yet? I’m looking to purchase it, but wasn’t able to find your review video on it.

[@loopop]

I usually tend to prefer newly released gear, but I do want to get to that at some point

[@Halfbit_0]

So did they release any firmware updates to add the fully isomorphic layout?

[@MALAKAMARYNYAHU]

FOR A DAWLESS SET UP THIS IS GREAT BUT IF YOU USE ABLETON LIVE BUY THE PUSH 3

[@iancain6647]

Nice intro tune!

[@the_cursor]

The email Akai sent me this morning said this comes with a "smart" screen. Weird way to mistype "small" but whatever.

[@jamesgreene6077]

just a casual mention of the mercury x - alpha move : )

[@wilkopiano]

Novation next need to show the way forward and create a pedal loop controller for live ableton performance instead of trying to compete. Apc 40mk2 had a hidden gem of a loop control pedal function start/stop recording active clip. Backed by a special script api. Akai have dropped pedal support with this apc64. No one has tested multiple apc64 stacked use case and the hidden options.txt feature “dont combine apcs”. Does it still work or have they dropped that also?

[@thaexception3406]

Nice, but I'm waiting for Force 2! Cuurently use my Force for all midi work.

[@rasheedgooden4415]

What does the cursor do? I know there’s no browse mode but is there a work around like changing patches?

[@inspector-tech]

So Push 3 has nothing to be scared of right? 😄

[@williamshaneblyth]

Its price

[@GerasimosLivieratos]

I might have missed it, but one thing that annoyed me about the APC40 mk2 is that you can’t select a clip without launching it. Is this the case with this one as well?

[@loopop]

Shift selecting a clip won't trigger it in the APC64

[@djcrouton2680]

I think they were trying to do too many different things with this and messed up the basic functionality for people who are looking for a good Ableton controller. It's good if you don't have a separate sequencer but they removed all the faders and knobs, which were why someone would buy an APC or something like a Novation Launchpad. Does anyone actually want to do a live set relying on touch strips for your fader and encoder controls? You pretty much need another controller (like an APC40 MK2) in tandem with this.

[@ΟτρόποςτουΕὖΖῆν]

Can you use it with FL Studio for sequencing like with Akai Fire? This one has more tracks etc... Thanks

[@hobbymastersynthsscopesboa3372]

Can I use it to record audio into Ableton using the CV outs to my eurorack? Sequence external and record into Ableton? I would buy this today if that is possible.

[@loopop]

It doesn't have an audio interface/input if that's what you're asking, but yes if you've got an other audio input/interface, you can use this to sequence midi / cv using Ableton (0-5v)

[@valdir7426]

you should check the manual but it would suck if you couldn't.

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

For use with ableton, I would rather keep using the push2 Stand alone mode is nice

[@linuxbender]

Thank you for your review, the longer I try and study AKAI's products the more I personally realise. They don't have a good strategy with their products. The example with the own sequencer implementation is a good example on 28:12. Why aren't they the same in terms of function? Makes no sense to me. They have good approaches in the various products and certainly get a lot of feedback from customers. But in my opinion, they make far too little of it.

[@beinghumanwithcgjung1002]

Great Video, wow

[@Keysounds0]

Hard flex , Meris X ;)

[@qndj6449]

Damnit! I just got a Launchpad Pro to use with Loopy Pro (iOS)… but I also have an MPC Live 2…

[@mindalteringfx316]

Novation is probably dropping a new launchpad soon. If not this year then certainly next year. Overdue for an updated line although their current line is still more than capable

[@challow90221]

Return it fast

[@damianbrown3123]

The thing I’m actually upset about is the fact that there’s no capture midi button (or even shift button function to access it) AND NO ISOMORPHIC KEYGRID?? Huge miss I hope we see updates soon. Of couse every single one of these companies are gonna miss these details smh

[@dankeplace]

Wow this is awesome, PAT, 8 track stand alone sequencer, what's not to like? 4 touch strips. Loving this so far. Thx for the upload.

[@dankeplace]

Erm 8 touch strips lol. Watched this from start to end, you had me captivated. I've been short listing a sequencer for last 3 months, I had a LPP M3 and never got on with it, this seems better. Screen is in the right place for once, this will replace my Force which is too cumbersome for a sequencer. It's ticking all the right boxes atm, some things are missing like poly input and ties, but I am sure Akai will change this. Price is right too. I was all geared up to get the G2 but this has taken place with some other gear.

[@inspector-tech]

Design wise it’s kind’ve a strange mix between a Launchpad Pro Mk3 and knobless Maschine Jam..

[@hobbymastersynthsscopesboa3372]

One more quick question. I wonder how I can send clock from the 64 to Pam's new workout. Need Pam's to trigger some modules while using the step sequencer in this to make some tunes with some other modules. I assume I can just send a gate signal from one of the outputs to Pam's clock input? I dont know much about Pam's as I just received it. Thanks.

[@loopop]

Yes, that’s what I would do

[@zardon409]

Loopop, i already have a Launchpad Pro and an APC 40, is this a better choice? It seems that my combo is slightly better than the APC 64. Space really isn’t an issue.

[@loopop]

Really everything I know about it is in this video - there's no right answer

[@dankeplace]

Depends on what you want to do, I returned my LPP MK3 because it would not do PAT, Novation support was horrible. I like the touch strips for participial control of external gear, this and what I think is a better sequencer. I think you would see overlap and have a better setup with 2 devices due to the knobs and faders.

[@zardon409]

Yeah, I really like the physical setup of the APC 40 mk2.

[@zardon409]

Oh and @dankeplace, the LPP mk3 does do aftertouch, its just turned off by default. The setup key gets you to settings where, with the manual’s help you can decode the lighted buttons on the LPP. I have it set to the first green button and it works for me.

[@dankeplace]

@@zardon409 I knew this, I even stated this to Novation support who dismissed my efforts to get this sorted, I ended up returning the device.

[@robertreid8241]

Ooh, think I want this!

[@cowmilkbiz]

Loopop thank you for these amazing videos. You are one of the best and hope you are doing well! That being said, hate the design of this launch. The touch strips 🤮🤮🤮 and no encoder knobs 🤮 make this extremely unusable for me in a live setting. Sticking with the APC MkII, and really disappointed that AKAI made such a big departure, and with a different intention for this controller.

[@loopop]

Thanks for the kind words about my videos and yes I'm doing OK. Yeah the APC40 MK2 is hard to beat - they went for different, for better or worse depending on your taste

[@PaulSpades]

I think the APC name is misused here. It's nothing like an APC for live use: no knobs, no per-track faders, no per-track a/b selection, no a/b mix fader. So, the whole live triggering and mixing workflow is gone, unless you hack it back in - and even then it lacks the proper controls. This is an off-brand launchpad pro, with cloned software, and a random bunch of random control surface stuff around it.

[@gasparlucas92]

Is possible to send midi from ableton to apc64 via USB and then send it to external gear through midi out? I want to sequence my synths from ableton using clips with program change messages to move through presets while performing.

[@rorz999]

That screen size 😔🔍

[@aqueous5099]

Lmao, I was trying to find the screen for a whole minute 😂

[@Claidheambmor]

Still better than no screen like the Launchpads

[@rorz999]

​@@Claidheambmoroh for sure, just disappointing that it's so small for a device that can also be used as a standalone sequencer. I mean they were small on the Pioneer Squid too but at least it had more than one of them!

[@thomasdeclerck110]

Can you keep playing in note mode with an external midi instrument while doing other stuff in session view? Or is it better to just plug that midi instrument right into your laptop?

[@loopop]

no sure I understand the question? if you plug in an external MIDI instrument into APC64's MIDI input, that shows up on your computer, just passing through the APC. Meanwhile, you can do anything you like with the APC

[@icykangaroo]

I want to buy an Akai Force but this further increases my paranoia that an Akai Force 2 is come😅

[@d1rtyduckmusic]

But this device has nothing that force dosen't has too. So I don't know if they where actifly workin on a force 2 they probaply would have had used this one to try out some new stuff.

[@icykangaroo]

@@d1rtyduckmusic exactly! Like this could’ve been a beta version of the force 2 or something. Just don’t wanna buy a force then all of a sudden lol.

[@ShaighJosephson]

Akai obviously put this out as a cheaper alternative to the expensive Push 3... I have both the Force and Push 2 that cover everything I need, so there really isn't anything to justify this unit for me...