AKAI APC 64: Watch before you buy.

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1. Akai APC 64 geni.us/9wDx
2. Ableton Push 3 geni.us/X9qk3j
3. Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 geni.us/v4siS
4. More Ableton Controllers • Top Controllers for Ab...
In this video, I take an in-depth look at Akai APC 64 - a MIDI controller for Ableton Live and a step sequencer. The APC64 one of the top Ableton Live controllers on the market today and can be used to trigger clips, scenes, control Ableton devices, and create step sequences for Ableton Live or a hardware synth. In this video I also compare the Akai APC 64 to the Novation Launchpad Pro and the Ableton Push 3 to help you decide if it’s right for you.
#Akai #MIDIController #SanjayC
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[@SanjayC]

⬇ Best Prices ⬇ 1. Akai APC 64 geni.us/9wDx 2. Ableton Push 3 geni.us/X9qk3j 3. Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 geni.us/v4siS 4. More Ableton Controllers kzbin.info/www/bejne/aovNq3p_oaqqiNU

[@margaretchristo6859]

Amazing video, as always! I don’t know how you churn such quality videos like this - you are just too good and very dedicated to your subscribers, we appreciate you, Sanjay C.

[@SanjayC]

Thank you very much!

[@artephank]

Now I see why Ableton was so fast to bring Push asap. This will cut some sales. Not a Push killer but it adress a lot of things that Launchpads don’t. Great job Akai

[@drindy5166]

💯% 👊🧡👍

[@skurgelockproductions]

Not bad for the price. Im going to pick one up this weekend. Thanks for the video!

[@Aramizzzzz]

Great video, Sanjay, thanks for the video. I ordered the APC64 this morning before I saw your review. I can't play a note but I have music in my head waiting to get released, so thanks for your gudiance, not at least regarding Distrokid which I signed up the very same moment. At least the ambitions are here, eagerly waiting to play the first note... :D

[@Only1Dharti]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Great Work Sanjay! I don’t know how you make these videos! I mean I do, I see all the hard work but it’s just incredible to see the final product!🎉 amazing!

[@SanjayC]

Thank you so much 😀

[@damelos4039]

Excellent review. Thanks

[@shekinahmultimediaproducti6362]

Sanjay C, thank you for the comparison. I was hoping it had the full MPE... I will just have to purchase the Push 3!

[@vinceriley]

You are awesome. Keep doing what you are doing.. Great work.

[@kond1e]

One day each of the pads will be a screen 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Sanjay you make my days

[@SanjayC]

Haha! Mark my words. It will come sooner than we think!

[@drindy5166]

Lol... truth!! 👊🧡👍

[@toldbybeyond]

I don’t think so because nothing can replace a pads

[@colinreese]

@@SanjayCHave you used Logic Pro X for iPad Pro yet. The screen is better for finger drumming than any of the pad controllers. When you use Logic on iPad there's a view for the whole screen divided into the 16+ pads, and you can finger drum on the screen without a controller. For Congas for example, Logic Pro has the three conga drums and an open, open slap, closed slap, muffled slap, heel, bass, and finger tip for each of the three drums. There's even a ghost tap. You can also play chords on the touch screen where it has all the chords in a key. It's unreal. Basically it's better than all of the other controllers. You can do rolls and high hat patterns like 100x easier with the touch screen.

[@dejidocemo5445]

@@toldbybeyond a screen under the transparent pads

[@mjrisinsd6836]

Pretty awesome controller. Includes Poly aftertouch and all these extra features for $400, while NI is charging $749+ for their much less capable Kontrol MK3 boards. Also, the 64 pad format is way better than having a huge 61 key keyboard. Sorry to say this format is the future of music. I would like to see larger version like 10x10.

[@tmgmobility]

Great video as always 👌🏾

[@SanjayC]

Thank you! 🤗

[@djPositive]

Launchpad for sure have polyphonic aftertouch, launchpad x have it, even OLD mk2 of launchpad have it. Check it in manual. Its standard in pads for years, even maschine mk3 have it what is weird because hardware has it but app doesnt use it.

[@nightingale2642]

Actually AKAI MPD 218 support Poly AT😂So that's not a new function

[@MediaMusik777]

I believe Novation and akai share similar pads since they are both in music brand owned … side note Novation has a squeak noise Akai’s feel more premium to press with no squeak 🐁

[@peabodyscientific2082]

Sanjay, you forgot to mention it has full device control (i.e. cycling through devices on a track and through parameter banks on a device). You have to confirm that specifically these days because many controllers "designed for Live" don't actually do that and it's a major workflow feature. Was excited when I saw this video pop up in my recs! Hope we get more new gear as the holidays approach. Edit: would love to see you get your hands on the new Montage that just came out also 😊. "A great workstation, but how well does it work with Ableton?" 😄

[@make725daily1]

You're an illuminating presence! -- "Success is found in overcoming obstacles.."

[@JonManness]

If I can perform pad rolls like I can on my DSI Tempest then I'm going to love this for live drum machine performances and more interesting programmed drums.

[@vewilli]

Nice introduction of this controller. Although I‘m a big fan of AKAI I wouldn‘t buy such an instrument, only keyboards or keyboard controllers. But as there isn‘t one to be expected in the near future I‘m very much looking forward to the KORG keyboard controller that you talked about in your last Saturday video. It was the first time to hear about it and I think it will be my next keyboard controller as we can expect it soon, as you mentioned.

[@SanjayC]

I can’t wait to try the Korg. I’ll be sure to bring you the info right here.

[@vewilli]

@@SanjayC Thanks a lot! Looking forward to it.

[@vewilli]

@@SanjayC I‘m also sure that you‘ll do that!

[@Randuski]

I celebrated when you said “they’re not just velocity sensitive….” And then was bummed when you said “they have polyphonic aftertouch” I can absolutely do without it, but that’s only because we’re at a point where I expect MPE haha I didnt have much use for a Push 3, but the mpe pads are the first time I actually realized how awesome mpe is. It just makes sense on pads. I really need a launchpad with mpe

[@MixMajorConnect]

Great review as usual Sanjay! I wonder if you remember me from when we talked back in 2016? It's amazing to see how far you've come since then! - Eric Jao

[@SanjayC]

Eric, what’s up man! Of course I remember! I keep an eye on Mox Major on IG! Thanks for coming by to watch my vids. I should have you as a guest some time

[@MixMajorConnect]

@@SanjayC Let's make it happen. Would be honored to be a guest :) I'll DM you on IG now.

[@shaper12354]

the Launchpad Pro has Poly AT. Persoanlly, I prefer the smaller form factor of the LP

[@neildrummond]

Thanks for the video Sanjay. I was wondering if it was a good idea to invest in the APC 64 and you've given me a clear cut idea of what to do, though the blinking on the TEMPO button looks really annoying :/

[@cameronpritchard626]

Hey the robots are back!! Love to see them

[@SanjayC]

Haha!! Yes that’s my favorite robot!

[@jacobharlow63]

Thank you! Great information. I find this very compelling... especially the touch strips and how many parameters can be mapped and controlled. People under estimate the expressiveness of those touch strips, because you can tap to different values and have some really amazing effects as a result. I can also see this as a somewhat viable dj controller for live. No jog wheels, but having the grid plus those strips for fades, EQ and Fx seems great!

[@ChezburgerLeaf]

Exciting 😮

[@7notis7]

I think if you are a Live performer a Launchpad Pro - Launchcontrol XL will do the job a lot better for the price.However its a great controller for live performing,Happy that companies still care for Electronic-Live music performers.

[@alchemistrpm82]

Akai basically ripped the sequencer functionality from the Akai Force and directly translated it a controller. The layout is extremely similar (even the transport controls being at the top). As a Force and LP Pro user, I can tell you this will be an upgrade to the LP Pro, which has up until now been my far and away favorite way to sequence the 404. Can’t wait for delivery. (Some of us have to spend money for this stuff).

[@drindy5166]

Question... if you had to choose between the force and what it has become to this day or go for this... what do you think would be the better choice given overall options. Curious on opinions. I am running with the MPC X in stand alone mode. Thinking of future use in both performance base and just over all creative pre production. Thoughts? 👊🧡👍

[@alchemistrpm82]

@@drindy5166 Tbh I’m not sure what you’re getting at. The X is excellent too. If you just want to sequence hardware, this APC is perfect. I have an X se and the Force, but both aren’t really necessary (lol). The Force is just amazing with its arranger and mixer and macro system etc. If I were you and was interested in the Force, I might wait to see what Akai does next. I think they have plans for the Force platform. As in a possible successor.

[@drindy5166]

@@alchemistrpm82 lol... for sure I get that it is not neccesary... but I can't help but thinking that running both in tandem would give me more options in stand alone mode. I suppose it does sound rediculous given no specific examples of use preproduction of ideas etc. All good. The force does seem really appealing and I have come across some decent vids on yt given artist like Yonger. Then I also hear some people claim that it is more useful as a door stop. So kinda torn lol ✌

[@alchemistrpm82]

@@drindy5166 Well I think it’s super dope. On second thought, second-hand Forces are pretty affordable. Whatever Akai has planned definitely won’t be. Maybe you should go for it. Only problem I can think of is that both the Force and MPC are designed to clock other equipment. I’ve never tried to slave one to the other.

[@umanoid1523]

Ive had the launchpad pro since it came out. I like it but barely use it which is more due to my workflow. I do a lot of my composing in the timeline view at the moment so I’m not launching clips as much as I used to. I also often times sketch out my tracks using a Maschine micro and import loops to the timeline view. I have a launchkey too which gets more use.

[@BrickHouse101]

More videos on the Akai MPC key 61 would be highly appreciated! I personally bought one awhile ago and still don’t know how to use all of its features 😅

[@djchemie]

I hear you. Akai is terrible when it comes to customer service and helping users. They literally don't even care about their products or that's how I feel. I use MPC Software and MPK249. I can now write a book on these two, but it's a shame the official channel has nothing noteworthy on these products...

[@CaidicusProductions]

Man, I sure do love your videos, Sanjay. I hope you and your wife are doing well, healthy, and happy.

[@CaidicusProductions]

Still watching your video. Man, this thing is really shallow. I mean to say, it's quite thin, which makes it look far more attractive. Perhaps I'm just so used to my MPC Live.

[@SanjayC]

Hey my friend. So nice to see you! We are doing well. Thanks for asking. I hope you’re doing well too buddy.

[@Apuat]

Concerning polyphonic aftertouch, what I would love to see Sunjay, is you doing a video comparing MPE to polyphonic aftertouch. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each and which one you prefer.

[@SanjayC]

Great suggestion!

[@Apuat]

@@SanjayC 😁 Thanks! Keep up the great work.

[@pbanaszek]

Besides of nice sliders, everything that I need I have in Lauchpad Pro MK3, which I just ordered ( also have MK2). I'm also keyboard player, but I used to play long time ago in accordion with buttons on right side (finished music school on that instrument), so maybe that's why I really like to play on launchpads, because they got similar assumptions, how buttons/pads are organized (repeated notes in next columns for better notes handling)

[@Damianthelovetour2024]

Can’t wait to see if you review the new Yamaha M8X

[@seesiko]

Thank you for this review. I was almost gunna pull the trigger on it. but after watching. Ill save for the push 3 i was almost sold on the CV outs. ill continue to use my endorphines to talk to modular via push instead though. The play button was an almost instant turn off on the device for me, as Im not into live performing. no knobs, and touching the touch pads instantaneously switches the macros. what a nightmare.

[@JayWerx]

Nice design

[@djkanyon]

Sure beats Launchpad Pro! Gotta get it

[@PauloRocka]

Great video! Is it true that the APC40 was discontinued? I own an old APC40 (circa 2012) and to me, this is still the bomb! Specially the crossfader! What's your thoughs on that?

[@d-zone]

This seems a little overpriced if you're not after poly aftertouch. A Push 2 seems a better bet IMO.

[@jean-marcdecanter7719]

Great review of this Akai device.... Lower price than a push 3, but lower performance on mpe ... But i am dreaming of such a device made by Arturia for Ableton, it would be disruptive 😮 !

[@SanjayC]

Yes, something affordable from Ableton would be nice.

[@vilmal4187]

hi! your videos are so good! thank you! I am looking for something like this to save loops that i make with ableton live, but to use without the computer. is that possible? im not sure if you actually say this in your video already..? thanks for sharing your knowledge!!!

[@cameronpritchard626]

The screen looks incredibly small, what are the rough sizes? Did you find it easy to read from the screen? I think a bigger oner wouldnt go a miss and it seems they have some space.

[@Youknowho562]

I got mine today and for me, it feels like it's lacking in some departments. The look is amazing, but the touch strips feel a bit clunky. As it works with zones, it's not a nice continuous feel like you would have on a fader or with a knob. Nevertheless, they do their task. What I do however strongly struggle with is the size of the paths, they are tiny and way too close to each other. They require quite some bit of force to actually work and they cut off while holding notes. I'll give it a try this week, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to return it.

[@davidwoods3653]

Can this device be used to call up sounds from a hardware sound module, many thanks for the video.

[@pascalschwaller7573]

I‘m not a fan of touch strips. I still have a Machine Jam and it‘s so easy to accidentally touch the fader next to the one you actually want to control. Also, if you perform live and your surface is wobbly, a touch strip is very challenging to use. I don‘t like the small screen either. I‘m waiting for Novation to bring a new device (maybe with MPE, screens and/or knobs?). But Push3 is also tempting but not within my budget

[@Nazgul_73]

Will this Controller work also with Ableton Live 12 that will be available next year? Any experience with older controllers in conjunction with Ableton Live?

[@LSSTmusic]

just to be clear, the Launchpad Pro Mk3 already has poly aftertouch as well 1:49

[@KelMckeown1]

I love the Akai ableton controllers and have had a few but they all have eventually developed a problem where they send unwanted, unprompted midi control data to Ableton which really messes things up and seems impossible to fix properly. Anyone know if these have similar issues?

[@cameronpritchard626]

This looks, to me, to maschine jam with the strips and lights.

[@SanjayC]

That’s true!

[@VentureNW]

Novation - When is your next SL MKIV coming out? haha

[@SanjayC]

Exactly! That keyboard is awesome for ableton.

[@r2.lighting]

I just received my APC 64 and everything is working fine, except for the (internal) Step Sequencer. I'm doing everything exactly as in the tutorials. Select a Step Sequence track, punch in some notes and they light up according to their velocity on the upper pads. But when I press "PLAY" nothing happens. It seems as if the sequencer doesn't actually run. On further investigation I found out, that the Step Sequencer does work as intended, when I put the APC 64 into Standalone mode. However, I then lose the ability to control Ableton Live, e.g. launch clips etc. All of the demos show the Step Sequencer running in conjunction with Ableton Live. However, I cannot get this to work. Any ideas which step I might miss?

[@OscarSlapp]

@Sanjay do you think when Arturia releases it's flagship midi keyboard it will be able to compete with the the new NI Kontrol midi keyboard?Do you think there will be a BF sale on the new Ni Kontrol ?

[@SanjayC]

I really hope Arturia gives us something that will compete. Not sure about BF yet. I’ll find out and will let you know.

[@beatsbyloony9806]

looks like a big step even tho it doesnt look like an akai product

[@tayloraustin9131]

u are awesome

[@SanderVerstraten]

Looks interesting: Let's see if Bitwig themselves will come up with compatibility or if Juergen Mossgraber will beat them to it again.

[@peterkoval]

i prefer the launchpad pro over this primarily for the simplicity of the launchpad, and I don't think the touch sliders make sense on both sides split up like that. also where my hands rest, I find accidentally touching the touch sliders to be an issue. i prefer physical sliders, personally. launchpad pro plus the akai midimix are a great combo that take care of control and session view, and both are similar in size.

[@rzon8]

I wish they never discontinued the apc 40 mk 2 😢without a replacement

[@BEASTBEATS700]

Can u use this controller with a MPC x standalone?

[@beatz04]

I think the APC64 is a (even) more Ableton-friendly version of the Maschine Jam or an enhanced version of the Launchpad Pro. I don't think it can compete with Push, regardless the version. Especially the position of the touch strips is less than ideal, especially when the APC Mini and the Maschine Jam have shown combining faders and a 64 matrix in a way that makes sense can be done. And the position of the little screen if flat out idiotic.

[@iamshiv21]

Notification squad 💚

[@bradpedron9022]

@9:10 - yes. One day each pad will be a screen itself. Actually, I think we already have the tech, but not the willingness to implement it.

[@mistergrooveman1018]

Hi !! Someone knows if it’s compatible with Logic Pro clip too ?? Thanks !!! Peace !!

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

What about using it with Loopy Pro 🤔

[@oienu]

My Launchpad X have poly but I never use it, I don't have any instrument which can use that thing :,D This is like the Maschine Jam

[@smashedlegends]

The diference is that the quality control on AKAI is beyond horrible. Novation products quality is on another league.

[@AceeSoul]

For the price not bad

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, I think it offers a lot compared to the competition. This is like a budget Ableton Push. I think its going to do very well. Thank you for the Super Thanks, Acee!

[@raphaelfleming5649]

How to change the BPM on this device?

[@mrdali67]

Perhaps it's just me being "Old" or "Old schol", but It's cool to have a ribbon controller on devices, but would really prefere regular faders than these touch strips. Think they are major annoying to work with compared to a modern touch sensitive motor fader found in Digital mixers and daw controllers. Just like anyone that have used an instruments with up/down buttons or touch faders for volume etc. The tactile feel about a fader just is superior in any way to these solutions for both volume and selectable functions like drawbar control and other edit functions dependent on the sound/instrument. And a set of faders is actually much easier to control at the same time than a set of touch strips. There is a very good reason for producers prefering a precission fader, or an organist prefering a real set of click drawbars for controlling a hammond sound. Unfortunately controllers also become serious more expensive if you just wants the best tactile control. The touch strips is a reasonable good way of making a not too expensive device for the low to mid end instead of something that cost an arm and a leg and only few can afford.

[@mewtkeys]

Does it have a crossfader option for mixing in and out of decks??

[@willyum3108]

You can create a crossfader with one of the touchstrips

[@king6463]

touch pads with E ink support for screens 🤔 that would be wild 😂

[@Windiguana]

and terrible for music where any perceived latency can throw someone's performance off

[@sounds-r-foundproductionz2588]

...kinda like the Force's little brother. Cool looking device, I must say, but it doesn't look like my Force has any competition.

[@kaweiros]

Or take akai apc mini mk2 with novation launchkey mini and you have everything 😊

[@martinholmberg1920]

Maybe a personal preference, but I wish they had placed the start, stop, and record buttons at the bottom of the unit instead.

[@SanjayC]

I agree

[@protoeuropean9012]

Touchstrips are a headache...novation launchpad pro for the win!

[@neoSoulLofi]

The blinking doesn't exist if you have been with AKAI for any length of time because love it or hate it every AKAI controller with a tempo button always blinks😂😂😂

[@SanjayC]

Haha!

[@mattyg499]

Just put a bit of tape over it-done…..)

[@cowmilkbiz]

I miss the faders and knobs from APC MkII. This new APC looks terrible as a redesign for what the purpose of the original is.

[@SanjayC]

Not everyone will like the touch strips

[@babylittlebaby]

yes but sensitivity of pads? compare to lounchpad x pro ?? please

[@steved4714]

Music Radar review suggests that the LPP pads are lighter, more sensitive... Loopop answered this on his channel when I asked and he said "Akai's pads are a bit harder to trigger both on MPC vs Maschine and on APC vs Launchpad" Not sure if that helps?

[@babylittlebaby]

@@steved4714 yes but lounchpad x vs machine micro pads?!?

[@rivemnfingers9133]

Can anybody tell me if this works with iOS

[@towerrunner4675]

Most of the time I pre-listen sample packs, or edit sounds, so I don't need a launchpad. The tiny screen makes it look cheap, the rest is OK.

[@markkilley2683]

Could be useful.

[@flossondatrack8861]

I think people forget that Akai made the first Push.

[@towerrunner4675]

And Ableton had good reasons not to continue that partnership. 😄

[@AndrewLeSynt]

for me everytime i bought a novation product i refunded and grabbed the akai controllers 😂😂 they are def much better

[@cameronpritchard626]

If you cant stop the flashing tempo I imagine that would be quite annoying!

[@nukenoly8751]

Akai Push is still king

[@rjadamz9117]

I would rather buy the Arturia Step Key Pro.

[@uwu-nyaa]

if i bought one of these electrical tape is going directly over that tempo button

[@aurasy5735]

Apc 64 he didn't leave 100% ableton like Push 3 it's a shame 😮

[@InspectorDope]

Looks like they took the pads and buttons from Push 1

[@josearaujo8616]

One day ableton will have a touch interface...

[@robisapixel]

so its a beefy launchpad pro, literally thats all it is. Damn I already ordered one.

[@AndrewLeSynt]

0:33 In my age there is no screen, too small 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@lucidvision6262]

pretty sweet overall but also super lame that you can't control an ableton effect rack, and a send at the same time. Pretty major downgrade from the apc40 mkII in my opinion. Also seems like it would be super easy to accidentally stop clips if you were performing with this. Seems like something thats more for the studio and not live performance. Wish they would make more apc40 mkII's honestly.

[@josh_ari]

Don't polyphonic aftertouch me there!!

[@xs2me223]

No this is not it! APC40 mk2 rules!

[@nazieg]

Waaaay too much menus. All I want is apc40 that is 16channels

[@aldraias1]

I can do WITHOUT poly after touch.

[@krisgebruers8471]

Touchstrips... LOL

[@jyotichristo7720]

First 🎉

[@SanjayC]

Wow! How did you get here so fast?!

[@jyotichristo7720]

@@SanjayC 😂. I’m always on KZbin waiting for your new videos to drop!!!

[@indirektdjs]

"Ableton live itself doesn't have a nice sequencer built into the software".... wait what?

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

Strips on both sides, nowhere to rest hands : 😑😑

[@gtubgle]

Who told AKAI that touch sliders are cool? Lol

[@anujuli467]

First