Akai controllers vs novation controllers im interested in the akai mpkmpdapc40, or the novation mk2 stuff and launchpad. The xl has a similar set of controls, albeit of better quality, but is more than twice the price. You can additionally select the launch control xl in the midi ports section as a remote device if you want to override the default assignments using midi learn. The two are the same size, and the xl does for lives mixer what the s did for clip launching. In the question what are the best midi pad controllers.
Sep 24, 2014 i went for the launchpad with control xl. All clips in that scene will be triggered, including those not represented in that clip launch view. Novation launch control vs akai lpd8 audiobus forum. Ableton live midi routing template for launch control xl and circuit.
This was a toss up for me between the apc pro 40, apc 40 mkii, or the launchpad, and for me, this is the way to go. Apc40 can also be used in generic mode as a controller with other virtual dj applications that use midi protocol. Jan 27, 2015 quickshow has midi input abilities but they are limited compared to our professional software platform beyond. The akai apc40 the 40 relates to the number of clip launch buttons was a rare beast when it was launched. Shift holding this button down lets you access extra controller features printed in red on the control surface, such as session overview or another bank available in the device control section. They each have a precision keyboard and a full control surface powered by a brand new version of novations automap control software automap 4 which makes getting handson with your dawplugins fast and simple. Ideal ups for servers, pointofsale, routers, switches, hubs and other network devices. Akai controllers vs novation controllers im interested in the akai mpkmpd apc 40, or the novation mk2 stuff and launchpad. Here are the key differences between the original launch control and the launch control xl. Novations impulse is a range of professional usbmidi controllers.
Push one button, brake 100 percent, gas 100 percent, off. Novation launch control xl, black launchcontrolxlblk adorama. A comprehensive suite of modular and integrated software tools. Akai professional apc40 mkii ableton live performance.
Feb 18, 2015 apc 20 and apc 40 controller post by tavon markov wed apr 08, 2015 9. So im upgrading my set up so that i can do more stuff with live looping. The apc40 mkii from akai professional is a hardware controller designed to work with ableton live software in a onetoone integration, and makes significant improvements over the previous version. Novations launchcontrol xl has the faders and knobs you need. Throughout the new range the most noticeable difference to the older apc 40 and apc 20 is the choice to ditch square clip launching pads and maximise. Rgb lighting provides visual feedback and displays three clip statusesloaded, playing, and recordingso you can intelligently perform without looking at. From the driver s seat, the first difference is the fancy checkered flag in the dash, together with the sentence launch control active, when carrying out the procedure noted in. You can get a script that emulates the push, basically does everything minus the knobs obviously. Novation launch control xl firmware update controlling elektron octatrack and no computer. Using launch control xl with circuit is it possible to edit the midi messages assigned to each control of the launch control xl. Apc40 mkii features a 5x8 rgb cliplaunching grid, so you can launch clips using 40 responsive triggers. The final new control feature is a dedicated tempo encoder. Move the fader on the apc40 that you want to midi map as the bpm control.
Going back 56 years i had suite 8 and used the original akai apc40 mk1 with my macbook pro. Live session with my new novation launch control xl. The pan and send controls dont have pot pickup, they move immediately from whatever position they are in. Mar 25, 2015 daft punk one more time carl rag remix apc 40, maschine duration. It is the best controller i have come across in a long time. This video teaches you how to set up and use the akai apc40 controller, for use with ableton live. Instead of one row of 8 pad controllers, the launch control xl doubles that. Gaz williams takes a look at the new ableton live controller which comes with a software bundle that actually is more expensive to buy than the apc. As a midi controller to have on your desk while composing songs in ableton live, i love it.
As one of only two true endless encoders the cue level being the second, it can switch between coarse control, 1 click 1 bpm change, and fine control 1 click 0. Oct 08, 2015 home forums digital dj gear akai mpc40 vs novation launchpad which one to buy this topic has 9 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 6 months ago by pushpressturntwist. Ive attached a copy of the mapping layout and some instructions. Where the launchpad obviously excels in maintaining control over your work due to the larger grid it might present some shortcomings when it comes to tweaking instruments like operator. Novation impulse 25 usb midi controller keyboard, 25 keys. I bought the launchpad and launch control and returned them to get the apc40. Novation launch control xl ableton live controller. The macpc for the lpd8 is easy to use, not sure about the launch control. Dec 10, 2014 finally, the choice of controls on the launch control xl nicely fills in the gaps on the launchpad s.
Daft punk one more time carl rag remix apc 40, maschine duration. The launch control xl will light up with two rows of amber and one of green for the pots to show the difference between the sends and the pans. This ac led driver operates off 90264vac and delivers a safe dc current to your high power leds. Recently erik hawk and i started are working on writing tracks. I talk about what it is used for, and how it can make a live performance easier for a dj or. Ultimate control over ableton launch control xl is the ultimate controller for ableton live.
However, last night as i was about to perform, i realised that the scene launch and master channel select buttons had stopped workingresponding. Checking out the launch control xl from novation as a companion controller for ableton push since its dedicated. So, first id say find a store if you can and check them out, but i think the launchpad mini is much better than the apc mini. Novations launchpad pro so im a loop artist and im planning to do live gigs next year, since for now i only record and play stuff to put online. I use a launch pad and am buying a novation remote sl zero mk2 to go along with it. Launch control xl is the ultimate controller for ableton live. Hey im planning on getting the akai apc40 for live shows and djing if you can call it that with ableton. I also think you would be more than fine with apc 40. I went through the same dilemma with a launchpad s and a launch control vs an apc40 mki. Akai controllers vs novation controllers gearslutz. Apc40 mkii features a 5x8 rgb cliplaunching grid thats built for dexterous exploration. In this manual, you will find instructions on how to connect the apc40 and use its basic features with ableton live akai professional apc edition. Bitwig studio includes technology called the open controller api. Quickshow has midi input abilities but they are limited compared to our professional software platform beyond.
Its called launchpad 95 its the most control for the cheapest price. Thats a pretty broad description and does not tell what actually has changed from a technical point of view. It helps you focus more on your music and less on your laptop, by providing 16 buttons, 24 knobs and eight faders, all of which integrate seamlessly with live to give you total handson control. But its too complicated to use as a generic programmable controller, and mixing means twisting encoders and using toggles to get at the settings you need. To use the templates next download the launch control xl editor from the same location, run the installer windows or open the disc image mac. It really depends on preference, but i would suggest launchpad and launch control. Oct 17, 2010 this is where the apc 40 really shines. Until that point all manners of midi controllers were used with ableton live, each with its own preferred mapping or rudimentary control surface script. Novation has been smart enough to embrace the philosophy with the launch control xl. The launch control xl has pots rather than encoders which have an absolute position. The apc key 25 is a keyboard variant of the range, and as the name suggests it includes 25 mini keys for more traditional music control, and instead of the minis faders it sports eight knobs. Now akai has built on this original partnership to introduce a reimagined live performance controller.
In the main ableton menu bar, select options edit midi map. Should you buy akai midimix or novation launchcontrol xl. The clip uses what i believe to be the easiest of launch controlable cars, a porsche 911 gt3. Launch control explained the leading app for tuning your bmw. The apc40 is plug and play, so you dont need to install drivers. Akai apc 40 is one of the most popular controllers for ableton live along side the launchpad. Instead of two rows of knob control, the xl offers three rows. The mean well apc is an economical constant current led driver for indoor led lighting applications. I see theres one for the launch control which i assume could be tweaked to work on this.
I have the launchpad mkii and i was seriously going to trade it for the apc 40mk2 until i thought about trading my 8x8 grid of big pads on the launchpad, for a 5x8 grid of skinny pads on apc40mkii. Remote script for the akai apc40 with ableton live 9. Jul 17, 2014 exclusive gear4music video for the new launch novation lcxl. As others have said one plus for the apc40 is the ability to change two effects or pans, volume, etc. Ableton live control surface scripts sigabort akai midi mix walkthrough version 1 duration. You then need to load the templates one at a time and save them to your unit. Launchpad tutorial 01 unboxing the launchpad and preparing your pc duration. Launchpad ships with a dedicated launchpad edition of ableton live 8, but can control almost any other music software using novations awardwinning automap control software.
Traktor bible mappings for novation, launch control xl. So, that makes the new launchcontrol xl from novation a potential standout. Below is a catalog of scripts submitted by the community to bitwig. The build is better, you get 64 instead of 40 ive got the apc 40 and im annoyed by the smaller grid, and they layout just seems better. Previously, i had just plugged in the apc40 via usb and it perfectly workedintegrated with ableton premapped. The most important reason people chose akai pro apc40 mkii is. I need to be able to get everything into a laptop bag. In order to make these work we emulate the operation of the encoders in firmware. Akai mpc40 vs novation launchpad which one to buy digital. Exclusive gear4music video for the new launch novation lcxl. A member of novations launch range of dedicated midi controllers for ableton live, the launch control xl expands on the original launch control which featured a rather meagre eight pads and 16 knobs to make a more fitting companion unit to the launchpad s. Useful as a mixing mode or as a makeshift visualizer when playing live, and makes it much easier to know which track youre selecting or adjusting without referring to your monitor. This way, midi control of the bpm will be in whole numbers rather than in hundredths.
Akai pro apc40 mkii is ranked 2nd while launchpad pro is ranked 4th. In 2009, akai professional collaborated with ableton on the first dedicated ableton controller, the apc40. Akai pro apc40 setting up an ableton live dj template. The apc is offered in 8 to 35 watt models that can be selected in the first drop down above.
To get a midi controllers notes to control cue selection you need a 3rd party midi converter to convert the midi notes to keystrokes. Akai apc40 vs novation launchpad pros and cons and. I think the launch control has a larger usb port and will probably be sturdier like on the launchpad s which i also have. When comparing launchpad pro vs akai pro apc40 mkii, the slant community recommends akai pro apc40 mkii for most people. The main limitation that is noticeable is the cues in qs are only selectable by mouse or keyboard input. A few of those include an rgb cliplaunching grid, reinforced fader design, revised knob lay out, and more. It does have a separate power supply in the form of a standard ac adapter, so youll need an outlet and maybe an extension cord, but personally i couldnt care less about that. The only thing i was displeased about what the lack of knobspots. Comes with ableton live akai professional apc40 edition software. Discover more about the novation launch control xl. The controller comes premapped to live for an instant performance and. Novation launch control xl be careful post by mercury007.
Apc40 mkii features a 5x8 rgb cliplaunching grid, so you can launch clips using 40 responsive. Novation launchpad pro is a very popular and one of the more expensive options. One of the most popular live boxes around, the original apc40 was one. My concerns are keyboard feel, ease of programming and most of all reliability of drivers and stability on mac and pc. The apc ships with a copy of live lite, but i imagine most people will use it with a full version of live 7 or 8. There is a max for live device called launchsync, that syncs the xl and the lps red box together so they become a cohesive controller.
Slant launchpad pro vs akai pro apc40 mkii detailed. Launch control is a small tool designed for 32bit and 64bit microsoft windows xp, windows vista and windows 7 operating systems. And if you just want faders, theres the inexpensive apc mini, though the. The only thing i have found is that with the microusb ports on this and the korg nano series you have to be extra careful or they can break easily. This problem is now solved with the addition of launch control, however, you can still get around this, albeit with buttons versus a knob, via user 2 mode on launchpad. I have had my apc 40 mkii now for about 8 months and it has worked perfectly for the entire time that i have had it. Its in the top 3 bestselling midi controllers and has many popular alternatives in the same price range, such as maudio keystation ii or maudio keystation mini 32. Runs off usb power, and its plug and play no drivers required. Novation launch control xl be careful ableton forum. The control xl with launchpad s is a pretty awesome combo though, and both units are better quality that the new apc40. Buy akai apc40 ableton performance controller at amazon uk. The 8 faders control the baduda filters audio effect rack you can grab from here. Alongside the launch of the apc40 mkii, akai have extended their ableton controller range with the apc mini and apc key 25 the original apc40 and 20 are also still available.
The mini loses the righthand side, and all the knobs, leaving just the clip launch grid and mini faders. Novation launch control xl ultimate controller for ableton. Novations launchcontrol xl has the faders and knobs you. Scene launch these buttons triggers an entire row of clips, called a scene. Viewing 10 posts 1 through 10 of 10 total author posts october 8, 2015 at 12. As a live controller, or companion to a launch grid or keyboard, the closest alternative is novations launch control xl.
Launch control for windows free download and software. However, its functionally superior, with device control and a separate user layer. Novation launch control xl, black ultimate mixer, effect and instrument controller for ableton live mfr. However, bpm control is not automatically midi mapped. This template works very similar to fxgrid for launchpad in addition to utilizing the knobs and faders for custom effect control. The apc ableton performance controller controls lives mixer, devices and transport functions, but the key feature is the clip launch matrix, which offers mouse. The only reason im not buying an apc 40 is that its just to big for my needs. If you hold shift and press the first button in the second row, after releasing shift the clip launch view will represent clips 610 of tracks 18. You can changeshift the clip launch view with apc40s controls e. This allows anyone, from controller manufacturers to everyday bitwig music makers, to create highlydetailed control scripts for your favorite controllers. Once you have the editor running, connect your launch control xl. So you may say well ill get apc40 and have everything in one unit. In the software, a red rectangle around an 8x5 grid of clips represents apc40s current clip launch view. In the questionwhat are the best midi pad controllers.
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