AKAI Professional APC 40 Mk2

instead of choosing the old Apc40 - i've decided to try this new mk2 (a complete remake version)

first impression:
*robust construction, steady knobs and faders.
*slim size (nicer format)
*bigger buttons in the launchgrid.
*led in buttons give a better visual feedback of clips and where selection in the clip-launcher is located
*knobs feels steady and more robust.
*faders feels improved, movement and durability
*layout and other buttons feels better places and more for "live" use (subjective of course)

over all feeling:
i've only used it for a week, but the feeling is that it suits me better in how i wanna use it. and how to select and control ableton in a live-situation, without having the need to look at the screen and/or use mouse to select and navigate.

positive
+ rigid construction
+ knobs and faders feels more robust
+ multicolored LED-feedback in launchgrid

negative
- missing a 4 by 2 knobs layout for assignable knobs (my subjective opinion)
-crossfader / A-B fader is no longer easy to switch when worn out (old apc had an easy mount from backside of the controller)
-kind of expensive in my opinion

*this is first impression - still working with it, and still find new stuff i like with it

overall - a really nice controller for Ableton Live (best so far)

I bought this to control my lighting program and use it as a kind of a wing so that i could have my eyes at the show and not on the computer.
When I saw the pictures here on Thomann the controller looks to be more "plastic" and not that hearty, but I thought it can't be that bad so i ordered it anyway and I haven't been sorry.

The feel of this product is amazing, not plastic feeling anywhere, even the faders feels really great.
Buttons are direct an exactly like i wanted them, +the rgb lights in the buttons is perfect.

So if you're in the need of a god midi controller but want an amazing one -buy this, I promise you won't be disappointed.

all controllers are "tweakers" or "launchers-triggers" or "keyboards". This one tries to cover all.
As a Keyboard Akai APC 40 Mk2 is not good. Pads are not velocity sensitive - not nice for recording drums or instrument parts - but still you can do it at on-the-go conditions.
As a "Launcher" - I personally find it very nice. 8 channel scenes is cool. When I work at the live sport events I need a variety of samples at my fingertips - Akai APC 40 Mk2 just shines here! I created my own template based on the default one.
As a Tweaker Akai Apc 40 Mk2 offers you 8 knobs-per-selected channel + 1 knob on the top - These knobs are endless spin with a nice travel. But it is often not enough. When Dj - I use a different Template and here I need an extra "Tweaker" to expand tweaking abilities of the device (I use DJTT Twister which is an amazing tweaking device) and for the reset (quick set-to-default) feature.

Mechanically Akai APC 40 Mk2 seems to be proof enough. Not a single issue while using it for 2 years (carefully but intensevely)
Faders and knobs are reliable not flimsy. I would recommend a plastic cover to lingering the lifetime of the device.

so Pro's:
- Universality and functionality within live or studio conditions
- Great launcher (Trigger)
- Fair Tweaker
- Made quality
- light weight
- Well thought Templates available
- Keeps your eyes away from the computer screen
- Foot controller switch functionality
- USB powering
- Price for all that

Con's:
- Not for a Keyboard-ing or Drum Pad-ing
- Not as compact as you may think (not a Con for me though)
- Volume faders a bit tricky to spot on the "0" level (I use fabric tape)
- Triggered clip is indicated in green weakly pulsing (I avoid green color when colouring the steady clips and miss hard pulsing)

I would recommend it for Ableton users as a "Launcher" ("Trigger") controller to pair it with some other "tweaker" deviceand keyboard if needed for a beautifull setup !

I've bought it 4 years ago.

Pros:
It is very steady, very easy to use with ableton live, superb if you use it for triggering clips, mixer and fx processing.A very good daw controller.
Good for live shows and studio. Very nice light buttons colored function. It helps you understand without looking on the screen which clip is playing and what you can choose next. It is a plastic but solid enough hardware.

Limitations/Cons:
Fx knobs: The fx functions are following a random appearing order on the dock, depending on the specific effect you want to manipulate. So you have to customize sometimes.
Not easy to use the volume faders, if you want control more than 8 channels.
The volume faders are not reacting according to the values / (fader position in the software) of the new channels.
If you move them a bit the track volume can change rapidly in to an extreme high or low position.

Problem:
Until few months ago it worked perfectly well.Then a problem with solo buttons occurred. The buttons suddenly stopped working - also no lights on -. AKAI told me there was maybe a problem with the usb connection/power system.
Thanks to thomann warranty and the great work of thomann service team it now works as new.

I recommend it even though the cons and the solo buttons problem.