Musikmesse 2014 saw Akai Professional announce an updated line of APC controllers featuring three new models – the APC40 MKII; a compact keyboard – APC KEY25; and an APC Mini. All three controllers are class-compliant and bus-powered (so, no more power adapter like with the previous APC controllers). They’ll all provide seamless Ableton Live integration, and they’ll all have Ableton Live Lite included.

APC40 mkII Highlights: 

• 5×8 RGB LED clip matrix—launches clips with visual feedback
• 8 channel faders, 1 master fader, and 8 device controls—map to Ableton Live directly
• Intuitive layout—revised knob layout with in-line controls for smarter workflow
• A/B crossfader—can be assigned on the fly for dynamic mixing
• Send button—press and hold Send and use the Track Selects to choose one of 8 sends
• Music production content—Toolroom artist launch packs, Prime Loops sample packs,
Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Technology & SONiVOX Twist

APC Key 25 Highlights:
• Ableton Live controller with keyboard—25 synth-action mini keys
• Tri-color clip matrix—launches clips and multicolor lighting displays clip status
• 8 assignable control knobs—hands-on-control of any Ableton Live parameter
• Octave Up, Octave Down, and Sustain—expands keyboard range and expression
• Music production content—Toolroom artist launch packs, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech &
SONiVOX Twist

APC mini Highlights:
• Tri-color clip matrix—8×8 grid launches clips and multicolor lighting displays clip status
• 8 channel faders & 1 master fader—provide hands-on-control of Ableton
• Compact construction—portable design for mobile performers and producers
• Music production content—Toolroom artist launch packs & Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech

The APC40 mkII, APC Key 25, and APC mini will be available in Summer 2014, distributed worldwide with the following street prices: APC40 mkII ($399.99 USD), APC Key 25 ($129.99USD), and APC mini ($99.99 USD).

On a personal note – it’s good to see that Akai is still committed their own line of controllers. With all the internet speculation that they would be bowing out of the grid controller marketplace (fueled by their part in engineering Ableton Push) I was unsure about the future of the line. While I’ve never used an APC, the performance capabilities of them is undeniably appealing and they’ve become an integral part of many setups so Im glad they’re here to stay.