Akai APC Key 25

The APC Legacy

In 2009, Akai Professional collaborated with the creators of Ableton Live,

a powerful music performance and production software environment, and

introduced the original Ableton Performance Controlle-APC40. The instrument

raised the standards of controller design, revolutionized hardware and software

integration, and proved to be an essential performance tool for Ableton Live users

everywhere. Now, after incorporating five years of user feedback into their

development, Akai Professional builds upon this original partnership by introducing

three new APCs—APC40 mkII, APC Key 25, and APC mini.

High-Performance Keyboard

Designed for the performing musician or the conventional composer,

APC Key 25 is the first Ableton Live controller from Akai Professional that is

equipped with a high-performance keyboard. Uniting the power of a clip-launching

panel with a keyboard interface, APC Key 25 couples real-time control of

Ableton Live with traditional composition tools: create melodies, compose

bass lines, and play chords with 25 synth-action mini keys. Plus, dedicated

buttons for Octave Up, Octave Down, and Sustain expand the expressive

capabilities of the keyboard, enabling you to tap into the full melodic range

and perform with classic piano-style sustain.

Get On The Grid

APC Key 25 features a 5x8 multicolor clip-launching grid that's built for

dexterous exploration: launch clips and create or perform your song from

the ground up using 40 responsive triggers. Tri-color lighting provides visual

feedback and displays three clip statuses—loaded, playing, and recording—

so you can intelligently perform without looking at your computer. Plus, you can

use the Shift button and directional arrows to manipulate the scope of the 5x8 grid.

Twist & Tweak

APC Key 25 comes equipped with eight control knobs that are laid out next to

the clip-launching grid for easy tweaking. Users can change knob functionality

with the dedicated buttons for volume, pan, sends, and device control: fade clips

in and out of the mix; pan instruments to the left, right, or center; raise the level of

reverb or other effects to create fluid transitions; open and close filters for lush sweeps;

and much more. Additionally, each knob is completely assignable for flexible mixing

and mapping options.

Seamless Integration

APC Key 25 comes pre-mapped to Live for an instant performance and production

setup. When APC Key 25 is plugged into your computer, its hardware controls

correspond 1 to 1 with Ableton Live's interface—no additional configuring is required.

For APC veterans, all of APC Key 25's controls can be re-assigned on the fly for

customized setups that change with your performance or production style. Plus, APC

Key 25 can also be used as a general MIDI controller to manipulate other software

applications such as virtual instruments, plugins, and DAWs.

USB Power & Class Compliance

For maximum portability, APC Key 25 is powered over USB and supports plug-and-play

connectivity; no power adapter or drivers needed. APC Key 25 also offers a smaller

footprint than its APC counterparts, enabling musicians to use APC Key 25 alongside

effects controllers and other APCs.

Production Content Included

APC Key 25 comes packed with a version of Ableton Live, two high-definition virtual

synthesizers, and professional samples and loops for immediate out-of-the-box

music creation. Ableton Live Lite enables musicians and producers to spontaneously compose,

record, remix, improvise, and edit musical ideas in a fluid audio/MIDI environment.

Hybrid 3, by AIR Music Tech, is a high-definition synthesizer for electronic musicians,

DJs, sound designers, and music producers who love to get their hands dirty.

Create anything from fat, retro synth sounds to edgy, modern leads and everything

in between. SONiVOX Twist is a spectral morphing synthesis virtual instrument.

Comprised of a dynamic interface, an advanced pattern generator, and onboard effects,

Twist lets you create serious sounds using simple controls. Toolroom Records artist

launch packs bring you the coveted sounds of electronic music with a premium

collection of sample packs, produced exclusively for Akai Professional. Produce, compose,

and remix with professional sounds curated by the world's premier electronic music label.