AKAI PROFESSIONAL APC Key 25 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live with 25 Piano Style Keys, 40 Buttons and 8 Assignable Encoders

Trying to learn Ableton Live-Lite and the AKAI Controller at the same time was a lot to learn at once. The Controller is well made with tons of features. A very good purchase at this price. Poor keyboard, Keys too small and only 25 of them. Had to go to YouTube for help.

This thing is perfect for a smaller setup or on the go. It fits on my desk in front of my computer keyboard. Quite convenient. It makes me wish my MPK88 had a button bank for Ableton Live. PRO: BUTTONS! CON: The keys are a bit stiff. Sometimes I have to hit harder than I'd like to get the velocity value I'm going for. Also, after purchasing this I realize I still need a full on Ableton Live controller. This unit is very nice, but the shifting and moving can get confusing without multicolored buttons.

Solid piece for any home studio or traveling musician. This is my first controller and it connected to Ableton Live 9 in seconds. The pads are well made for the cost. After buying, I learned this is not polyphonic, which is a tad annoying, but what you get for under $100 is worth it. Also, the keys aren't weighted and the very skinny. It took me a bit to get around that and you wouldn't know until you have it in front of you. Happy playing!

Overall it's a good product. However I feel like it could be a little more sturdy. I only say that because the keys feel like they were just kind of thrown on the piece without any effort. But other than that TOTALLY WORTH IT. You get like 3 different programs that cost more than the item itself that are included with the purchase. Totally worth it if i had the opportunity to get this item again, I'd probably only get it for the programs. But it is a good starting place if you're trying to make music!

A great product from Akai. Seamlessly integrates with Ableton Live 10. The buttons and pots are solid and consistent across the device and the key action is excellent for mini keys. The keys are solid and consistent as well and none are loose or wiggly. It's smaller than my laptop too so it fits in my backpack for portability! The device feels durable and should withstand the rigors of daily wear and tear. I like the full size USB B connector too - not much risk of breaking as is the case with mico and mini connectors.

This thing is packed full of features which takes time and practice to get used to. It seems to integrate really well with Ableton9. My biggest complaint is the velocity keys have a lot of resistance, which makes getting the volume just right on a clip extremely difficult. I've noticed most of the drum clips fall in between octaves which mean you constantly have to shift octaves up or down in the middle of a set. The keyboard just doesn't flow well..The controller part works well while the keyboard part just plain sucks!

It works fantastic, record all your clips in session view, then hit designated rec button next to play/record button and trigger your clips how you want song to go. After done simply hit designated rec button next to play/pause, and play your session clips The way you want and when you're finished, it's recorded in arrangements view the way you triggered clips, it's the most inexpensive controller for ableton that makes your workflow nicer. Maschine will slave to it if you use as plug-in. I love it! Definitely very durable , sturdy and a great value for the money.

Its pretty amazing especially for the cost, having a midi key board really aids in making your music production more organic and this is perfect for your entry level musician who's trying to up his game. Id definitely recommend to anyone who is serious about taking it to the next step. It integrates seamlessly with ableton and as soon as your plugged in your good to go