APC40 or Novation Launchpad?

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APC40 or Novation Launchpad?
Posted on: 18.02.2010 by Laraine Arceo
I can't decide... I'm really liking the Launchpad (mostly cause of the colors since I want to be able to navigate quickly) but the APC has all the shiznit when it comes to extra control. On the other hand, it's a bit bulky...

Any thoughts?
Danae Dumler
19.02.2010
Originally Posted by Stumpy
It just seems to me that APC isn't quite as flexible out of the box, but requires Bome's or M4L to actually work.
I don't know what you mean by "to actually work" -- if you are using Ableton Live 8, the APC40 is like butter straight out of the box. I'm by no means an advanced Ableton user, but I was able to get up and running in next to no time with the included mapping and no Bomes or Max; the included mapping allows pretty direct and relatively simple control over the session view, including effects. I made some minor tweaks to the mapping but nothing that would make me call it unusable out of the box. I suppose you want M4L if you write your own filters and stuff but even then you can control them with the effects knobs in the included mapping, or make simple changes. I guess if you want to use more tracks than there are columns on the APC, the Launchpad(s) makes more sense, but the APC is pretty damn sweet either way.
Laraine Arceo
18.02.2010		I can't decide... I'm really liking the Launchpad (mostly cause of the colors since I want to be able to navigate quickly) but the APC has all the shiznit when it comes to extra control. On the other hand, it's a bit bulky...

Any thoughts?
Anette Botek
21.02.2010		launchpad is great for size alone... I love that I can fit it in a backpack with a midifighter and a nano kontrol and I'm ready to go... APC is cool, but is just way too big...
Leota Saniuk
20.02.2010		imho the launchpad is amazing. ver compact, yet versatile with a very large hacker community and a company that seems supportive of these efforts.

if you also needs knobs add an lpd8 at which point you are only lacking the faders but much much much more buttons/versatility.
Ernie Stieglitz
20.02.2010		Those guys have done great tricks with APC40. You should also check Will Marshall's template which is freely available and requires no extras.

Btw, I really can't figure out why they set the Nocturns knobs in such a funny way...
Laurel Litchko
20.02.2010		i have to agree with the apc non flexibility issue. the basic function works well for my purposes, but sometimes i want just a little more customization but i dont have the cash for bomes. if you check out S4racen's mapping that he's done with max4live, it'll show you its true potential. just google Darren Cowley, i believe.

if you are willing to sacrifice the knobs, maybe you should pick up the launchpad. i personally have the apc and love it.

good luck!
Ernie Stieglitz
19.02.2010		Sorry, I was writing in a hurry. The APC is not very flexible when it comes to custom mapping, and basically it needs M4L or Bome's to unleash all the possibilities. Compared to the possibilities that you have out of the box with Launchpad, I would say the APC is a bit lacking (definitely not unusable). This was at least my end conclusion when deciding my upcoming controller.

APC has lots of good sides over the Launchpad - Just one controller to do everything, rotaries that adjust to Live use (obviously ), and faders. Monome apps can work with both controllers, although 8x8 grid seems better for that use.

EDIT: Here's couple of links to make choosing even harder.
APC Hacking

Novation Launchpad users
Danae Dumler
19.02.2010
Originally Posted by Stumpy
It just seems to me that APC isn't quite as flexible out of the box, but requires Bome's or M4L to actually work.
I don't know what you mean by "to actually work" -- if you are using Ableton Live 8, the APC40 is like butter straight out of the box. I'm by no means an advanced Ableton user, but I was able to get up and running in next to no time with the included mapping and no Bomes or Max; the included mapping allows pretty direct and relatively simple control over the session view, including effects. I made some minor tweaks to the mapping but nothing that would make me call it unusable out of the box. I suppose you want M4L if you write your own filters and stuff but even then you can control them with the effects knobs in the included mapping, or make simple changes. I guess if you want to use more tracks than there are columns on the APC, the Launchpad(s) makes more sense, but the APC is pretty damn sweet either way.
Ernie Stieglitz
19.02.2010		I went for two Launchpads+Nocturn over the APC. Same price, and IMO more control. You have bigger grid (especially with two), drum pad, and three user modes left you can assign to faders/knobs/buttons and nonome + everything in the Nocturn. You also get Automap pro for free.

This setup is lighter and goes into smaller space. Akai makes great gear, so if you decide to go that way I bet you'll be equally happy. It just seems to me that APC isn't quite as flexible out of the box, but requires Bome's or M4L to actually work. As Charo said, APC20 could be another good option if you have patience to wait.
juan garcia
18.02.2010		check over at ableton community s, I believe i saw a thread like that....to me its about whether you want in all in one apc type controller with knobs, faders and buttons, or the launchpad type with only buttons and possibly need a secondary controller. I call them buttons over pads cause they aren't velocity sensitive.

good luck!

another option is to wait a month an you will have the apc20 as an option.

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