A MIDI controller allows you to improve your workflow in video and music production software. The Akai Professional APC MINI controller works great for beginners and professionals. The controller is not an essential tool for every content creator but it is helpful. Each adjustment or feature is within reach with this controller.
The Akai Professional APC MINI controller is designed to work with the included music production software. As this blog does not really have a connection with music production, the implementation of the controller in other software began.
Even though, the Akai Professional APC MINI controller comes with a license code for Ableton Live Lite, this review will take a closer look at the implementation of the MIDI controller in other software and tools.
Launchpad buttons and faders
The controller is compact and features enough buttons and faders to work with most tools and software. The Akai Professional APC MINI controller has a multicolor launchpad grid with a total of 64 assignable buttons. Near the bottom, you have nine faders.
The buttons on the Akai Professional APC MINI controller are small and made of rubber. This makes the controller comfortable and easier to get used to. Compared to other more expensive MIDI controllers, the buttons and faders of the Akai Professional APC MINI controller are equal to the task.
Despite the controller being made of plastic, it still feels solid.
Macro buttons and keyboard shortcuts
The buttons of the controller were assigned to keyboard shortcuts using a macro button tool. These keyboard shortcuts were later assigned to specific tasks in the Open Broadcaster Software Studio software. The faders were assigned to a software-based audio mixer for precise control over the audio levels of the inputs.
However, the faders are not motorised and if you use a computer mouse to change the position of the fader in the audio software, you will have to physically adjust the position of the fader on the Akai Professional APC MINI controller. More expensive controllers tend to include this feature.
More advanced features for computer wizards
After a few hours of work, you can assign different keyboard shortcuts to the buttons with the help of a macro button tool. The more experienced users can also change the colours of the 64 launchpad buttons, but the technical information is limited and you have to do a lot of research to make it work.
Still, the Akai Professional APC MINI controller is one of the best additions to the streaming setup. In Open Broadcaster Software Studio you can start the broadcast with a single button, switch between the available scenes or change the volumes of a microphone or capture card using the faders and a software-based audio mixer.
Time for research
If the software you are using supports keyboard shortcuts, MIDI controllers or operation with a macro button tool and you have time to research the more advanced features of the device, the Akai Professional APC MINI controller is the MIDI controller for you.
Product information
Akai Professional APC MINI controller
The Akai Professional APC MINI controller features enough buttons and faders to control most audio and video production tools if you want to research the more advanced features.
Retail price: 99.99 euros
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Disclaimer. This post contains copyrighted images from the Akai Professional APC MINI Controller, a MIDI controller developed and produced by Akai. The fair use of copyrighted works for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting or research is not considered as an infringement of copyright.
