Novation Launchpad vs Akai APC40
By David Bell
| Posted in Music Technology
The Akai APC40 control surface was only released in May 2009, but now just five months later Novation has stormed in with the release of the Novation Launchpad. It’s an exciting time to be an Ableton user, but what do you do when confronted with two specially designed, multi-button, multi-colour hardware Ableton controllers? Well you put them to the test, naturally…
This is the enviable job of DV247 production guru Paul Dakeyne, who will soon be sitting down with the Novation Launch pad to see just how impressive it is, before reporting back to this blog. In his own words: “I’m looking forward to spending a couple of days in front of Ableton Live Suite, Launchpad and the new Nocturn Keyboard. I wanna see how the Launchpad translates the performance aspect of ‘Live’, especially when integrated with the added flexibility of Automap. My hope is that the Launchpad totally rewrites my workflow, both in the studio and possibly behind the decks.”
But until then, to whet your appetite, here’s a quick like-for-like product comparison of the Akia APC40 and the Novation Launchpad.
Multi-colour buttons/ triggers
APC40- 40 buttons on an 8×5 grid.
Launchpad- 64 buttons over an 8×8 grid.
Connectivity/ Comunication/ Inputs
APC40- USB-MIDI with proprietary hardware/software handshake. USB, Two assignable footswitch inputs.
Launchpad- L-shaped USB 1.1 connector.
Controlling other functions
APC40- Akai’s model features a wide range of controllers. The eight Global knobs allows access to four banks of controls and the eight Track knobs control nine different track parameters each, giving you a total of 72 controllers that are dynamically reassigned each time you switch tracks.
Launchpad- Launchpad can be used to control other functions using Ableton’s ‘Learn’ mode. This includes Ableton’s knobs and faders, which can be assigned to rows of buttons on Launchpad and can operate as a standard MIDI controller, creating custom MIDI maps with 72 of its buttons transmitting either CC or MIDI note data.
Mac system requirements:
APC40- G4 or faster/Intel Mac recommended, 512 MB RAM/1 GB recommended, OS 10.3.9, 10.4 or later. recommended, QuickTime 6.5 or higher, DVD-ROM drive, USB port.
Launchpad- OS: 10.4, or later recommended, Computer: G4 or faster / Intel Mac, Memory (RAM): 512 MB RAM / 1 GB recommended.
PC system requirements:
APC40- 1.5 GHz or faster, 512 MB RAM/1 GB recommended, Windows XP or Vista, Windows-compatible sound card/ASIO driver support recommended, QuickTime 6.5 or higher, DVD-ROM drive, USB port.
Launchpad- OS: Windows XP or Vista, Computer: 1.5 GHz or faster, Memory (RAM): 512 MB RAM / 1 GB recommended.
Dimensions
APC40- (WxDxH) 16.88” x 13.13” x 2.62” / 429mm x 334mm x 67mm.
Launchpad- (WxHxD): 239 mm / 9.41”, 24 mm / 0.945“, 239 mm / 9.41”.
Weight
APC40- 5.8 lbs / 2.64 kg.
Launchpad- 717g / 1.58 lbs.
About David Bell
It’s all about the Bass for me! I was given my first Bass on my 12th Birthday, since then I’ve spent every available penny on basses of all varieties, 4 string, 5 string, upright, you name it!…
I play a range of different styles of music, from Pop/ Rock to 50’s; I’ve even appeared on the main stage at the Country Musik Messe in Nürnberg, Germany. When I’m not playing live I spend a lot of time writing and recording in the studio.
I’ve worked in the Guitar industry since 2005, running one of London’s most foremost Bass guitar specialists. I’m currently enjoying working in DV’s Web/ Graphic Design team. I’m most exited to be able to share my interest, experience and knowledge about Bass gear here on the DV blog.
Tags: Ableton, ableton live, akai, Akai APC40, Controller, launchpad, novation, Novation Nocturn