Akai Professional APC Key 25 mk2From real comments

Name: Akai Professional APC Key 25 mk2
Rating: 2.3 (7 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 7 mentions across 6 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment29%

PROS 29%

CONS 71%

Rank based on 7 mentions across 6 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want a compact clip-launching pad grid with a built-in 2-octave keyboard
You're running the specific supported version of Ableton Live
You mainly need pre-mapped functions rather than custom knob mapping

What users love

Built-in 2-octave keyboard0 mentions

Widely praised

Pads useful for drum programming0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You're using an older, stable version of Ableton Live
You need reliable custom MIDI knob mapping in Ableton
You require confirmed compatibility with other DAWs or the AKAI Force

What users complain about

Unclear compatibility with other systems0 mentions

Generally negative

Narrow Ableton version compatibility0 mentions

Strongly criticized

MIDI knob mapping issues0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Unclear knob parameter behavior0 mentions

Generally negative

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You are here

Akai Professional APC Key 25 mk2

Built-in 2-octave keyboardPads useful for drum programmingUnclear compatibility with other systemsMIDI knob mapping issuesNarrow Ableton version compatibility

Akai Professional APC Key 25 mk2

Built-in 2-octave keyboard

Pads useful for drum programming

Unclear compatibility with other systems

MIDI knob mapping issues

Narrow Ableton version compatibility

Versatile
1. MXR Super Badass Distortionarrow_upward15
2. Wampler Paisley Drivearrow_upward6
3. Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrivearrow_upward4
Expensive
1. Moog Subsequent 37arrow_downward3
2. Origin Effects Deluxe61arrow_downward3
3. Eventide Orvillearrow_downward4
Dynamic response
1. Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrivearrow_upward8
2. Wampler Paisley Drivearrow_upward2
Build quality
1. Moog Subsequent 37arrow_upward3
2. Origin Effects Deluxe61arrow_upward1

Overall Impression

Ableton version compatibility appears to be a real limitation for some users. One commenter explicitly warns that the unit only works with Ableton 11.2.7, calling it 'useless' for anyone stuck on an older, stable version of the software. This suggests the controller's functionality may be tightly coupled to a narrow range of software versions, which could be a significant drawback for users who prioritize DAW stability over feature updates or are unable to upgrade for other production reasons.

MIDI knob mapping in Ableton is reported as unreliable by at least one user. A commenter asks how to map the MIDI knobs in Ableton and states it isn't working for them, with only the pre-mapped functions responding correctly. Another user separately asks whether the knobs jump or pick up smoothly when changing parameters, indicating uncertainty around knob behavior. Together these comments suggest potential friction for users wanting deeper custom control mapping rather than relying on factory-configured functions.

Interest exists in using the controller beyond stock Ableton clip-launching duties. One user who doesn't use Ableton asks whether the device can function as a general MIDI controller with other DAWs, specifically wanting to use the pads for drum programming and appreciating the 2-octave keyboard for that purpose. Another asks whether it can connect to an AKAI Force for extended pad and key functionality. Both questions remain unanswered in the comments, reflecting genuine curiosity about the controller's flexibility outside its primary designed use case.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

pianoBuilt-in 2-octave keyboard

1 mentions

Widely praised

A commenter highlights the inclusion of a 2-octave keyboard as a big plus, particularly useful for those wanting to combine clip launching with melodic input. This is seen as valuable even by a user who doesn't primarily use Ableton.

@Markko1986

I dont use Ableton and dont plan to, but can this device be used as a midi controler with other daws? I would use the pads to do some basic drum track midi programing, because I hate drawing the drums with a mouse. Also the 2 octave keyboard is a big plus which would come in handy.

smart_display

June 17, 2023

grid_onPads useful for drum programming

1 mentions

Widely praised

A user expresses interest in using the pads for basic drum track MIDI programming, noting a preference for this over drawing drum patterns with a mouse. This suggests the pad layout is seen as a practical input method for rhythm programming.

@Markko1986

smart_display

June 17, 2023

help_outlineUnclear compatibility with other systems

2 mentions

Generally negative

Users ask unanswered questions about whether the controller works with other DAWs beyond Ableton and whether it can be integrated with the AKAI Force for extended functionality, reflecting uncertainty about its broader ecosystem compatibility.

@Markko1986

smart_display

June 17, 2023

@DM43685

Can this be plugged into a AKAI Force, for pad and keys extension?

smart_display

May 15, 2023

warningNarrow Ableton version compatibility

1 mentions

Strongly criticized

A user warns that the device only works properly with Ableton 11.2.7, rendering it non-functional for those on older, stable versions of the software. This is flagged as an important consideration before purchase.

@piotrzelwirowicz1228

Warning ! Is worth to mention that this unit lives only with Ableton 11.2.7. If you, like me stuck on older, stable Ableton than APC 25 is useless for you.

smart_display

January 25, 2023

tuneMIDI knob mapping issues

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

A commenter reports that mapping the MIDI knobs in Ableton does not work for them, with only pre-mapped functions responding. This limits customization for users wanting to assign knobs to specific parameters.

@xdPetya

Is there a way to map the midi knobs in ableton? It's not working for me... Only the pre-mapped functions are working.

smart_display

March 14, 2023

help_outlineUnclear knob parameter behavior

1 mentions

Generally negative

A user questions whether the knobs change parameters smoothly from their current position or cause a value jump when adjusted, indicating uncertainty about pickup behavior that isn't clarified in the comments.

@paQ75

A question. Do the knobs change the parameters without doing a jump or pickup? That is, changing the parameter from where it is located even if you change the context..

smart_display

September 20, 2023

Akai Professional APC Key 25 mk2chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

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What users lovefavorite_border

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Who wins on what

Versatile

Expensive

Dynamic response

Build quality

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Akai Professional APC Key 25 mk2From real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression