The APC Key 25 MkII from Akai Professional is a USB keyboard controller designed to work with the DAW Ableton Live. In addition to the redesigned, velocity-sensitive 25-key Gen2 keyboard, the APC Key 25 MkII features a 5x8 Clip Launch Matrix that uses RGB lighting to display the current clip status. Beneath this are buttons for navigating the clip matrix so that other tracks and clips can be controlled. Eight encoders are used for further control of volume, pan, send and freely assignable parameters. The Scene Launch buttons also provide access to Clip Stop, Solo, Rec/Arm, Mute and Select for full control over the clips. Details such as transport buttons for the DAW, a sustain button and power supply via USB round off the functionality of this controller sensibly. Included is the free DAWAbleton Live Lite for Mac and PC.
