APC 20 - Should I get one?

[fullenglishpint]

OK here's the deal.

I'm moving to Barcelona for a year in about 10 days. I currently use the setup you see below, basically Traktor + VCI-100SE + KX1. I'm considering using some of my free time this year to learn how to use Ableton in conjunction with Traktor and I think the APC 20 looks like the thing to do it with, but I need an excuse to shell out for one!

Does anyone have experience with the APC20? Is it worth it?

ALSO, is it worth upgrading to a full version of Ableton Live straight away or will the APC edition do most of what I need?

All comments welcome

[ctrld]

Does anyone have experience with the APC20? Is it worth it?

ALSO, is it worth upgrading to a full version of Ableton Live straight away

yes, yes and yes.

[sarasin]

The 40.....get the 40!!!

I use the VCI100 and APC40 together.

WIN!......all the way.

You can use it in Traktor for 4 decks......or in Ableton.

WIN.....+..... WIN

The 20 will do too....LOL

[ctrld]

The 40.....get the 40!!!

get BOTH! and weld them together!!!!1!1eleventyoneone

that's what I did.

[sarasin]

Yeah....you did....and it fucking ROCKS dude!

Best thing i seen for a LONG time.



OP - You will not be sorry dude.....its the SHIZZZZZZZZ.

[fullenglishpint]

Yeh ctrld saw that, amazing mod! Thing is I'm a bit worried about my baggage allowance what with already having the VCI and X1, and the 40's another £200 and heavier. Anyone know anything about having things sent over by freight or something?

Anyone in barcelona want to get in touch? I don't know anyone there!

Any tips on the best way to take advantage of using both softwares in tandem?

[sarasin]

Well....

I use them both in Traktor. I load the TSI for the VCI and then load the TSI for the APC40.
I use Derders one.....(Steph).

Then I set the VCI to 4 deck mode and it controls deck C and D.

There are a few double controls...but thats no issue.

You can then also route Traktor into Ableton and do the Smartmixer thing of Bento.

Or...you can use a mapping like Zac Kayoti does. But that involves Bomes Midi Translater...which you will need to purchase.

The APC40 immediately works in Ableton....so if you can DJ in Ableton ...or know how....its DEAD EASY.



Like i said...you won;t be sorry!

Its AWESOME!

[ctrld]

Any tips on the best way to take advantage of using both softwares in tandem?

it depends on your workflow. syncing them up is pretty easy, but depending on how heavy your ableton live sets will be, you might end up needing two computers or at least two audio interfaces. if using two machines is not an option, the APC40 alone allows you to work without even looking at the ableton GUI; up to a certain level of complexity, just looking at the clip/button grid will tell you where you are in your set.

// edit: thanks for the feedback

[fullenglishpint]

Ah man I keep seeing these sweet mappings for the APC40 but it's so much more expensive... Do the 40 mappings work on the 20? obviously it's missing knobs and x-fader etc but are the buttons mapped the same?

[fullenglishpint]

anyone know?