November has been and will continue to be an amazing month for gear heads and software fanatics to life. The kind folks at MusicRadar have compiled a list of some of the most noteworthy releases. Ableton users especially are in luck, as Akai has finally updated and revised their legendary APC controllers, offering 3 new models. For those who aren’t familiar, the Akai APC40, along with its streamline cousin, the APC20, was the first piece of dedicated Ableton gear, forever changing the way electronic music was created and performed live. After years of user feedback, the new models are guaranteed to pack a punch. If you want to shoot for the stars, the APC40 mkII ($399.99) is perfect for you. If you’re trying to jam on a budget, pick up the APC mini ($99.99). For those looking for a single piece of hardware to produce, arrange, and perform, the APC key 25 ($129.99) features a 2-octave keyboard, 40 clip buttons and 8 knobs.
If you’ve ever used an APC, you’ll love the increased capabilities of these new models. For those already working with a Novation Launchpad, check out the Novation Launch Control XL, a fantastic controller designed to be paired with the Launchpad. The Launch Control XL features faders and knobs to control the mixer parameters in Ableton while its older counterpart is used to trigger devices, audio, and midi data. Other notable releases include the Dave Smith Instruments Pro 2 synth as well as the Rode iXY iphone recording kit, the latter of which includes an pair of crystal clear Rode condenser microphones set in an XY configuration. Whether you’re into recording, composing, producing, performing, or just messing around, there is surely something on this list for everyone reading this.
To see the full list from MusicRadar, please click here
