TLDW; Too simple for most modern hardware sequencing tasks. If you want dead simple, then it'll get the job done, but as soon as you want to get a little deeper or start to make slightly complex sets for hardware performances, you'll hit a wall FAST. As an Ableton controller though.... next video 🤣
@@teftymusictech this 32 step limit is beyond lame but not being able to chain them ANY way I want is like one step forward into 2008 and a little stumble down the stairs landing in 1988 with a moldy thud with pots and pans rattling.
@@_c_y_p_3 You can chain steps in "Project" mode. You can chain those up to 24 projects. So basically you make any sequences, chord, notes, whatever save them sequentally as projects, and when selecting the current project you hold it and press the other projects you want to follow the first one selected. There are some restrictions, as projects must be saved in order to be chained, same time, same length to play properly, but actually you can sequence 24 times 32 steps if you want.
Thank you so much for doing this. None of the other reviewers have articulated the sequencers capabilities (or, more appropriately, lack thereof). The Launchpad Pro Mk III's sequencer, albeit just 4 tracks, is still significantly more capable at 32 Steps x 8 pattern (with additional pattern chaining = 256 steps per channel per project at normal resolution). GAS averted.......for now.
When you are in velocity mode, the first pad is not 0% velocity, is "As played". It takes the velocity from the pad itself, as the midi "velocity" parameter. Thans for the video.
I think for the price I would go for Novation launchpad pro mk3, 64 projects memory slots and in each one 8 scenes memory, I mean like a 6 hour set playing smart, I had the mistake to purchase this controller without waiting to find out about this lack of memory, I think we all the apc 64 owners should request the makers of this machine to upgrade the apc 64 to have a dedicated scene memory per project, instead of using the chain project feature to sequence just a track, I mean the launchpad pro mk3 is 100 bucks less and do more
Overall seems worse than a Circuit Tracks IMO. I just wish they made the Circuit Rhythm polyphonic and it would be a steal of a sequencer for the price, even without the sampling capability.
I own a APC64 and agree with you. This is good as an Ableton controller and a bit pricey for what is it. I also own an APC mini MKII. I recomend the former as Ableton controller as its almost 1/4th the price.
But can you set up more than one cv destination? If so how would you set it up on another channel? I ended up getting 2 additional sequencers for moog abd behringer semi modular stuff. Obviously I can achieve this through midi amd setting channels I just want to know if what I am trying to do can be done.
If I had no midi controller, I would buy this because it is so cheap and use it with Cubase. TOTAL dealbreaker for me that super limited sequencer.... (I was planning to use it with some analog of synths)
Sorry, but the lack of faders is a no-go for me. I'll stick with the APC40. It's so clear that all the manufacturers really, REALLY WANT us to adopt and accept those touch strips, but I despise them, and I know most people (who actually perform) do too. This is another case of a synth company saying "We know better than the customer", and being wrong.
I have both the APC64 and APC Mini MkII. One have stripes and the other faders. The problem with the faders is they are always out of sync with Ableton so is a bit messy. They are not as usefull as the stripes as you can assign those those different uses using the buttons on the APC64 and they are gonna get synced with the use. So you can press Volume and see the Volumes, Send and see the sends and in Instrument mode they control the instrument knobs. That's imposible with faders. unless you use mechanized fadders that will add a huge price to the hardware. Using the faders only for clip volume is much better that the stripes though. Just need to set them to 0 before you start playing so they sync with Ableton.
Only 32 steps per track, and no patterns or anything? That barely even qualifies as a sequencer. I usually need at least 256 steps per track just to get a basic song concept started.
There is a "Project" mode that allows you to chain sequences. Up to 24. You save individual sequences as project. And when selecting the current project in project view you hold the first sequence, and pulse the others you want chained. Some restrictions apply. You can copy and modify projects to ease editing. A bit clunky
What the hell! Is this good or bad?
TLDW; Too simple for most modern hardware sequencing tasks. If you want dead simple, then it'll get the job done, but as soon as you want to get a little deeper or start to make slightly complex sets for hardware performances, you'll hit a wall FAST.
As an Ableton controller though.... next video 🤣
Is there any better sequencer at this price point?@@teftymusictech
@@teftymusictech this 32 step limit is beyond lame but not being able to chain them ANY way I want is like one step forward into 2008 and a little stumble down the stairs landing in 1988 with a moldy thud with pots and pans rattling.
@@_c_y_p_3 You can chain steps in "Project" mode. You can chain those up to 24 projects. So basically you make any sequences, chord, notes, whatever save them sequentally as projects, and when selecting the current project you hold it and press the other projects you want to follow the first one selected. There are some restrictions, as projects must be saved in order to be chained, same time, same length to play properly, but actually you can sequence 24 times 32 steps if you want.
YES!! This is what I want this for. Stoked you did this so I can see. Tomorrow is going to be a big day 🤟
The CV can be adjusted in the unit. Double tap custom, and the 8 pads across the top allow you to change the CV routing.
Thank you so much for doing this. None of the other reviewers have articulated the sequencers capabilities (or, more appropriately, lack thereof). The Launchpad Pro Mk III's sequencer, albeit just 4 tracks, is still significantly more capable at 32 Steps x 8 pattern (with additional pattern chaining = 256 steps per channel per project at normal resolution). GAS averted.......for now.
Actually with APC64 you can chain 32 steps x 24 patterns, so 768 stepss. Look at "Project" mode in the docs.
Series 100 modules sound so classy. I only have the 110 so far but I've got a wishlist. Perfect stocking stuffers!
When you are in velocity mode, the first pad is not 0% velocity, is "As played". It takes the velocity from the pad itself, as the midi "velocity" parameter. Thans for the video.
Good catch! Thank you
I think for the price I would go for Novation launchpad pro mk3, 64 projects memory slots and in each one 8 scenes memory, I mean like a 6 hour set playing smart, I had the mistake to purchase this controller without waiting to find out about this lack of memory, I think we all the apc 64 owners should request the makers of this machine to upgrade the apc 64 to have a dedicated scene memory per project, instead of using the chain project feature to sequence just a track, I mean the launchpad pro mk3 is 100 bucks less and do more
Overall seems worse than a Circuit Tracks IMO. I just wish they made the Circuit Rhythm polyphonic and it would be a steal of a sequencer for the price, even without the sampling capability.
I own a APC64 and agree with you. This is good as an Ableton controller and a bit pricey for what is it. I also own an APC mini MKII. I recomend the former as Ableton controller as its almost 1/4th the price.
Can you program a custom note grid for playing?
Great video, very interesting!
Hey Tefty love the vids keep em up! Do you think you'll do headphone review's at some point ? Just wondering either way i love the vids 😁👍
Thank you! If the opportunity comes up and/or makes sense, then I'll definitely consider it 👍
But can you set up more than one cv destination? If so how would you set it up on another channel? I ended up getting 2 additional sequencers for moog abd behringer semi modular stuff. Obviously I can achieve this through midi amd setting channels I just want to know if what I am trying to do can be done.
Sounds great! Have you checked out the Akai MPC Key 37?
Yup, Akai had a delay in shipping me one, but it's here now. Video review soon.
If I had no midi controller, I would buy this because it is so cheap and use it with Cubase. TOTAL dealbreaker for me that super limited sequencer.... (I was planning to use it with some analog of synths)
32 steps are not enought but you have 8 tracks...so you can use other gear to make other parts of m ore melodic chords (sequences)
Sorry, but the lack of faders is a no-go for me. I'll stick with the APC40. It's so clear that all the manufacturers really, REALLY WANT us to adopt and accept those touch strips, but I despise them, and I know most people (who actually perform) do too. This is another case of a synth company saying "We know better than the customer", and being wrong.
Could you be more precise about the difference between the two? Good/bad - faders. Good/bad - stripes.
Yeah for performing I'd much prefer faders and knobs. But for writing/composing, the touch strips are decent.
*why not both?*
I have both the APC64 and APC Mini MkII. One have stripes and the other faders. The problem with the faders is they are always out of sync with Ableton so is a bit messy. They are not as usefull as the stripes as you can assign those those different uses using the buttons on the APC64 and they are gonna get synced with the use. So you can press Volume and see the Volumes, Send and see the sends and in Instrument mode they control the instrument knobs. That's imposible with faders. unless you use mechanized fadders that will add a huge price to the hardware. Using the faders only for clip volume is much better that the stripes though. Just need to set them to 0 before you start playing so they sync with Ableton.
32 steps was huge mistake... most of the hardware i have use 64 steps so i have to limit everything to 32... WHY
Only 32 steps per track, and no patterns or anything? That barely even qualifies as a sequencer. I usually need at least 256 steps per track just to get a basic song concept started.
There is a "Project" mode that allows you to chain sequences. Up to 24. You save individual sequences as project. And when selecting the current project in project view you hold the first sequence, and pulse the others you want chained. Some restrictions apply. You can copy and modify projects to ease editing. A bit clunky
is it made out of plastic ?
Yes, but it doesn't feel cheap. It's lighter than a Push 2.
T1 would be a better choice
Not a fan of the touch strips
Doesn't look that compelling as a sequencer.