Crossfader options for a portable setup? APC Mini?

[alexjholland]

Hey, I've got an Akai APC40 Mk.1 which I love.

However, I need a setup I can easily fit into a bag and fly with.

I've already got an MPK Mini and the APC Mini looks like the perfect companion... almost.

It's got no crossfader (I slice beats between A/B).

Literally the only function missing, but I need it.

1. Can I assign the master volume on the APC Mini to behave like one? And in a decent, useable way?
2. Can I buy a compact USB crossfader? Literally just a crossfader (not a unit with other controls)?

Thanks!

[McAnix]

You can reasign any fader/button on the APC mini , HOWEVER, it does not give LED feedback on the buttons (There are work arounds like using a MIDI translator). The faders feel okay for fast chops but not amazing as it is rather lite and small, I would say it's just usable. The APC mini is just good for launching/stoping/recording clips. Pressing the shift key to change the function of the buttons is a pain esp if you like to do quick changes. As far as cross faders go, might be worth the effort to make your own. There are a ton of tuts on making your own MIDI controllers.

Yes the MK1 is still a great controller, love that thing!

[alexjholland]

You can reasign any fader/button on the APC mini , HOWEVER, it does not give LED feedback on the buttons (There are work arounds like using a MIDI translator). The faders feel okay for fast chops but not amazing as it is rather lite and small, I would say it's just usable. The APC mini is just good for launching/stoping/recording clips. Pressing the shift key to change the function of the buttons is a pain esp if you like to do quick changes. As far as cross faders go, might be worth the effort to make your own. There are a ton of tuts on making your own MIDI controllers.

Yes the MK1 is still a great controller, love that thing!

Dude, the Mk 1 is awesome... Only last week I moved it from a table to a dedicated stand and enjoy it on a whole new level.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01 ... UTF8&psc=1

Instead of idly using it while mixing, I'm now using it standing-up while playing guitar and not touching my laptop.

Making my own crossfader sounds like an AWESOME project.

'm all about ease-of-use and would rather have a dedicated, high-quality crossfader than mess up my APC Mini's natural flow.

Thanks for the tips!

[miyaru]

Hello Alex, there are loads of controllers like this from several brands, you can use as X-fader controller..... https://www.musicstore.de/en_GB/GBP/Num ... 006566-000

I have it's predecessor, and it works. Not glorious, but it works.

[alexjholland]

Hello Alex, there are loads of controllers like this from several brands, you can use as X-fader controller..... https://www.musicstore.de/en_GB/GBP/Num ... 006566-000

I have it's predecessor, and it works. Not glorious, but it works.

Ah cool idea... maybe I'll grab one of these for now, as a quick-fix...

Can I do anything useful with the other controls on it, or are they totally superfluous, given I'll be using a Mini APC?

And will Ableton mind a few duplicate controls?

Or - best of all - are there any even simpler controllers?


Thanks!

[alexjholland]

How do mixing wheels work in Ableton?

Could I make use of those, as someone firing up breaks and guitar loops?

[alexjholland]

Akai AMX looks PERFECT.

Except... it's for Serato.

[miyaru]

only tried the x-fader. but all controls can be assigned to Ableton. what the wheels will do, I dunno.....

Ableton can handle more than one controller!

[doghouse]

Look around for an old Novation Nocturn. These go really cheap used and they have an assignable crossfader. When used with Live, the encoders are mapped to Rack macros by default.



A review from 2008 is found here.

[Morphido]

Look around for an old Novation Nocturn. These go really cheap used and they have an assignable crossfader. When used with Live, the encoders are mapped to Rack macros by default.



A review from 2008 is found here.

Do you know if it works with Ableton Live 10?
What is the controller of the list you need to select for instant mapping?

Thank you!