Post
by agent314 » Fri Apr 09, 2010 6:30 pm
I've had the APC for about a month and got the LP yesterday, and between the two, the APC's workflow is SO much quicker and more responsive than the LP that it's kind of hard to compare.
I'm happy to have both, because the APC having 5 scenes is just slightly too few to be ideal, but the LP's non-clip-launching functions (mixer/pan, arming/soloing, track selection) all leave a LOT to be desired in terms of performance and response. Changing between Session/Mixer/User modes is too slow to be useful in realtime the way I've been using the APC. Plus, no dedicated tempo/tap/transport features really limit it in a lot of ways that I didn't expect it to be.
What I really want is an APC64, an APC40 with 64 triggers and maybe a couple more sends or some assignable quick-change buttons to jump back to a certain device/instrument/etc. along with drum-rack-enabled pads a la the 20 and LP.
I love the APC, and so far the LP is great for how I'm using it - but if I wanted to do with the LP what I'm doing with the APC, I would be sorely disappointed. The separate faders/rotaries (which, as stated before, are fantastic, btw) are huge, and while the LP can physically DO it, the workflow for it just isn't as smooth as I would want it to be.
Between the two, they're both awesome in their respective spheres, and they work great in tandem with each other (esp. using the APC to cue/record/launch patterns, and playing them in via the LP), but I think the APC's balance is better overall.
Not being able to toss it in my bag and have it be USB powered does suck though - the LP's got that going for it, which is actually bigger a selling point than I thought it would be.