very bad service Akai (with apc40)

[GHOST FX]

I'm not really sure what the iPad or any other device has to do with the context of what the author is talking about. I'm pretty sure he's not looking for an alternative. I currently have two APC-40's in my studio, one I bought when it first arrived on the shelf and the other was given to me from a friend that doesn't use computers enough to use the device in his production process. Overall I did enjoy using the device to my specific "custom configured" needs.

My personal opinion on the APC-40 (and the APC-20) is that it is somewhat of a bad design in the fact that the space conservation was completely overlooked. That can be a huge issue for performers who take their equipment on the road.
The crossfader goes bad after only a year of frequent use(at least mine did). They may have realized this because they made it easy to replace that part.
The device is also extremely preparatory to Ableton, so if you're not handy with scripts or visual programming apps then the midi on this thing is going to confuse you to the point of frustration.

The Akai APC-40 in my opinion was built like a toy. Put together Somewhere in Malaysia on an assembly line, with dozens more behind it being packaged the same day yours was.
It is an overpriced plastic peripheral that was marketed towards the "bedroom producer" in the height of the EDM mainstream emergence. Your computer keyboard has more access and control over Ableton software than this device does out of box.

My opinion on your hardware issues is to probably reveal to yourself what the problem is if you don't mind to void the warranty and take a look inside. If you're getting bad service as it is that doesn't seem like much of a loss. If you enjoyed using the product it may help you to learn more about electronics for your next purchase.

If you are looking for an upgrade/alternative, your computer keyboard has more control that is preconfigured to all DAW's right out-of-box.
Most don't feel like they look professional enough when using just a computer keyboard though, so maybe save and upgrade to a NI Maschine' or a novation launchpad.

[stringtapper]

*psst*

This thread is five years old.

[H20nly]

but it was kind of cool reading LSZ's posts for nostalgia