“Ableton Live software is a powerful, flexible environment for creating, performing, and producing music. This unique software demands an equally unique control instrument. Akai Professional and Ableton are proud to present the APC20 compact professional Ableton Live performance controller. The APC20 transforms your Ableton Live experience from constructing tracks on a computer to fluid, musical creation. The second model in the APC series, the APC20 offers a smaller footprint than the APC40, enabling musicians to more easily create a personalized setup with multiple APCs, effects controllers, and other devices.”
More information in Akai’s website

Good video!

• 29 knobs, 17 pads, 11 faders, over 20 buttons
• a built in touch screen with multi-touch functionality
• a built in Presonus Fire Box 410
• multiple video and audio outs
• a dual layer DVD burner
• memory card reader
• firewire, usb and ethernet connections
• an iPod dock
• a core 2 duo 3.0ghz processor
• 4 gigs of ram
• a 320 gig, 7200 rpm hard drive
• and a number of other features and software somehow crammed into a single 20 lb workstation measuring only 26 inches long!

Entry level price tag: $2,999. That’s a lot of money but the number of features are mind boggling. Not sure if this would be a device I would personally use myself but it sure is tempting… Scope this video and if you want to check out some more information on the D Beat, be sure to view the Open Labs website.

From Novation’s website:

“Jointly designed by Ableton and Novation, Launchpad places Ableton Live at your fingertips. Whether you’re a DJ, performing musician or studio producer, Launchpad gives you all you need to truly ‘play’ Live.”

Basically what we have here is a mass produced Monome custom tailored to Ableton Live. This device can be used as a clip launcher, step sequencer, equalizer and more. You can even chain multiple units together to gain greater control over multiple functions simultaneously. On top of that, Launchpad was designed with Max MSP (for Live) in mind and will take advantage of the amazing flexibility that upcoming extension for Ableton will offer us – that is, whenever Ableton gets around to making Max available.

Click read more to view a video and for some links with more in-depth coverage of this new device.

EDIT: We just added another, even better video after the jump. Be sure to check it out.

Online retailers such as Musician’s Friend and Guitar Center are already accepting preorders and the device has a listed retail pricing of only $199 which is a lot cheaper than we would have expected. Announced ship date is in the beginning of November. Might just have to pick one of these up.

You can find more information on Novation’s website or at the Create Digital Music blog.