Folkdisco wrote:I had a good look at the Akai APC 25, before going a different way (worlde easycontrol.9).
It's hard to argue with the number of buttons for the price. But there are important things to consider. I think some controllers save setup on the controller, and some save it on the computer. If you are plugging into a tablet or phone, you just need it to output the right data. Without delving into the manual again, it was designed specifically for Ableton, and I am not sure if it can be configured for other programs. Not saying it can't, I don't know.
Also, the APC 25 has lots of LEDs. You look at the power requirements in the manuals of different controllers, it's all a bit wooly. Stuff like "under 100ma". I think for one of these, you probably need a powered USB hub or wire, and a little power bank, because your tablet or phone will be pushed, and that's a bit too much drain off your phone battery.
Generally I think the APC 25 is not ideal to use with a mobile.
First, because it really seems that it requires quite a lot of electric power, but even more because its obviously designed for Ableton.
The problem with such controllers is (as you said) that they have a predefined mapping, which can in most cases either not be changed or if it can be changed, then only with a tedious procedure.
Manufacturers of such controllers often do not provide easy to use tools for (in this case) Ableton controllers, as they are supposed to be used with Ableton.
So for general use (also for mobile), a generic controller (not designed for a specific product) is in most cases the better choice.
Folkdisco wrote:To the developer, I know it makes sense logically to change patterns with Program Change. But this *seriously* limits the available controllers. Yes, it is possible to buy larger, more expensive controllers, but that completely defeats the point of low cost apps and small, portable form factors. Is there any chance of an option to change patterns with note or CC midi? That way, 100% of controllers and all midi keyboards would immediately be compatible. Any controller I use has to physically velcro onto the top of a guitar, so that kind of limits the options!
The short answer is: Yes, there's a good chance to get CC and Note Mappings for the pattern set (slots).
The current setup was implemented at a different time, when not that many users made use of MIDI at all on Android.
I absolutely understand your point, and fully agree. Changing patterns by Note or CC makes absolutely sense.
In the last few months, a lot of really cool portable controllers have hit the market. The
Livid Minim and the
AKAI LPD8 Wireless are just two examples... there are a lot more. Many of them only support CC or even only Note events.
Therefore it is the right time for that change.
So basically this would mean for the pattern set:
Pattern Slots (one cc mapping for all) : CC-XXX : value 0..63
Pattern Slots (one cc mapping for each) : CC-XXX: value 127
Pattern Slots (one key mapping for each) : Note
I thinks also handy would be key (Note) mappings for PLAY, STOP, RECORD, R-ARP ON/OFF, STUTTER ON/OFF, LOOP ON/OFF.
Would that fit your needs?