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AKAI Unveils APC40 MkII and Rhythm Wolf Drum Machine and Bass Synth

In anticipation of the Musikmesse conference in Frankfurt later this week, AKAI has unveiled a slew of new products—including a revamped version of its classic APC40 controller and the Rhythm Wolf, "an analog drum machine and bass synthesizer module with built-in sequencing."



Described in a press release as "an authentic analog instrument that combines the coveted sounds of early electronic and hip-hop music with genuine Akai Professional workflow," the Rhythm Wolf is essentially a five-voice analog drum machine and synth featuring an onboard 32-step sequencer, six MPC-style pads, and a "Howl knob" which controls a "custom distortion circuit for additional sound design." AKAI's Rhythm Wolf will be available this summer for a street price of $199.99. AKAI's full announcement for the forthcoming unit can be read here.



In addition, AKAI has also revealed a slew of new additions to its APC line, the most notable of which is the APC40 MkII (pictured above). The new version of AKAI's popular controller appears to have streamlined the functionality of its predecessor, fitting a 5x8 RGB LED clip matrix, eight channel faders, a master fader, and eight device controls onto a sleeker, more compact surface. One major change appears to be the absence of the dedicated "Sends" section, which will now be accessed using a "Send button" that will allow users to "press and hold Send and use the Track Selects to choose one of eight sends." The unit is expected to ship this summer, retailing for around $400.




Lastly, AKAI has also revealed two other forthcoming units, the APC Key25 and the APC Mini—the full details of which can be found alongside the complete specs for AKAI's APC40 MkII here.

The Key25 looks really useful. Could be good for making things a little bit more "live" without having to invest in multiple controllers.

The new APC40 MK.II looks nice, but A) I don't think there's that much of a difference to change and B) I kind of like the extra pots as it means I can assign them to my performance effects and crap (rather than having to press and hold a button whilst I change the send FX amount).

Coupled with the fact that the original APC40 was £400 when new, I don't think I will be shelling out for it - even if it is $400 (£240ish?).

magnetron, sputtering wrote:The Key25 looks really useful. Could be good for making things a little bit more "live" without having to invest in multiple controllers.

Agreed - If I decide to expand my live set horizons I might get on this one instead.

Nice wood.

Liked that first apc 40. Shit was kind of battleship ready. These are kind of chinese looking for lack of a better word.

But that fucking analog sequencing drum machine for $199. Are you fucking kidding?

I haven't had an OUNCE of gear lust for a long time, like a really long time, but that has DEFINITELY lit a fire. Like sell your shoelaces kind of fire. If it isn't dook, I'm defo selling... microsampler.

nowaysj wrote:But that fucking analog sequencing drum machine for $199. Are you fucking kidding?

I haven't had an OUNCE of gear lust for a long time, like a really long time, but that has DEFINITELY lit a fire. Like sell your shoelaces kind of fire. If it isn't dook, I'm defo selling... microsampler.

Are we assuming this is a real drum machine and not a digital ripoff thing like the new Rolands?

wub wrote:authentic analog instrument

Roland was like:

cheap digital rebranding of 40 year old glory

That drum machine looks dope, and I like the new look of the apc40 but I use mine way more as a production tool than performance (although I do mess with it sometimes for performance stuff) and it doesn't have some of the buttons on it that the original does like rec. quantize or midi overdub. And those little things make my workflow a lot faster. But maybe with push having just been released they have integrated some more musical features in it like being able to play instruments and stuff with it. I'd probably check it out then.

like the look of the new Apc40, The drum machine looks interesting but I still wonder why Akai doesn't want to make a new mpc.

What do people use those controllers with 100 of the same buttons for?
Clip launching I guess?

Is of nu use to me, would like to try that Rhythm Wolf though.

I think I feel obliged to at least check something that is an analogue drum machine and called a Rhythm Wolf...

Hex047 wrote:like the look of the new Apc40, The drum machine looks interesting but I still wonder why Akai doesn't want to make a new mpc.

Its probably because they are still trying to market/sell the MPC Renaissance. Not to mention...Korg bailed on the Electribes for the Volcas. Can't blame Akai for jumping onto the nu-analog craze as well. They will sell way more of those 200 dollar Wolf boxes than they would a redesigned 1K MPC. They probably don't think they can sell them would be my guess.

Its a rough market. For someone like Akai I imagine their bread and butter is always going to be selling entry level units to 14-25 year old males. Which is a tricky market, many of them have almost 100% disposable incomes, but that income is very low. So, are they going to buy the 1K new MPC or the 200 dollar ANALOG drum machine with ANALOG BASS SYNTH ;p ?

I mean, look at most of the gear threads around here. No one ever wants to spend more than a couple hundo on anything and typically people don't entertain the idea of having to save up. Half of Akai's market probably don't even own the software they use.