Akai APC Mini MK2 Ableton Live Controller

Get control of Ableton Live with the APC Mini MK2, a controller with 64 RGB pads, 9 assignable faders, and deep Ableton integration for a smooth workflow.

Overview

The APC Mini Mk2 clip-launching controller for Ableton Live is the ultimate compact solution for music creation in any environment. APC Mini delivers dynamic control of your Ableton Live sessions in a powerful yet efficient footprint, perfect for creative looping, remixing, and experimenting in the studio or on the stage.

- 64 Brilliant RGB-Backlit Pads:
APC Mini features 64 RGB-backlit pads for a brilliant and precise representation of your Ableton Live session clips. Whether in the studio or on stage, the scrollable RGB-enabled pad matrix will boldly shine through. In the heart of your most creative moment, launch and activate loops, instruments, vocals, and more with confidence.

- Launch An Immersive Music-Creation Experience:
APC Mini allows you to trigger individual loops, samples, and melodies or entire Scenes for the most imaginative and inspirational music creation performances. Even with your largest projects, the 64 RGB-backlit pads across the customizable 8x8 grid accurately reflect clips from your Ableton Live Session and are always in reach for the ultimate creative experience.

- A More Powerful Ableton Experience:
Enjoy serious hands-on control for a powerfully creative Ableton Live experience. APC Mini features 9 faders to adjust volume, pan, insert effect sends and more for smooth, intuitive control of your sessions. Tweak reverbs, sweep filters, or write automation that will bring your music to life. Shape your sounds instantly using the assignable fader… read more controls.

- Precise Intuitive Control:
Create your own distinct sounds with ease. With Device Mode, the APC Mini faders are automatically mapped to the eight Macro Controls of Ableton Live's selected device. Control multiple parameters with one fader to generate totally innovative sounds. Get more hands-on control with Soft Keys for easy access to Solo, Mute, Stop and Record arm functions.

- Drum Mode for Ableton Drum Rack:
Drum Mode provides seamless integration with Ableton's Drum Rack isolating a 4x4 quadrant of the APC Mini to control Ableton, while still giving you the ability to assign the remaining pads. This allows for ultra-customized pad layouts and equally inventive and creative performancesnot achievable with any other APC controller.

- Real-Time Key and Scale Control:
The Smart Scale View provides instant visual feedback while you change keys or scale types. In this mode, the musical key currently selected is also visible across the pads to ensure you know what scale you're in. The Notes Mode delivers a fresh performance workflow, allowing you to play pitch-perfect musical parts in Ableton without playing wrong notes.

- Launch with Ableton Live Lite:
APC Mini includes Ableton Live Lite software. Start creating and making music with this powerful clip launching DAW packed with instruments, mixing effects, samples, and the ability to record and mix audio and MIDI. Ableton Live Lite offers all the tools to transform your musical ideas into exciting songs and performances.

- Elevate Your Sound with Air:
Elevate your sound with the included virtual instrument pack from award-winning sound design company AIR Music Technology. In addition to Ableton Live Lite, APC Mini also includes multiple world-class plugin instruments including Hybrid 3 a powerful polyphonic analog synth, Mini Grand -- an acoustic piano instrument, and Velvet -- a vintage electric piano instrument.

Features:

- 8x8 Pad Grid Matrix with 64 RGB-Backlit Pads
- 9 Assignable Faders
- Smart Scale View Mode
- Note and Drum Modes
- Dedicated Scene Launch Buttons
- 4 Directional Arrows to Navigate Clip Matrix
- Includes Ableton Live Lite and AIR Music Tech. Production Software (Mac/PC)

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item: Shipping Weight: 2.43 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 13 x 9 x 2 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): APCMINI2
Blemished: Shipping Weight: 2.43 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 13 x 9 x 2 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): APCMINI2

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 401-658-4032
Web: http://www.akaipro.com/support

Reviews

(1 ratings)

Submitted June 2, 2023 by ALLAN B in Tempe, AZ

"Great desktop companion for Ableton!"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I love MIDI gadgets! I’ve been looking for a desktop gizmo to launch and record Ableton clips but without all the extra features. The Push 2 was amazing, but just too much for me, and the Launchpad was great, but I wanted something a little more straightforward and compact to set on my little studio desk next to my Aurtura Minilab so I could leave the Launchkey in the other room. I’d seen a few reviews of the older APC mini and wasn’t too keen on it but the MK2 seemed to rectify most of their issues. I figured I’d take a chance since it’s so affordable. I’m really happy with it so far. I’m still relatively new to Ableton and I’m old, so I like to use the PC for most tasks. Having the APC on the desk lets me grab my guitar and quickly launch clips and scenes and start recording when I’m ready. I can’t really find anything to complain about for a $90 box. This thing can do quite a bit.

Sound
N/A - It's a MIDI controller

Features
I love that the grid matches the PC colors. It makes it easy to keep track of where I’m at. The faders are a nice touch but I don’t really use them much for what I do. The only real downside I can see is if you want to use it for finger drumming the pads are pretty small and a little spongy, but I use the pads on my keyboard for what little finger drumming I do. For working with clips they are just fine.

Ease of Use
It is very easy to get… read more up and running. Plug it in and Ableton immediately recognizes it. No drivers or software required.

Quality
I was surprised and the weight. I was expecting a cheap flimsy piece of plastic. This feels solid. The pads feel decent but again a little spongy. The faders are just OK and the other buttons seem just fine. If you put it in a little zip case I think it would survive being tossed around for gigs and shows fairly well, but it’s much better suited for home or mobile studio work.

Value
It’s a pretty full featured device for less than $100. There’s not much else in that price range that has these physical features. I’m impressed.

Manufacturer Support
I've not dealt with Akai

The Wow Factor
Not much to really go wild about except that it’s got a lot of power in an affordable little box that will fit inside a backpack pocket. Plus it looks cool :)

Musical Background:
Been playing for almost 50 years and still kicking around in local bands

Musical Style:
Rock, classic rock, prog, ccm, Electronic

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