Description

Akai Pro APC Mini Mk2 is a compact USB MIDI controller with a 64-pad LED-backlit matrix for managing Clips and Scenes in the Ableton Live Session window. It stands out for its three additional configuration modes: Note, Smart Scale, and Drum, which allow you to comfortably play your virtual instruments during live performances or in the studio. 9 Faders, 8 for selected channels and one for the Master, enable physical control of various mixer parameters and devices (instruments and effects).

The differences between AKAI APCmini and APCmini MK2

Play loops, samples, sample and record in real time, and play virtual instruments in Ableton Live (from version 11.2.7 onwards) without needing to use a mouse. Compared to the previous version, the APC mini MK2 offers three pad configuration modes that allow you to play the selected virtual instrument in the software. It's an efficient controller that automatically adapts in Control Surface mode with your Ableton Live project, thanks to new LEDs capable of visually representing hundreds of different colors to better match those assigned to Clips. No longer just the three colors available in the previous model.

The Ableton Performance Controller (APC) series by AKAI Professional was the first line of hardware specifically designed for perfect interaction with the Ableton Live software. Controllers in this series offer immediate "Control Surface" configuration, allowing the pad matrix to dynamically adapt to the Clips in your musical project's Session window. Other physical controls, such as faders, are also automatically reassigned to what you have selected in the project or hardware: from controlling devices (i.e., audio effects loaded as inserts on tracks or parameters of virtual instruments) to controlling mixer volumes, managing pan, and sends to effects.

The 8x8 Pad matrix of APC mini MK2

64 newly designed pads to best manage Clips and Scenes in Ableton Live's Session window, with RGB LED backlighting for a perfect representation of the colors assigned to the software's Clips. Thanks to 4 dedicated buttons, you can comfortably move horizontally or vertically in your project to select tracks and the corresponding Clips to manage. From playback to recording, from single Clips to entire Scenes: play, trigger, and reproduce audio samples, loops, and MIDI clips.

The 9 faders of the APC mini MK2

4 buttons allow you to select what to control with the instrument's faders: volume, pan, send, or the parameters of the selected device. Control filters, reverbs, delays, write and record automations to give your live performances and musical productions that extra touch. In Device mode, physical controls are automatically assigned to the macro mapping of the selected effect or instrument in Ableton Live. Via the various buttons, you can also manage essential transport functions such as Solo, Mute, track arming, etc.

The DRUM mode for playing Ableton Live's DRUM RACK

Drum mode provides perfect integration with Ableton's Drum Rack, dedicating a 4x4 quadrant (16 pads) of the APC Mini to controlling the Drum Rack device, while the other pads can still be used/assigned as you wish. This allows for customized pad layouts and even more creative performances, not achievable with other controllers in the APC series.

Real-time KEY & SCALE modes

The Smart Scale View provides immediate visual feedback as you change the tonic and scale type. In this mode, the currently selected musical scale is also visible through the pads. The Note mode offers a new workflow for performances, allowing you to play perfect musical parts with Ableton Live without hitting wrong notes.

Software included with APCmini Mk2

By registering your Akai APCmini Mk2 controller on the AkaiPro.com website (click here), you can access the free promotional software included*. You will find the code to unlock a Lite version of Ableton Lite software and three free user licenses for using 3 virtual instruments from Air Music Tech: the virtual analog synthesizer Hybrid 3 (perfect for EDM, Trap, House, Techno, and modern electronic genres in general), the acoustic piano Mini Grand, and the electric piano Velvet.

Akai Pro APC mini MK2 Features

• Ableton Performance Controller
• Compatible with Ableton Live from version 11.2.7 onwards
• MIDI USB Controller Class Compliant
• No drivers needed
• Universally compatible with PC and Mac
• 8x8 Pad matrix with 64 RGB backlit pads
• 9 Assignable Faders
• Smart Scale View mode
• Note and Drum modes for playing directly from the pads
• Dedicated buttons for scene control
• 4 buttons to navigate the Clip matrix
• USB Type B port for Mac and PC computers
• Direct power from computer via USB
• 1-meter USB B to USB A cable included in the package
• Dimensions and weight: 240x210x32mm; 0.81KG

*Software provided for PC and Mac (via download):

• Ableton Live Lite Music Production Software
• Air Music Hybrid 3: virtual analog synth
• Air Music Mini Grand: acoustic piano
• Air Music Velvet: electric piano

*To get the software included with Akai Pro APCmini Mk2

Create an account and register the instrument on the AkaiPro.com website (click here)

NB: Software applications are included free of charge for promotional purposes and may change over time without notice. Algam EKO is only responsible for the hardware instrument and cannot provide technical or commercial assistance for the free accompanying software or for third-party software used with the product. For software support, consult the manual or online help of the software you are using.

Important: The use of authorization codes, i.e., the download and activation of the free software provided, voids the right of withdrawal.

NB: Akai Professional APCmini Mk2 is a controller that generates and sends MIDI messages through the USB port, useful for controlling software compatible with the universal MIDI standard. It does not have internal sounds and works exclusively by sending control messages that will be translated by your software or musical hardware into sound that will then exit through your external audio interface or integrated sound card. The instrument therefore does not have an audio output.