With the APC mini MK2, AKAI presents the second generation of its renowned APC controller, which was specially developed for the Ableton DAW and initially launched back in 2009. This completely redesigned model boasts an 8x8 clip matrix for launching clips, scenes, and loops alongside nine faders and several buttons for controlling the Ableton Live parameters as well as four fader control buttons that are now located to the left of the arrow buttons for navigating and changing the clip matrix. As a compact pad controller that comes without a keyboard, the APC mini MK2 features not only a Note mode that allows the pad matrix to be used as a chromatic keyboard with adjustable scale and octaves but also a brand new Drum mode that offers seamless integration with Ableton’s Drum Rack for creative beat making. Additionally, this controller provides visual feedback via the clip matrix so users can focus on music production without having to look at the computer.
The AKAI APC mini MK2 features no less than nine faders: A master fader as well as eight programmable faders for controlling the 64 pads, volume level, panning positions, sends, and eight devices in Ableton Live as soon as one of the four modes has been activated via the corresponding buttons below the clip matrix. This new generation of pad controllers is more versatile than ever – the pads can not only be used to play notes in the Note mode but also to create beats via Ableton’s Drum Rack thanks to the new Drum mode. The corresponding mode buttons are located to the right of the grid, alongside eight soft keys that allow users to select, stop, mute, and solo tracks, activate record-arm for subsequent recording, or simply stop all clips at once.
The APC mini MK2 is the ideal tool for DJs and producers of electronic music who are looking for an intuitive launchpad controller for Ableton that allows them to launch clips and scenes, pan tracks, make volume adjustments, insert effect sends, and control devices in Ableton Live. This controller features a clear and simple layout that is extremely easy to use, even for newcomers to the field of music production, and fits on any studio desk thanks to its compact dimensions of just 24x21cm. What is more, the class-compliant APC mini MK2 does not require any drivers and comes with the Ableton Live Lite software so users can simply plug it in and kick off their music production in the blink of an eye. With its red side panels, this second-generation APC mini now matches the design of AKAI’s MPK Mini Mk3.
Akai Professional has its origins in the long-established Japanese company Akai, founded in 1929, which initially manufactured electric motors, soon to be followed by high-quality tape recorders and hi-fi products. Since 1988, Akai has also become a household name like no other on the Hip-Hop scene. With the development of its first MIDI Production Centre (MPC for short), created in collaboration with Roger Linn, Akai wrote history by decisively influencing the sound of hip-hop and electronic music, which it continues to do to this very day. Famous exponents of the MPC series include DJ Shadow, Eminem, and Kanye West. Today, Akai is also well known for its robust and versatile USB MIDI controllers, not least of which is the bulletproof APC range of Ableton controllers.
The APC mini MK2 is remarkably easy to use: After connecting it to a computer via the USB-C cable (included in the scope of delivery) and starting the Ableton Live software, all controller buttons are automatically assigned their functions in the DAW. The multi-colour grid with RGB-backlit pads provides instant visual feedback about the settings and the clip status, i.e. whether a clip has been loaded, launched, or is being recorded. Users who require a more compact and reduced clip matrix for clip launching can use the Shift and arrow buttons to change the grid size according to their needs. Thanks to its compact size, high versatility, and excellent ease of use, the APC mini MK2 will come into its own in a wide range of settings – at DJ sets in clubs, in home studio productions, or at schools that specialise in teaching music production with Ableton Live.