Akai APC64 Ableton Live MIDI Controller

The new Akai Professional APC64 is a powerful next-generation Ableton Live controller for studio and live performance.

It features 64 RGB velocity-sensitive pads with poly aftertouch, and 8 fully assignable Touch Strips for instant hands-on control of devices, pitch, modulation, and much more. APC64 also works as a standalone 32-step 8-track Step Sequencer and controller with 3 MIDI ports and 8 CV/Gate outputs to take full control of synths, drum machines, or modular rack devices.

Ableton Live Controller With Sequencer And Touchstrips

The new Akai Professional APC64 is a powerful next-generation Ableton Live controller for studio and live performance.

It features 64 RGB velocity-sensitive pads with poly aftertouch, and 8 fully assignable Touch Strips for instant hands-on control of devices, pitch, modulation, and much more. APC64 also works as a standalone 32-step 8-track Step Sequencer and controller with 3 MIDI ports and 8 CV/Gate outputs to take full control of synths, drum machines, or modular rack devices.

Enter the Matrix

APC64 features a vibrant 8x8 pad matrix of 64 velocity-sensitive RGB pads with poly aftertouch for playing chords, synth leads, Ableton Live’s Drum Racks and of course launching Clips in Session View.

Touch the Future

Add a whole new level of expression and control to your music production and live performances with 8 fully assignable Touch Strips with RGB LED indicators. Get control of Ableton Live’s devices - including Auto Filter, Delay, Reverb, Impulse, Simpler and more - right at your fingertips. Adjust macros, mixer volume, pan, and effects sends as well as writing automation.

Visual Feedback and Control

APC64 includes a smart color LED screen with a fast push encoder for real-time visual feedback of your parameters. Move around Ableton Live’s devices and mixing environments while keeping track of each parameter on the screen. APC64 also features dedicated transport control with Play, Stop, and Record for capturing your ideas along with 8 Track Mute and Solo buttons for mixing and live performance.

APC64 Hardware Overview with Taetro

Join producer/beat-maker Taetro as he walks through this revolutionary new Ableton Live controller that will change how you produce and perform music.

Standalone Step Sequencing

APC64 features an internal 32-step 8-track Step Sequencer enabling completely DAW-less control of your favorite synths. With 8 CV/Gate outputs and 3 1/8” MIDI ports, you can connect, sequence, and capture your favorite modular racks, keyboards, classic drum machines, and more. Add continuous control and expression using the 8 Touch Strips for a whole new level of performance. Apply additional creative dimensions to MIDI notes using the Probability, Velocity, and Mutate functions for further experimentation.

Powerful Production and Performance

APC64 facilitates a seamless workflow within Ableton Live; from triggering samples and loops in Ableton Live’s Drum Rack, all the way to writing expressive melodies using the Notes, Scale, and Chord modes. Use the onboard Step Sequencer to generate inventive melodic patterns that can be instantly transferred to Ableton Live using the Send To Clip function. Apply swing and quantize to your beats or use APC64 to arm and record vocal tracks directly in Ableton Live sessions.

Ableton Drum Rack/Simpler Control

APC64 features a dedicated Drum Mode allowing you to play and record beats, loops, and slices using an Ableton Live Drum Rack or Simpler device. Capture additional inspiration using the 8 Touch Strips to control Ableton Live’s FX racks during beat making and performance.

APC ACADEMY

Explore the 10-video series narrated by producer/beat-maker Taetro, who walks you through the new world of APC64.

Included Software

Ableton Live Lite 11

APC64 Includes Ableton 11 Lite for all your software music production needs in one package to produce, perform, arrange, record, edit, mix and master your music. Live Lite includes sounds, instruments, and sequencing, recording, and arranging capabilities.

Air Music Instruments/Plugins

APC64 Includes a collection of 8 professional plug-in instruments and effects so you can start producing out of the box. Included are the following plugins, Vacum Pro, Mini Grand, Velvet, DB33, Ether, Halfspeed, Vocal Tuner, Flavor.

Samples and Loops Expansion

Electronic sample and record label "Sample Tools by CR2 Records" presents a dedicated electronic expansion for APC64 filled with over 1.2 GB of cutting edge production ready samples ready to load straight into Ableton. Immerse yourself into the world of electronic dance music with APC64 Electronic Expansion.

Custom Editor Software

Create your own custom layouts with the included desktop software editor for Mac/PC to personalize and store pre-sets for quick recall in standalone.

Technical Specifications

• Display: Graphical full color LCD
• Connections
  • USB-C®
  • 8 1/8" (3.5 mm) CV/Gate
  • 2 1/8" (3.5 mm) MIDI Output
  • 1 1/8" (3.5 mm) MIDI Input
• Dimensions (width x depth x height): 10.7" x 14.6" x 1.4"
  272 x 371 x 34.5 mm
• Weight: 3.5 lbs.
  1.6 kg

  What is the Akai APC64?
A: The Akai APC64 is a 64-pad MIDI controller and standalone sequencer designed for Ableton Live and hardware setups, offering deep performance control, clip launching, and music sequencing.

  Is the APC64 good for beginners?
A: It can be used by beginners, but it’s better suited for intermediate to advanced users because:

• It has advanced features (sequencer, CV/Gate, aftertouch)
• There is a learning curve compared to simpler controllers

  Does the APC64 work without a computer?
A: Yes, partially:

• It has a standalone sequencer
• Can control external hardware (via MIDI & CV/Gate)
• For Ableton and plugins, a computer is required

  How many pads does it have?
A: It features 64 RGB velocity-sensitive pads (8×8 grid) with polyphonic aftertouch for expressive playing.

  What is polyphonic aftertouch?
A: Polyphonic aftertouch allows:

• Each pad to send independent pressure data
• More expressive control over sounds (filters, modulation, etc.)

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