AKAI APC 64 is an advanced USB‑C MIDI controller designed primarily for Ableton Live, but equally useful with other DAWs. Its 8×8 grid of 64 RGB, velocity‑sensitive pads with poly aftertouch, together with 8 assignable touch strips, provides expressive hands‑on control over clips, instruments, effects and the mixer for both studio work and live performance.
APC 64 combines deep DAW integration with a powerful standalone 8‑track, 32‑step step sequencer, allowing you to sequence melodies and drum patterns without a computer. With 3 MIDI ports (1 × IN, 2 × OUT) and 8 CV/Gate outputs, it can directly drive hardware synths, drum machines and modular rigs, making it a strong centerpiece for hybrid setups. A colour display with push encoder plus dedicated transport and mode buttons (Session, Note, Drum, Custom) give fast access to key functions and clear visual feedback.
KEY FEATURES
- USB‑C controller designed for Ableton Live (includes Ableton Live Lite)
- 64 RGB backlit pads in an 8×8 matrix with velocity sensitivity and poly aftertouch
- Pad modes: Note, Drum, Custom – for playing notes and chords, drum racks and custom mappings
- 8 fully assignable touch strips with LED indicators for device, mixer and FX control
- Colour display with push encoder for real‑time parameter feedback and navigation
- Standalone step sequencer: 8 tracks, up to 32 steps, up to 16‑note polyphony per track
- Creative sequencing tools: Velocity, Probability and Mutate functions, per‑track length, swing and rate
- Dedicated transport controls (Play, Stop, Record) plus Session, Scene, Track, Mute and Solo buttons
- Deep Ableton Live integration for clip launching, mixer control, sends, device macros and more
- Can also be used as a general‑purpose MIDI controller with other DAWs via custom mapping
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Pad grid: 64 RGB, velocity‑sensitive pads with poly aftertouch (8×8)
- Touch controllers: 8 LED‑equipped touch strips
- Display: colour LED/LCD screen with push encoder
- Connections: 1 × USB‑C (power + data), 1 × MIDI IN (mini‑TRS), 2 × MIDI OUT (mini‑TRS)
- CV/Gate: 8 × CV/Gate outputs for external synths and modular systems
- Operating modes: Ableton mode (DAW controller), Standalone mode (hardware sequencer)
- Power: bus‑powered via USB
- Included software: Ableton Live Lite plus approx. 1 GB of loops and samples
- Use cases: Ableton Live production, live performance, hardware sequencing and hybrid setups