Akai Professional APC Mini Mk 2 Performance Controller for Ableton Live

Miniature Module, True APC Spirit

Bringing full Ableton Live control to a pint-sized performance powerhouse, We as production pros are singing the praises of Akai’s APC Mini Mk2. Like its predecessor, an 8-inch x 8-inch matrix occupies most of the control surface, with each of its 64 RGB-backlit buttons vividly representing your active on-screen session. Nine multi-function sliders adorn the bottom quadrant, fully assignable for pan, mix, FX functions, and more. Scene launch buttons are found along the right-hand side, while navigation and utility functions can be managed with the lower row. Flexible playback modes are accompanied by the included Ableton Live Lite software, as well as several plug-ins from renowned AIR Music Technology.

Performance-minded workflow

With the APC Mini Mk2, increased button sizes of the main grid not only provide greater visual feedback, but augment the performance space to accommodate a variety of groovebox-adjacent methods. Redesigning the surrounding buttons to be polygonal in shape, and aligning their labels to be on-axis, visual clutter is drastically reduced, allowing you to focus on what matters. Each slider is individually assignable, with a satisfying tactility that feels sturdy, yet balanced, letting you dial in your parameters with ease.

Accomodating functionality

Soft keys and dedicated shift functions enable seamless navigation through menus, modes, and sonics, all without leaving your APC Mini Mk2. Musicians of all creeds will appreciate the APC Mini’s accommodating playback options. Drum Mode is designed to work specifically alongside Ableton Live’s Drum Rack, letting you blend the beat-smith approach of a classic 4x4 quadrant while leaving the remaining pads assignable to any other function, sample, or instrument in your session. With the Smart Scale View, real-time visual feedback displays as you navigate keys and scales. Notes Mode serves up a new approach to performance, delivering key-synchronized musical parts that are played across the pads, ensuring you’re never out of tune.