Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
  • Guitars
  • Amps
  • Pedals
  • Drums
  • Synths
  • Software
  • Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Recording
  • Buyer’s guides
  • Live
  • DJ
  • Advice
  • Acoustic
  • Bass
  • About us
  • More
    • Reviews
Magazines
  • Computer Music
  • Electronic Musician
  • Future Music
  • Keyboard Magazine
  • Guitarist (opens in new tab)
  • Guitar Techniques (opens in new tab)
  • Total Guitar (opens in new tab)
  • Bass Player (opens in new tab)
More
  • 9 next-gen drum plugins
  • SampleRadar: 163 tape loops samples
  • Best free music-making software
  • Best electric guitars 2023

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Computer Music

Akai releases APC40 MkII, APC Key 25 and APC Mini

By Ben Rogerson
( Computer Music )
published 26 September 2014

Updated Ableton Live controller and new models now available

  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Learn your APCs

Learn your APCs

With all the fuss surrounding Ableton's Push, Akai's APC40 has become a slightly forgotten man among 'official' Live controllers, However, you might recall that, when it was released in 2009, it was actually the first product of its kind.

And now it's back: announced at Musikmesse 2014 and now available, the APC40 mkII is the result of five years' worth of user feedback and promises "extended functionality, countless musical capabilities, and improved workflow". It's certainly a leaner, more attractive-looking beast than its predecessor; it features a 5x8 RGB LED clip-launching matrix, an assignable A/B crossfader, eight rotary knobs, eight channel faders, and a send button for quick access to send busses.

This isn't the end of the APC relaunch story, however, as Akai has also released the all-new APC Key 25 - an Ableton Live-compatible 25-note mini keyboard with a clip matrix and assignable knobs - and the APC mini. The latter product features an 8x8 clip launching grid, eight channel faders and a master fader.

All the new APC controllers are designed to integrate seamlessly with Ableton Live and come with a copy of Live Lite in the box. They're class-compliant and can be powered over USB.

Commenting on the launches, Akai Professional Product Manager Dan Gill said: "The APC40 was the original performance controller designed for Ableton Live and has become an essential instrument for Ableton Live users. Now we are able to deliver three new APC instruments for musicians, composers, and mobile performers that allow comprehensive, hands-on control of Ableton Live in any performance or production environment."

You can find out more about each new APC model by clicking through the gallery and on the Akai Pro website. They're available now, and we'll have reviews very soon.

NEXT: Akai APC40 mkII

Page 1 of 4
Page 1 of 4
Akai APC40 mkII
$400

Akai APC40 mkII

  • 5x8 RGB LED clip matrix - launches clips with visual feedback
  • 8 channel faders, 1 master fader, and 8 device controls - map to Ableton Live directly
  • Intuitive layout - revised knob layout with in-line controls for smarter workflow
  • A/B crossfader - can be assigned on the fly for dynamic mixing
  • Send button - press and hold Send and use the Track Selects to choose one of 8 sends
  • Music production content - Toolroom artist launch packs, Prime Loops sample packs, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Technology & SONiVOX Twist
Page 2 of 4
Page 2 of 4
Akai APC Key 25
$130

Akai APC Key 25

  • Ableton Live controller with keyboard - 25 synth-action mini keys
  • Tri-color clip matrix - launches clips and multicolor lighting displays clip status
  • 8 assignable control knobs – hands-on-control of any Ableton Live parameter
  • Octave Up, Octave Down and Sustain - expands keyboard range and expression
  • Music production content - Toolroom artist launch packs, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech & SONiVOX Twist
Page 3 of 4
Page 3 of 4
Akai APC mini
$100

Akai APC mini

  • Tri-color clip matrix - 8x8 grid launches clips and multicolor lighting displays clip status
  • 8 channel faders and 1 master fader - provide hands-on-control of Ableton
  • Compact construction - portable design for mobile performers and producers
  • Music production content - Toolroom artist launch packs and Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech
Page 4 of 4
Page 4 of 4
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Ben Rogerson
Ben Rogerson
Social Links Navigation

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it. 

  1. depeche mode
    1
    How to sound like Depeche Mode using soft synths in your DAW
  2. 2
    Tony Banks on why he would have “screwed up” In The Air Tonight if Phil Collins had given it to Genesis
  3. 3
    5 songs producers need to hear by... Depeche Mode
  4. 4
    Watch Jimmy Page demo some of the most iconic guitars and amps in Led Zeppelin history
  5. 5
    John Lennon on completing Eleanor Rigby's lyrics for Paul McCartney: "It's his first verse, and the rest of the verses are basically mine"
  1. Close up of man's hands on a mandolin fretboard
    1
    Best mandolins 2023: Our top-rated mandolins for all budgets
  2. 2
    Tony Banks on why he would have “screwed up” In The Air Tonight if Phil Collins had given it to Genesis
  3. 3
    5 songs producers need to hear by... Depeche Mode
  4. 4
    MIDI’s 40th anniversary is set to be celebrated at the 2023 NAMM Show, and MIDI 2.0 is also being previewed
  5. 5
    Watch Jimmy Page demo some of the most iconic guitars and amps in Led Zeppelin history

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab).

  • About Us (opens in new tab)
  • Terms and conditions (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy policy (opens in new tab)
  • Cookies policy (opens in new tab)
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers (opens in new tab)

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.