I have used the first APC40 mk1 for almost a year now which cost almost $300 after tax at my local music store. This new device has 90% of the functionality while only taking up about 1/3rd of the space of the APC40 on my workstation. I barely use the old APC40 now.
The sleek design looks great with my setup and the backlights for the pads are much brighter and full than the APC40 mk1. No need for a power cable, just plug right into any usb. The faders feel sturdy and have good resistance when being moved, plus they're indented in which helps if you need to keep this APC Mini on the go. Just pop it in the same bag with your laptop. The pads feel great and are a good size, plus the 8x8 grid on the $99 APC Mini is larger than the $399 APC40 MkII's 8x5 grid. It baffles my mind that Akai didn't upgrade the grid on the new APC40...
If you're worried about the shift button being a nuisance or hindrance to your creative flow, don't fret. Just like anyone that used the APC20, it becomes second nature navigating Ableton with this new controller, plus the small size makes it soo much easier to control even with one hand when using the Shift button to fly around Ableton Live. Many times I play guitar while controlling Live with the APC Mini and the convenient small size helps so much for quick changes during a performance.
There are a few simple draw backs compared to the apc40, but for 1/4th of the price of the new APC40 MkII (when it was released / when this review was written) there is no need to complain. The APC Mini only works with Live 9.1.3, any earlier version and you're just SOL. You will need to remember where faders were located when shifting back and forth between volume and device control (the same issue was with the APC20). Though a good thing is the device doesn't change the volume level in Ableton when you switch back from controlling a device until you move the fader a good amount. Also it's just a three color grid like the old APCs, unlike the new multi-colored grid on the Mk II. Another drawback is that the arrow keys only move by a single track, but give the Ableton faithful a few months to get their hands on this device and custom scripts will be available for the APC Mini and APC Key 25 just like the first APC40 and APC20 has now. Also the pads are not velocity sensitive, but no APC has that functionality.
I combine the APC Mini with a Korg NanoKontrol2 and I have all the functionality I need.
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Introducing MPC Beats
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From the manufacturer
Portable Control
The Power of Clips
Critical Mix Control
Seamless Integration
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Ableton Live LiteAbleton Live Lite delivers much of the functionality of Ableton Live and lets you spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit your musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. Live brings your acoustic, electronic and virtual instruments as well as your digital audio recordings and MIDI sequences together in a single interface with unparalleled ease of use. |
Hybrid 3.0Hybrid 3.0 is the next generation in synthesis. This high-definition virtual synthesizer combines the coveted warmth of analogue synths with a full range of digital manipulation capabilities. The result is the best of both worlds a virtual instrument with a comprehensive set of adjustable parameters that can sound like a synth you remember or something no one has ever heard before. |
Toolroom Artist Launch PacksToolroom Records artist launch packs bring you the coveted sounds of electronic music with a premium collection of sample packs, produced exclusively for Akai Professional from one of the world’s dance record labels. Including expertly curated instrumental loops, drumkits and one-shot samples. |
From the brand
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With 5 decades of experience, Akai Professional continues to empower music creators with the innovative technology needed to make inspiring music.
The Akai Professional MIDI Production Center (MPC) pattern-based devices revolutionized music creation around the world. Now alongside the next generation of standalone MPC, we lead the way with world-class hardware controllers, software DAWs, plugin instruments, and insert effects products.
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Compare with similar items
This Item  AKAI Professional APC Mini | Portable USB MIDI Controller For Ableton Live With 64-Clip Buttons and MIDI Mixer for Music Production and Performance |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | $59.00 | $89.00 | -24% $74.99 List: $98.99 | -5% $94.99 List: $99.99 | $99.00 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| For beginners | ||||||
| Portability | ||||||
| Quality of material | ||||||
| Easy to use | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | DonnerDirect | Synido | Amazon.com |
| number of keys | 64 | — | — | 25 | — | 25 |
| hardware interface | usb | usb | usb | usb | usb c | usb |
| connectivity tech | USB | USB | USB | USB | Fast Type C | USB |
| model year | 2020 | 2022 | 2023 | — | 2023 | 2023 |
| weight | 1.65 pounds | 0.86 pounds | 810 grams | — | — | 900 grams |
Reviews with images
Great board!!!
I have attached a line drawing of the actual board to write on and have being there is little to no room to label buttons.
Top reviews from other countries
Christopher Schneising
Perfekter kleiner Helfer auch für die Lichtsteuerungen
Reviewed in Germany on January 22, 2021
Christopher Schneising
Reviewed in Germany on January 22, 2021
Images in this review
Leonard M. Reidy
Best purchase I've made on Amazon
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2020Damiano
Controller Ableton economico ma perfetto per principianti
Reviewed in Italy on April 9, 2020
Sandro D
BEST value and controller I found, great seller and fast shipping.
Reviewed in Canada on January 14, 2018