Akai APC40 MKII

Quick facts: Akai · Akai APC40 MKII · MIDI controllers · €40 + VAT per unit and day · rental in Madrid and across Spain, availability on request.

About the Akai APC40 MKII

The Akai APC40 MKII is an Ableton Live controller that builds on the Akai-Ableton partnership behind the original 2009 APC40: a 5x8 RGB clip-launch grid, nine faders, sixteen 360° encoders and an assignable crossfader, with every control pre-mapped to the software. It is aimed at electronic artists, DJs performing with Live and musicians using it on stage or in the studio. Akai APC40 MKII hire in Madrid and across Spain gets you one for a specific date without having to buy it: ask us for availability and a quote.

What it is rented for

It fits electronic live sets, DJ sets run in Ableton Live, and performances or recordings by musicians working with Live, on stage or in the studio. From the controller you launch clips and scenes, adjust volumes, panning, sends and device parameters, and assign tracks to the A/B crossfader without touching the mouse. Bear in mind it only has a USB port and a footswitch input, with no MIDI DIN. If needed, it can be combined with other gear from the catalogue, such as the SSL 2+ audio interface, the Audibax Laptop Stand or the Akai MPD218 pad controller.

Key specs

• 5x8 grid of 40 RGB buttons plus 5 scene-launch buttons: shows whether a clip is loaded, playing or recording and matches the clip colours set in Live.
• 9 x 45 mm faders (8 track + master) and a 45 mm crossfader, with an A/B assign button on every track.
• 16 x 360° encoders: 8 assignable knobs in line with each channel (pan, sends or user mode) and 8 device-control knobs, plus cue and tempo knobs; the Sends button reaches 8 send buses.
• Shift opens Session Overview to jump between 8x5 blocks, and Shift + track selector sets global quantisation.
• Connections: 1 USB port (MIDI data and bus power), 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) TS footswitch input and a Kensington slot; no MIDI DIN ports.
• 42.4 x 25.4 x 4.6 cm and 1.8 kg without cable: compact format.
• Pre-mapped for Ableton Live 9.1.3 or later on Mac and PC: select it as Control Surface, Input and Output in Live's settings (MIDI/Sync tab in Live 9; Link, Tempo & MIDI in Live 12).

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to hire the Akai APC40 MKII?

The hire price is €40 excluding VAT. Send us the dates and the venue, in Madrid or anywhere in Spain, and we will confirm availability and a quote by email (info@peaksound.es) or WhatsApp.

What do I need to use it with Ableton Live?

A Mac or PC running Ableton Live 9.1.3 or later and a free USB port, which also powers the controller. Once connected, select it as Control Surface, Input and Output in Live's settings (MIDI/Sync tab in Live 9; Link, Tempo & MIDI in Live 12). It comes pre-mapped.

What is the difference between the original APC40 and the MKII?

The MKII keeps the clip-launch grid of the 2009 APC40 but moves to RGB buttons (the original was green, yellow and red), places the encoders in line with each track, reaches eight sends and adds an A/B button per track for the crossfader. It is lighter, with more plastic.