Akai Professional APC40 MKII USB MIDI Pad Controller

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Product guide

Akai Professional APC40 MKII USB MIDI Pad Controller

Akai Professional APC40 MKII is a USB MIDI pad controller built around a 5×8 RGB clip-launching grid, faders and knobs for hands-on Ableton Live control. Its pre-mapped layout and USB power suit clip-based performance and production, while the listed dimensions conflict and should be confirmed before planning a fixed setup.

At a glance

A 5×8 RGB grid provides 40 clip triggers with colour feedback for clip status.
Nine channel faders, eight channel control knobs and eight device controls provide direct access to mapped software parameters.
The A/B crossfader is assignable for DJ-style mixing, and the listing says controls can be reassigned.
The listing describes USB-powered setup for Mac and PC and pre-mapping for Ableton Live v9.1.3 or later.

Price

$429.00Save 14%

Reference price: ~~$499.00~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Often bought together

co2CREA Hard Travel Case for Akai APC40 MKII Ableton Performance Controller | Organized Interior, Shock-Absorbing Foam Interior, Carrying Handle, Travel Storage Bag

$89.03

Pros and cons

Pros

The clip grid, faders, knobs and crossfader bring several Ableton controls onto one surface for performance and production.
RGB feedback is described as showing loaded, playing and recording clip states.
USB power avoids a separate power connection according to the listing.
Ableton Live Lite and additional software downloads are listed as part of the package.

Technical specifications

17 specifications

Identity
Brand	Akai Professional
Model	APC40MKII
Instrument	MIDI controller for Ableton Live
Supported software	Ableton Live
Compatible devices	Devices with USB connectivity and Mac or PC platforms

Connectivity and controls
Connection	USB
USB interface	USB 2.0 Type B
USB port count	1
Control methods listed	App
Control layout	5x8 clip-launching grid, assignable faders, knobs, reinforced fader design, revised knob lay out, assignable A/B crossfader
Listed features	Ableton Optimised, RGB Clip Grid, Performance Mixer, 9 Faders, USB Powered, Compact Design

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions	25.3D x 42.3W x 3H centimetres
Weight	1.8 kg
Material	Durable High-Grade Plastic
Power	USB-powered plug-and-play connectivity for Mac and PC

Other details
Platform	Macintosh, Windows
Model year	2014

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The listed dimensions conflict: one entry gives 25.3D x 42.3W x 3H centimetres, while another gives 25.3 x 42.37 x 4.57 cm; confirm the applicable dimensions if desk fit matters. The listed control methods also say “App,” while the described operation is through physical buttons, faders and knobs, so the app-control entry is unconfirmed. The USB port count is listed as one, but the connection is also called a USB 2.0 Type B interface. Confirm any detail that affects your setup.

What’s in the box

Included

APC40 mkII USB cable
Ableton Live Lite download
User guide
Software download card
Safety and warranty manual

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Ableton Live users who want clip launching and mixer or device controls directly on a hardware surface.
Performers and producers who benefit from a colour-coded clip grid and assignable controls.
Users seeking a USB-powered MIDI controller for Mac or Windows.

Less suited to

Buyers who need a keyboard-style MIDI controller, since the described controls are pads, faders, knobs and buttons.
Anyone whose setup depends on precise dimensions without first confirming which listed measurements apply.
Users who require a controller for software other than Ableton Live without checking mapping and compatibility first.

Akai Professional APC40 MKII USB MIDI Pad Controller · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.7 / 5 · 865 ratings

5 stars87%87%
4 stars7%7%
3 stars3%3%
2 stars1%1%
1 star2%2%

Customer feedback highlights easy setup, intuitive use and a positive experience with Ableton integration, functionality, build quality and perceived value. Design opinions are mixed. These are reported impressions rather than proof of performance. The reported ease of use and Ableton fit are especially relevant to buyers considering the listed clip grid and pre-mapped controls, while the mixed design response makes personal layout preference worth considering.

Positive themes

Customers describe Ableton integration and setup as straightforward.
Customers report intuitive operation and broad functionality.
Customers speak positively about build quality and perceived value.

Mixed feedback

Customer opinions about the design are mixed.

Frequently asked questions

What does the APC40 MKII control?

The listing describes a 5×8 clip-launching grid, nine channel faders, eight channel control knobs, eight device controls and an assignable A/B crossfader. It is presented as a controller for Ableton Live.

Does it include software?

The listed contents include Ableton Live Lite as a download. The feature text also names Puremagnetik Effect Racks, Hybrid 3 and TubeSynth, Prime Loops sample packs and Toolroom Records artist launch packs as downloads.

Is it powered over USB?

Yes. The listing describes it as USB-powered and gives a USB 2.0 Type B interface. Confirm the connection details against your computer and cabling needs.

Which dimensions should I use for a desk or case?

The supplied listing gives two different dimension values. One is 25.3D x 42.3W x 3H centimetres and another is 25.3 x 42.37 x 4.57 cm. Confirm the correct dimensions before relying on a fit.