1 / 7Akai Professional APC64 USB MIDI Pad Controller
The Akai Professional APC64 is a USB MIDI pad controller built around an 8×8 array of velocity-sensitive RGB pads and eight assignable touch strips. It also offers a 32-step, 8-track sequencer and CV/Gate and MIDI connections for hardware workflows, so it suits Ableton Live users and setups that combine computer-based production with external instruments.
At a glance
- The 64-pad matrix supports playing notes and chords, triggering drum racks, and launching clips in Ableton Live Session View.
- Eight assignable touch strips can control parameters such as macros, mixer levels, pan, and effects sends.
- The internal sequencer is described for operating external instruments without a computer.
- USB-C bus power and CV/Gate and MIDI connections support a mix of computer-based and hardware music production.
Reference price: $399.00
Price checked: Nov 13, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- A large 8×8 pad matrix combines velocity sensitivity, poly aftertouch, and RGB feedback.
- Eight touch strips offer hands-on control of several assignable parameters.
- The built-in 8-track, 32-step sequencer supports a stated DAW-less workflow.
- CV/Gate and MIDI connections let it control external modular and MIDI equipment.
Technical specifications
13 specifications| Brand | Akai Professional |
|---|---|
| Model | APC64 |
| Pads | 64 RGB velocity-sensitive pads with poly aftertouch |
|---|---|
| Touch strips | 8 assignable touch strips |
| Control methods listed | Touch |
| Sequencer | 32-step 8-track Step Sequencer |
| Display | Color display |
| Connection listed | USB |
|---|---|
| Power and computer connection | USB-C plug-and-play bus powered |
| CV/Gate outputs | 8x 1/8" CV/Gate outs |
| MIDI connections | 1x 1/8" MIDI in and 2x 1/8" MIDI outs |
| Software compatibility | Ableton Live 11 onwards |
| Weight listed | 1.63 kg |
|---|
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
The listing gives two different dimension formats: 27D x 37W x 3.4H centimetres and 26.97 x 37.01 x 3.4 cm; 1.63 kg. Confirm the dimensions if fit is important. Its key-count and ergonomic-keyboard fields do not clearly describe the pad controller, so do not treat them as evidence of a conventional keyboard.
What’s in the box
Included- USB cable
- User manual
- Warranty card
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Ableton Live users who want pads for clip launching, drum racks, and playing notes or chords.
- Producers seeking hands-on parameter control through assignable touch strips.
- Hardware-focused musicians who want sequencing with external CV/Gate or MIDI instruments.
Less suited to
- Buyers looking for a conventional piano-style MIDI keyboard.
- Setups that do not need Ableton Live integration or external MIDI and CV/Gate control.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
67% 67% - 4 stars
11% 11% - 3 stars
8% 8% - 2 stars
4% 4% - 1 star
10% 10%
Customer feedback describes positive impressions of value, compatibility, and convenience, while opinions are mixed on touch and velocity sensitivity, ease of use, functionality, and build quality. Those mixed points matter for a controller whose pads and touch strips are central to performance, so consider how much tactile consistency and straightforward setup matter in your workflow.
Positive themes
- Customers describe it as good value and convenient, with positive impressions of compatibility.
Mixed feedback
- Customer feedback is mixed on touch sensitivity and velocity response.
- Customer feedback is mixed on ease of use, functionality, and build quality.
Frequently asked questions
Does the APC64 have piano-style keys?
The supplied product details describe a 64-pad controller, not a conventional piano-style keyboard. A separate key-count field is inconsistent with that description, so buyers seeking piano keys should confirm the product type before ordering.
Can it control hardware without a computer?
The listing describes an internal 8-track, 32-step sequencer for DAW-less control and lists CV/Gate and MIDI connections for external equipment.
Which software compatibility is listed?
The listing states compatibility with Ableton Live 11 onwards and says Ableton Live Lite is included.
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