Home
... Musical Instruments
Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
MIDI
MIDI Controllers
MIDI Pad Controllers
Akai
Akai Professional APC20 Ableton Live Performance Controller

Akai Professional APC20 Ableton Live Performance Controller main image

Photo of Akai Professional APC20 Ableton Live Performance Controller and more gear

Akai Professional APC20 Ableton Live Performance Controller

^# 33

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$95.62 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (33)

4 Critic Reviews

7 Reviews

Find out who is using Akai Professional APC20

3 community setups

14 wishlisted

73 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (1)

$95.62 2 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $96

Budget/Beginner

$99

$300+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Pad Controllers category, Akai Professional APC20 Ableton Live Performance Controller is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Unleash your creativity with the Akai Professional APC20, a streamlined MIDI pad controller designed for the modern musician. Tailored for seamless integration with Ableton Live, the APC20 brings the power of performance to your fingertips with a focus on simplicity and portability. Whether you're a DJ, producer, or live performer, this controller offers an intuitive layout that makes track launching and mixing effortless.

Compact yet robust, the APC20 features an 8x5 clip-launching grid that empowers you to trigger loops and samples with precision. The fader-centric design ensures smooth transitions and dynamic control over your mix, while its plug-and-play USB connectivity means you can dive into creating right out of the box without any tedious setup.

Perfect for artists who demand versatility without sacrificing space, this controller adapts to your needs, whether you're producing in the studio or performing on stage. Its durability and lightweight construction make it an ideal companion for musicians on the move, while the pre-mapped integration with Ableton Live guarantees a hassle-free experience. If you're looking for a reliable and intuitive tool to elevate your live performances or studio sessions, the Akai Professional APC20 is your go-to controller.

Key Features:

8x5 clip-launching grid for dynamic track control
Dedicated fader section for smooth mixing
Seamless integration with Ableton Live
USB bus-powered for convenient connectivity
Compact and portable design suitable for live performances and studio use
Pre-mapped settings for immediate use with minimal configuration

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	APC20
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
Made In	United States
Categories	DJ Controllers

FAQs

Is the Akai APC20 compatible with all versions of Ableton Live?: The Akai APC20 is designed to seamlessly integrate with Ableton Live, specifically optimized for versions 8 and later. It offers plug-and-play functionality, ensuring a smooth setup process with these versions.
What are the main features of the Akai APC20 for live performance?: The Akai APC20 features a clip launch matrix, fader controls, and dedicated scene launch buttons, providing intuitive control over Ableton Live sessions during live performances.
Does the Akai APC20 require any additional drivers for operation?: The Akai APC20 is a class-compliant USB device, meaning it does not require any additional drivers for operation on most systems, facilitating easy setup.
Can the Akai APC20 be used with DAWs other than Ableton Live?: While the APC20 is optimized for Ableton Live, it can be mapped to work with other DAWs, though users may need to manually configure MIDI mappings for full functionality.
How portable is the Akai APC20 for live gigs?: The Akai APC20 is compact and lightweight, making it highly portable for live gigs and easy to transport alongside other performance gear.

Videos

Add video

AkaiProVideo

Akai Pro APC20 Ableton Live Controller: Grid, Navigation, Pan/Shift, Stop Clip Tutorial

AkaiProVideo

Akai Pro APC20 Ableton Live DJ Controller: Select Track, Activate, Solo, Pan Tutorial

AkaiProVideo

AKAI APC20 Compact Ableton LIVE Controller @ NAMM 2010

agiprodj

Akai APC20 Controller For Ableton Live Caught In The Act At NAMM (Video)

gearwire

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Ideal for live performance
Buttons have a satisfying feel
Provides direct access to features without deep menu diving
Functions well as an extension of the studio setup
Portable and interactive
Efficient for triggering clips during production
Integrates seamlessly with Ableton Live
Can be used as a control surface for DJing

CONS

Navigation buttons can be confusing

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Professional APC20 Ableton Live Performance Controller.

Software and compatibility

0 0

The APC20 comes with a limited version of Ableton Live, which lacks many virtual instruments and effects, making an upgrade worthwhile for full functionality.
Source
0 0

Users have struggled to find solutions in the MIDI remote scripts for changing MIDI channels, indicating a lack of straightforward customization options.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The APC20 is primarily for clip launching, whereas the Push offers more production capabilities and live sample manipulation, making it a better fit for extensive use.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The APC20 can be set up to trigger samples, manipulate loops, and modify effects parameters in real-time, suitable for live performances and jamming sessions.
Source

User experience

0 0

Users report that the APC40 automaps effectively, reducing manual setup time and allowing immediate use with Ableton Live.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

The APC20 and APC40 may use the same MIDI CC for volume faders, potentially causing mirroring issues that require manual MIDI channel adjustments.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The APC20's extensive MIDI channel usage can complicate integration into larger setups, leading some users to discontinue its use in complex configurations.
Source

Critic Reviews

Akai APC20

soundonsound.com

The Akai Professional APC20 is a compact, affordable controller for Ableton Live that offers solid build quality and integration. It excels in portability and basic controls but sacrifices device control and introduces multi-function faders that can be cumbersome. While it lacks certain features found in its predecessor, the APC40, it offers unique MIDI controller capabilities. Ideal as an add-on to an existing setup, the APC20 struggles with fader functionality and lacks a power-free operation, unlike Novation's Launchpad. It's a mixed bag, appealing to budget-conscious users prioritizing portability and basic functionality over comprehensive control.

neutral

Full Review

Akai APC20 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Akai Professional APC20 is a compact and budget-friendly Ableton Live controller that retains much of the functionality of its larger sibling, the APC40. It offers effective control of Live's Session View and introduces a new Notes mode. However, the Shift button system for accessing multiple functions can be cumbersome, and the device requires mains power, unlike its USB-powered competitors. While the APC20 is a solid choice for users seeking portability without sacrificing too much control, those who prefer a more intuitive layout may find it lacking. Overall, a decent option if you're willing to adapt to its quirks.

neutral

Full Review

Akai APC20 and APC40 - Review - DJ TechTools

djtechtools.com

The Akai Professional APC20 offers a robust build and seamless integration with Ableton Live, making it ideal for both novices and seasoned users. It's sturdy, road-ready, and provides an excellent return on investment. However, its reliance on an AC adapter due to numerous backlit buttons and lack of MIDI templates for non-Ableton software are drawbacks. While the absence of Note Mode in the APC40 is notable, the APC20 introduces this feature, enhancing its compact design. Overall, these controllers affordably offer powerful, rock-solid control and are best suited for Ableton Live enthusiasts.

positive

Full Review

Akai Ableton Live APC20 Controller Hands-On Review

gear-vault.com

The Akai Professional APC20 is a strong contender for Ableton Live users seeking an affordable yet effective performance controller. It offers many of the APC40's capabilities at a reduced price, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. Installation is straightforward, and the intuitive layout makes live performance a breeze. While it lacks some features of its larger sibling, such as a cross fader and footswitch inputs, it shines in expandability and solid construction. The APC20 encourages a hands-on, improvisational approach to music-making, despite minor limitations like non-velocity-sensitive pads and the need for a Shift function to access certain controls. Overall, it's a commendable addition to any Ableton setup.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 33 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

lilythewolf

6893

over 9 years ago

A great performance tool

Not much that I can say about this other than that it's great for performing. The buttons feel great to press and everything is available on the face without having to go digging (coughLaunchpadcough). If I do have a complaint, the navigation buttons are a bit confusing for me, but other than that, absolutely amazing.