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Akai Professional APC40 MKII

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$299.00 to $329.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (96)

3 Critic Reviews

11 Reviews

All time low price

Find out who is using Akai APC40 MKII

8 community setups

75 wishlisted

246 saved

Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated July 7, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (10)

$349.00 $299.00 $50.00 · All time low

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4.0 (8)

$349.00 $299.00 $50.00 · All time low

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4.8 (857)

$299.00 New

$260.13 Used (Very Good)

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5.0 (10)

$299.00 19 available New

$275.00 9 available Used

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4.0 (5)

$349.00 $299.00 $50.00 · All time low

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5.0 (3)

$299.00

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4.9 (13)

$349.00 $299.00 $50.00 · All time low

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4.7 (289)

$339.00 $329.00 $10.00 · All time low

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£350.00

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Average Price: $300

High-end/Boutique

$99

$300+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Pad Controllers category, Akai Professional APC40 MKII is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Akai Professional APC40 MKII". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Akai Professional APC40 MKII, a music controller that takes your creative process to a whole new level. Crafted from the essence of five years of user feedback, this device is a reimagined successor of the original APC40, showcasing a sleek design and several enhancements tailored to meet the needs of the modern musician.

The APC40 MKII features a 5x8 RGB clip-launching grid that not only facilitates the creation of your music from scratch but also offers the ability to perform it. With 40 responsive triggers, this device provides visual feedback via three clip statuses (loaded, playing, and recording), allowing you to perform with minimal reliance on your computer. Color code your clips with the RGB lighting, and use the shift button and directional arrows to manipulate the scope of the grid.

The APC40 MKII is designed for seamless integration with Ableton Live, offering an instant performance and production setup. Its hardware controls perfectly correspond with Ableton Live's interface, meaning no additional configuration is required. And when it comes to customization, all of the APC40 MKII's controls can be re-assigned on the fly to suit your performance or production style. It's powered over USB and supports plug-and-play connectivity, making it perfect for use in the studio, on stage, or anywhere else you want to make music.

Key Features:

Provides hands-on control of Ableton Live
Seamlessly integrates 1 to 1 with Ableton Live
5x8 clip-launch matrix with RGB feedback for clip status and color coding
9 channel faders, 8 control knobs, and 8 device controls interface with Ableton Live
USB-powered and plug-and-play connectivity for Mac and PC
Sends button for quick access to 8 send buses
Assignable A/B crossfader for dynamic mixing on the fly
Shift button and directional arrows manipulate the scope of the grid
Revised knob layout with in-line controls for streamlined workflow
Production package included: Ableton Live Lite with Puremagnetik Effect Racks, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist, Prime Loops sample packs, and Toolroom Records artist launch packs (downloads)

Owner's manual

Akai Professional APC40 MKII User Manual

Product specs

Pads	40
Encoders/Pots	18
Faders	8 x Channel Faders, 1 x Master Fader
MIDI I/O	USB
Pedal Inputs	1 x 1/4"
USB	1 x Type B
Hardware Requirements - Mac	Intel Processor, 2GB RAM minimum
Hardware Requirements - PC	Multicore Processor, 2GB RAM minimum, ASIO compatible
OS Requirements - Mac	OS X 10.8 or later
OS Requirements - PC	Windows 7 SP1 or later
Power Supply	USB bus powered
Height	1.8"
Width	16.7"
Depth	10"
Weight	3.97 lbs.

FAQs

Is the Akai Professional APC40 MKII compatible with Ableton Live?: Yes, the Akai Professional APC40 MKII is specifically designed for seamless integration with Ableton Live, making it an ideal choice for live performance and production.
Does the APC40 MKII require an external power supply?: No, the APC40 MKII is USB bus powered, meaning it draws power directly from your computer via the USB connection.
How many pads does the Akai Professional APC40 MKII have?: The APC40 MKII features a 5x8 clip-launch matrix, providing a total of 40 pads for triggering clips and samples.
Can the APC40 MKII be used with DAWs other than Ableton Live?: While the APC40 MKII is optimized for Ableton Live, it can be mapped to work with other DAWs, although some features may require manual configuration.
What are the system requirements for using the APC40 MKII with a Mac?: The APC40 MKII requires a Mac with an Intel processor, at least 2GB of RAM, and OS X 10.8 or later.
Does the APC40 MKII have any pedal inputs?: Yes, the APC40 MKII includes one 1/4" pedal input for additional control options.

Videos

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Doctor Mix

The Akai APC40 Mk2 In Action

Doctor Mix

Akai Pro APC40 mkII Performance featuring Carl Rag

AkaiProVideo

Akai Professional APC40 mkII - Demo, Features, and Operation in Ableton Live

AkaiProVideo

The all-new APC40 mkII | Akai Professional

AkaiProVideo

Comparison: Ableton Push vs Akai APC40 MKII - Which one is best for you?

SoundsAndGear

Akai APC40 MKII Control Surface Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Akai Professional APC40 mkII Review of New Features

AkaiProVideo

Akai APC40 MKII Ableton Live Controller Review - SoundsAndGear.com

SoundsAndGear

A Really Quick Guide To Using The Akai APC40 MkII

Tony Tyson

APC-40 MK2 // STILL the Best Ableton Live Controller ?

Liam Killen

Alex Fain - 66 min Live - Deep House - Apc40 MKII

Alex Fain

Reviews

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PROS

Seamless integration with Ableton Live enhances creativity and workflow
Portable and USB powered, convenient for mobile setups
Versatile for live performances and studio production alike
Compatible with third-party plugins and software
Affordable compared to similar controllers
Durable build quality, feels solid and reliable
Intuitive layout with smooth faders and knobs for precise control
Enhances live looping and DJ setups with ease
Offers hands-on control over mixing and effects without needing a mouse
Complements other MIDI controllers for expanded functionality

CONS

Some users may find the pads not optimal for finger drumming
Faders wear out with heavy use, requiring replacements
Lacks a built-in screen for visual feedback
Not designed with velocity-sensitive pads for dynamic performances
Missing sequencing functions and scale mode for more advanced control

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Professional APC40 MKII.

User experience

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Owners report issues with the hard keys becoming unresponsive unless manually adjusted, indicating potential durability concerns over extended use.
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Owners report that while the APC40 MKII is highly suitable for DJ and VJ applications, the discontinuation has led to inflated second-hand market prices, sometimes exceeding $650.
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Some owners integrate the APC40 MKII with a MIDI Fighter Twister for additional knob control, enhancing their setup for complex live performances.
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Users report that while the MKII's pads are suitable for clip launching, they lack velocity sensitivity, limiting their use in live rhythmic playing.
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Value and pricing

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The APC40 MKII's price has surged in the second-hand market due to discontinuation, with listings as high as $650, prompting some to consider custom alternatives.
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Use cases and applications

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The APC40 MKII is particularly favored by VJs for its versatile control layout, combining faders, knobs, and buttons effectively for live video performances.
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Owners use the APC40 MKII for DJing, looping, and producing, appreciating its versatility across different tasks.
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Comparisons

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Yaeltex custom MIDI controllers offer higher build quality than the APC40 MKII and allow for personalized configurations, albeit at a higher price point.
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Some users prefer the APC40 MKII's hands-on fader control for mixing over the Push 2, citing its effectiveness in live settings despite Push's advanced studio features.
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The APC40 MKII faders, while not motorized, are compared to Behringer's BCF2000, highlighting a desire for more advanced control features.
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Build quality

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The internal ribbon cables in the APC40 MKII can be fragile, potentially causing issues with controls that can be resolved by reseating the cables.
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Features and functionality

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The APC40 MKII's unique combination of faders and buttons is ideal for VJing, offering extensive control over clips, effect transitions, and cue points in one package.
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The APC40 MKII features rectangular, multi-colored pads that reflect Ableton's clip colors, aiding in navigation beyond the 8x5 grid.
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The APC40 MKII's crossfader can become unreliable with heavy use, particularly for precise operations like live sound design, where smoother, more sensitive faders are preferred.
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The knobs have been relocated in the MKII model to a single 2x4 bank on the right side, with an additional row of 8 across the top.
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The MKII model eliminates the need for an external power adapter, streamlining setup and reducing cable clutter.
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Software and compatibility

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The APC40 MKII maintains strong integration with Ableton Live, making it an ideal choice for users focused on clip launching and live performance rather than composition.
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Critic Reviews

REVIEW: AKAI APC40 MKII Controller – DJWORX

djworx.com

The Akai APC40 MKII brings thoughtful improvements over its predecessor, making it a robust choice for live performance enthusiasts. While it may lack groundbreaking new features, its refined design and enhanced functionality, such as the improved button grid and relocated encoders, address past grievances. The controller is lighter, more portable, and boasts better durability despite its plastic build. However, it still misses out on features like motorized faders and velocity-sensitive pads. Overall, the APC40 MKII is a practical upgrade that enhances user experience without revolutionizing the controller landscape.

positive

Full Review

Akai APC40 MkII

soundonsound.com

The Akai Professional APC40 MKII is a well-executed update to its predecessor, offering a more compact and lightweight design with improved knob layout and full-color pads for better visual feedback in Ableton Live. However, the shift to cheaper materials compromises its build quality, and it retains only five rows of launch buttons. While not programmable, it remains the most direct hardware representation of Live’s Session View, making it a strong choice for live performance and arrangement. Despite facing stiff competition, it stands out with its faders, rotaries, and crossfader integration.

positive

Full Review

Akai APC40 mkII review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Akai Professional APC40 MKII is a sleek update to a classic Ableton Live controller, retaining its gig-ready essence with a refreshed look and improved functionality. The addition of RGB LEDs enhances usability by displaying clip colors, crucial for performance settings. While the non-velocity-sensitive buttons might deter some, the overall reorganized layout and features make it a robust choice for clip launching and control. Despite some cosmetic over function updates, it remains a performer’s ally. If clip launching is your focus, the APC40 MKII is worth considering.

positive

Full Review