Tags: MIDI pad controller

Notes: The next generation of Ableton Live controller from Akai, the APC64 is designed for seamless integration with the software, or as a standalone step sequencer and controller. The 64 velocity sensitive pads handle playing, recording, clip launching, sequencing and much more, while eight assignable touch strips offer extensive hands-on control.

Supplier's notes:

APC64; Next generation Ableton live controller.

Touch the future

Leap into a new world of musical possibility in the studio, on stage, and anywhere creativity leads you with the powerful APC64.

Ableton live controller; with sequencer and touchstrips

The new Akai Professional APC64 is a powerful next-generation Ableton Live controller for studio and live performance.

It features 64 RGB velocity-sensitive pads with poly aftertouch, and 8 fully assignable Touch Strips for instant hands-on control of devices, pitch, modulation, and much more. APC64 also works as a standalone 32-step 8-track Step Sequencer and controller with 3 MIDI ports and 8 CV/Gate outputs to take full control of synths, drum machines, or modular rack devices.

In-depth control of Ableton Live

Enter the matrix

APC64 features a vibrant 8x8 pad matrix of 64 velocity-sensitive RGB pads with poly aftertouch for playing chords, synth leads, Ableton Live's Drum Racks and of course launching Clips in Session View.

Touch the future

Add a whole new level of expression and control to your music production and live performances with 8 fully assignable Touch Strips with RGB LED indicators. Get control of Ableton Live's devices - including Auto Filter, Delay, Reverb, Impulse, Simpler and more - right at your fingertips. Adjust macros, mixer volume, pan, and effects sends as well as writing automation.

Visual feedback and control

APC64 includes a smart colour LED screen with a fast push encoder for real-time visual feedback of your parameters. Move around Ableton Live's devices and mixing environments while keeping track of each parameter on the screen. APC64 also features dedicated transport control with Play, Stop, and Record for capturing your ideas along with 8 Track Mute and Solo buttons for mixing and live performance.

Standalone step sequencing

APC64 features an internal 32-step 8-track Step Sequencer enabling completely DAW-less control of your favourite synths. With 8 CV/Gate outputs and 3 1/8" MIDI ports, you can connect, sequence, and capture your favourite modular racks, keyboards, classic drum machines, and more. Add continuous control and expression using the 8 Touch Strips for a whole new level of performance. Apply additional creative dimensions to MIDI notes using the Probability, Velocity, and Mutate functions for further experimentation.

Powerful production and performance

APC64 facilitates a seamless workflow within Ableton Live; from triggering samples and loops in Ableton Live's Drum Rack, all the way to writing expressive melodies using the Notes, Scale, and Chord modes. Use the onboard Step Sequencer to generate inventive melodic patterns that can be instantly transferred to Ableton Live using the Send To Clip function. Apply swing and quantize to your beats or use APC64 to arm and record vocal tracks directly in Ableton Live sessions.

Ableton drum rack/simpler control

APC64 features a dedicated Drum Mode allowing you to play and record beats, loops, and slices using an Ableton Live Drum Rack or Simpler device. Capture additional inspiration using the 8 Touch Strips to control Ableton Live's FX racks during beat making and performance.

Included software bundle

Ableton Live Lite 11

APC64 Includes Ableton 11 Lite for all your software music production needs in one package to produce, perform, arrange, record, edit, mix and master your music. Live Lite includes sounds, instruments, and sequencing, recording, and arranging capabilities.

Air music instruments/plugins

APC64 Includes a collection of professional plug-in instruments and effects so you can start producing out of the box. Included are the following plugins: TubeSynth, Electric, Ether, Halfspeed, Vocal Tuner, Flavor, and the Sonivox Essential Keyboard Collection.

Custom editor software

Create your own custom layouts with the included desktop software editor for Mac/PC to personalize and store pre-sets for quick recall in standalone.

Key specs

Display
Graphical full colour LCD
Connections: USB-C, 8x 1/8" (3.5 mm) CV/Gate, 2x 1/8" (3.5 mm) MIDI Output, 1x 1/8" (3.5 mm) MIDI Input
Dimensions (width x depth x height): 10.7" x 14.6" x 1.4" 272 x 371 x 34.5 mm
Weight: 3.5 lb/1.6 kg

Notes: The best buttons in a professional MIDI controller
High performance MIDI controller
Designed to stand up to rigors of touring artists
Full colour configurable arcade buttons
Limited editions available with rare button colours/types
Built on the familiar format of DJ TechTools' legendary Midi Fighter line, the Spectra is back! It has full-colour ring lighting, six side-mounted, configurable function buttons, and support for all software that supports MIDI including Traktor, Ableton, Serato and more. These are the best buttons in the world.

*** Midi Fighter Utility Update- 2.90 (July 2024) ***

A new version of the Midi Fighter Utility is now available! DJ Tech Tools focused this release on implementing some community feedback and fixing the connectivity issues that disabled online firmware updates in the past. Be aware that since 2.85 and previous releases can't go online you won't be notified via the app that an update is available. Future firmware and utility updates will work fine moving forward.

In order to use this software plug in your Midi Fighter directly to your computer via USB (DO NOT USE A USB HUB) and follow the onscreen instructions in the utility. You'll be prompted to update your firmware as new firmware updates are available. If no new firmware updates are available, it's time to use!

Release Notes (2.90)

Fixed server connectivity issues
Fixed factory firmware flashing (Windows)
Fixed invisible options in drop down menus
Replaced Checkboxes with toggle switches
Fixed naming inconsistencies between "Midifighter" and "Midi Fighter"
Fixed model and firmware text scaling (Windows)
Improved text scaling for better visibility on large screens
General design update for an improve experience in low light
Increased log window width for improved readability
Updated app icon
Updated flashing status icons
Updated Midi Fighter 3D and 64 layout graphics


What Makes The Spectra Great?

Every night around the world professional DJs, VJs and musicians rely on the Midi Fighter because:

Engineered to Last

The buttons alone are rated at 5 million presses - which essentially mean they will never break. You can be confident this controller will survive any tour.

Musical Feel

Arcade buttons bounce back with spring loading for ultra fast playback and easy triplets & drum rolls. It's popular for a reason.

Easy To Carry

Small footprint that won't bloat your gig bag and fits easily in the DJ booth.

The Best Buttons In The World

Most MIDI controllers feel like a plastic toy with the same buttons as your TV remote. The Midi Fighter Spectra is a professional grade instrument with the best buttons in the world, genuine Sanwa arcade buttons. These are built to take a beating and are a joy to play.

MIDI Fighter Spectra Buttons:
Cost $2.50 each
Rated to last 5 million presses
Full 2mm of travel
Bounces back like a real drum
Made in Japan in small quantities
Ball bearing contacts work every time
Clear audible feedback
Only on the Midi Fighter
Industry leading ultra low latency

Why is the Arcade button so popular?

The arcade button is a one of a kind with unique mechanics and feel that is built to be played hard!

Rapid Fire Play - The button is spring loaded and bounces back like a real drum for ultra fast triggers.

Clear Musical Action - With 10mm of musical travel and a clear audible feedback when pressed, this button plays like an instrument should.

Start playing music instantly

SoundPacks are a new plug and play standard. They keep the drums and instruments in the same place on a 16 button grid, so you can load up any pack and instantly start getting creative. The Midi Fighter Spectra is the instrument of choice for anyone playing SoundPacks and finger drumming.

Start Playing Today - Thousands of SoundPacks are available for free

Musical Talent Required - FingerDrumming is a real musical skill that is a lot of fun and the Midi Fighter Spectra is the better choice of controller for serious finger drummers.

16 buttons = One song - Each pack intuitively places a full song on 16 simple buttons making it possible to get incredibly creative, quickly.

Technical Details

Key Features:
Built proper, you can pass it onto your grandkids and it will keep ticking
Map its buttons to any midi-compatible effect or software
Official mappings for popular DJ and production software
Customizable, animated LED colour rings

Requirements:
The Midi Fighter Spectra is a class compliant, plug and play controller
Works with any computer that has a USB port and supports MIDI
Connector: USB 2.0 Type B (cable included)

Size + Weight:
Height: 6" / 15.24cm
Width: 6" / 15.24cm
Depth: 1.5" / 3.81cm
Weight: 1.3lb / 0.6kg