AKAI Professional APC mini MK2 vs AKAI Professional APC64

Detailed comparison to help you choose the right DAW Controllers for your music.

Last updated: May 20, 2026 • Next update: May 27, 2026

AKAI Professional APC mini MK2

AKAI Professional APC mini MK2

4.4/5 Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
9/10

The APC mini MK2 is a brilliant little controller, especially for Ableton Live users just starting out or needing a portable setup. It's a streamlined way to get hands-on with your clips and tracks, though don’t expect full-scale studio functionality in such a small package. It’s a great gateway to tactile control for beginners.

AKAI Professional APC64

AKAI Professional APC64

4.8/5 Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10

The APC64 is a seriously focused Ableton Live controller. It’s a fantastic way to get hands-on with your tracks, especially for producers who love clip-based performance and sequencing. If you're deeply embedded in the Ableton ecosystem, this is a no-brainer for expanding your creative control and live performance capabilities.

Detailed Comparison

Feature AKAI Professional APC mini MK2 AKAI Professional APC64
Brand AKAI Professional AKAI Professional
Model APC mini MK2 APC64
Price $96 $306
Expert Rating 4.4/5 4.8/5
Faders 8 8 Touch Strips
Knobs - OLED Display and Encoders
Pads 64 RGB 64 Velocity/Pressure Sensitive RGB
Motorized No No
Connections USB-B USB-C, MIDI In/Out/Thru (3.5mm), 8 CV Outputs (3.5mm)
Weight 820g 1.6 kg
Pros + Compact size makes it ideal for travel and smaller workspaces. + Excellent Ableton Live integration, streamlining workflow significantly.
Pros + RGB pads offer excellent visual feedback for clip launching. + The 8x8 pad matrix offers intuitive clip launching and sequencing.
Pros + Drum mode provides a surprisingly playable and expressive drum rack interface. + Touch strips provide tactile control over key Ableton parameters.
Pros + Faders offer a tactile feel for volume and effect adjustments. + Integrated 8-track sequencer expands creative possibilities beyond Live.
Cons - Build quality feels plasticky; not as robust as higher-end controllers. - Limited compatibility outside of Ableton Live; less versatile for other DAWs.
Cons - Limited knob count restricts deeper parameter control within Ableton. - Plastic build feels somewhat budget-oriented, though structurally sound.
Cons - The clip launch matrix can feel cramped for complex arrangements. - Smaller pad size might be challenging for some users' fingers.
Category DAW Controllers DAW Controllers
Article Number 555323 574852
Check Price Check Price

Frequently Asked Questions

While it's designed primarily for Ableton, it functions as a generic MIDI controller, but you’ll lose the dedicated Ableton mapping functionality.
Yes, the pads are velocity-sensitive, allowing for dynamic control over note volume and other parameters when using Note Mode.
Ableton Live Lite is great for learning and basic production, but it has limitations; upgrading to the full version unlocks commercial use and more features.
While it technically supports MIDI, its integration with Ableton Live's features is deeply ingrained, so functionality will be significantly reduced in other DAWs.
The pads are quite responsive to velocity and pressure, but the plastic construction does give them a less premium feel compared to some higher-end controllers – it’s functional, but not luxurious.
The CV outputs range from 0-5V, allowing connection to a wide variety of analog synthesizers and Eurorack modules that accept standard control voltage signals.

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