Akai APC Mini

3
User Guide (English)
Introduction
Box Contents
APC mini USB Cable
Ableton Live Lite
(download) User Guide
Software Download Cards Safety & Warranty Manual
Support
For the latest information about this product (system requirements, compatibility information,
etc.) and product registration, visit akaipro.com/apcmini.
For additional product support, visit akaipro.com/support.
Setup
1. Use the included USB cable to connect APC mini's USB port to an available USB port on
your computer (powered on).
2. On your computer, open Ableton Live.
3. In Ableton Live, open the Preferences:
• Windows: Options > Preferences
• Mac OS X: Live > Preferences
4. Click the MIDI/Sync Tab.
5. Click an available Control Surface drop-down menu and select APC mini.
6. Click an available Input drop-down menu and select APC mini.
7. Click an available Output drop-down menu and select APC mini.
8. Close the Preferences window.
You can now use APC mini with Ableton Live.
Basic Operation
Refer to this section to learn how to do basic tasks in Ableton Live using APC mini.
Important: Before doing any of the following, set up APC mini as a controller in Ableton Live
(described in the Setup section above).
To launch a clip, press one of the Clip Buttons (in the 8x8 matrix) that is lit amber, which
means there is a clip loaded to that slot but is not playing. The Clip Button will light green
when it is playing.
To stop a clip:
1. Press and hold Shift and press the first Scene Launch Button (Clip Stop). This puts the
Clip Stop Buttons at the bottom of the 8x8 matrix of Clip Buttons in Clip Stop Mode.
2. Press the Clip Stop Button in the same track (column) as the clip you want to stop.

Akai APC Mini Specifications

General

Channels quantity	- channels
Digital sound processing	- bit
USB 2.0 ports quantity	1
DJ mixer	No
Product color	Black
Windows operating systems supported	Yes

Summary

Introduction to APC mini

Package Contents

Lists all items included in the APC mini box, such as USB cable and user guide.

Product Support Information

Provides website addresses for product information, registration, and technical support.

APC mini Setup Guide

Connecting and Configuring APC mini with Ableton Live

Step-by-step instructions to connect the APC mini to a computer and set it up in Ableton Live.

Basic Operation of APC mini

Launching and Stopping Clips

How to start a clip by pressing a button and how to stop a clip using Shift and Scene Launch Buttons.

Scene and Track Control

Instructions for launching scenes, navigating clips, and controlling tracks (solo, mute, arm, select).

Fader Control Modes

How to use faders for Volume, Pan, Send, and Device control via Shift and specific buttons.

APC mini Features Overview

Connectivity and Security Ports

Details on the USB port for data transfer and power, and the Kensington lock slot for security.

Clip Stop Buttons Functionality

Explains the primary function of Clip Stop Buttons and their modes like Clip Stop, Solo, Mute, and Select.

Clip Matrix Navigation

How to use Shift and specific buttons to navigate the 8x8 clip matrix view in Ableton Live.

Fader Controls and Master Fader

Information on using faders for parameter control and the dedicated Master Fader.

Clip and Scene Launch Buttons

Details on using Clip Buttons to launch clips and Scene Launch Buttons to launch scenes.

Shift Button Utility

Explains the versatile functions of the Shift button when used with other controls.

Appendix

Technical Specifications

Lists key technical details of the APC mini, including dimensions, weight, and input/outputs.

Trademarks and Licenses

Information regarding trademarks and licenses associated with APC mini and its software.