The Akai APC20 from AKAI Professional is a USB MIDI controller designed for hands-on control of Ableton Live. Its driver connection lets Windows exchange MIDI messages with the controller, so pads, faders, and buttons can operate your music software. The APC20 generally uses Windows’ built-in USB MIDI support rather than a separate audio driver, so check whether an additional download is actually needed.

Key Features

• USB MIDI communication: Allows compatible music software to receive input from the APC20’s clip-launch buttons, channel faders, and other controls.
• Controller feedback: Supports MIDI communication back to the hardware, enabling pad-light feedback when configured in compatible software.
• Windows device recognition: Uses the operating system’s USB MIDI functionality to make the controller available to applications. Compatibility can depend on your Windows version and software setup.
• Control-surface integration: Provides the connection needed for Ableton Live’s APC20 control-surface setup; mappings and session-control behavior are handled by the application.

How to Install

1. Check your system and download requirements. Confirm whether you use Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7. Before installing any package, verify that its documentation explicitly lists the APC20 and your Windows version. Do not assume a driver for another AKAI Professional product will work.

1. Connect and power the controller. Attach the APC20’s appropriate power supply, connect it directly to a USB port on your computer, and switch it on. Avoid an unpowered USB hub during initial setup.

1. Let Windows detect the device. Allow Windows to configure its built-in USB MIDI support. If the controller appears normally in Device Manager and your music software, a separate driver installation may not be necessary.

1. Install additional software only if required. If AKAI Professional provides a compatible package specifically for your setup, follow its installation instructions, including any directions about disconnecting the controller. Restart Windows if prompted.

1. Configure and test in Ableton Live. Open Live’s MIDI settings, select APC20 as the control surface where available, and choose its corresponding MIDI input and output ports. Test a fader and several clip-launch buttons. If the controller is missing, close other MIDI applications, try another USB port, and check Device Manager for errors.

The APC20 controls software; it does not provide audio inputs or outputs. Configure your sound card or audio interface separately for playback and recording.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or device shows a warning: Disconnect the APC20, run any Akai package as administrator, and reconnect directly to a rear USB 2.0 port—not a hub. The APC20 is usually class-compliant, so avoid installing APC40/MPK drivers; Windows’ built-in USB MIDI driver is often sufficient.
• Not detected in Ableton Live: Check Device Manager for the APC20/USB MIDI device, try a different USB cable and port, then open Live’s Preferences > MIDI/Sync. Enable Track and Remote for the APC20 input and select it as a control surface.
• Version conflicts or duplicate MIDI entries: Uninstall old Akai/USB-MIDI drivers, remove duplicate MIDI devices in Device Manager, reboot, reconnect the APC20, and reselect it in Live. Disable USB power saving for the controller’s hub/port.