APC40 mkII
The Akai APC40 mkII is an all-rounder for live laser shows. Its 8x5 RGB clip grid, 8 track faders, and rows of knobs map directly to Modulaser's clip selection, output group mixing, macros, and global controls. If you also use visual software like Resolume, you'll feel right at home.
Plug in via USB, enable the device in Settings > Devices, and the default mapping loads automatically. Every mapping below can be customized through MIDI learn.
Clip Grid (8x5 Pads)
The 40 pads map to the clip grid with RGB color feedback. Each pad shows the clip state: selected (green), has a clip (gray), or empty (dark gray).
| Row | Notes | Clip Cells |
|---|---|---|
| Top | 32 to 39 | Row 1, columns 1 to 8 |
| 2 | 24 to 31 | Row 1, columns 9 to 16 |
| 3 | 16 to 23 | Row 2, columns 1 to 8 |
| 4 | 8 to 15 | Row 2, columns 9 to 16 |
| Bottom | 0 to 7 | Row 3, columns 1 to 8 |
Use bank shifting to scroll the visible grid and access more clips than the 40 pads show at once.
Device Knobs (Macros)
The 8 device control knobs map to macros 1 through 6. Knobs 7 and 8 are unassigned by default.
| Knob | CC | Target |
|---|---|---|
| K1 to K6 | CC 16 to 21 | Macros 1 to 6 |
| K7, K8 | CC 22, 23 | Unassigned |
Top Knobs (Strobe, Speed, and Tempo)
The 8 assignable knobs along the top row control the strobe rate of the selected output group's effects, the global speed, and the tempo.
| Knob | CC | Target |
|---|---|---|
| T1 | CC 48 | Unassigned |
| T2 | CC 49 | Unassigned |
| T3 | CC 50 | Unassigned |
| T4 | CC 51 | Strobe rate |
| T5 | CC 52 | Global speed |
| T6 | CC 53 | Unassigned |
| T7 | CC 54 | BPM |
| T8 | CC 55 | Unassigned |
The colorize and strobe toggles live on the Scene Launch row to the right of the clip grid:
| Scene Launch | Function |
|---|---|
| 1 | Colorize enabled (selected group) |
| 2 | Strobe enabled (selected group) |
Bind T1 to T3, T6, and T8 with MIDI learn if you need more effect parameters.
Track Faders (Output Group Opacity)
The 8 track faders control output group 1 to 8 opacity. Each fader sends CC 7 on its respective MIDI channel.
Track Buttons
Each track column has a stack of buttons for output group control.
| Button Row | Function |
|---|---|
| Track Activator | Output group send |
| Solo | Output group select |
| Track Select | Select clip for editing within group |
| Clip Stop | Output group clear |
Transport and Global
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Tempo encoder | BPM (relative) |
| Tap Tempo | Tap tempo |
| Cue Level knob | Bank shift (horizontal, relative encoder) |
| Play | Timeline play/pause |
| Stop All Clips | Blackout |