Frequently Asked Questions




I just got my APC 64! Now what?

First, register your product. Once you've registered your APC 64, you will see the following screen.



It is very important you install the Firmware update listed in your account. Follow the instructions in the installer to install the Firmware onto your APC64. Afterwards, download the inMusic Software Center to get started!


If you need further assistance, please see the Firmware Update Guide.


How do authorize the included AIR plugins?

The included AIR Plugins will need to be authorized within the iLok License Manager.  You can find the authorization code for your plugins inside of your inMusic Software Center to the right of the Software in question. Click "Get iLok Code" to reveal the code.


Is Ableton Live 11 required?  

The APC 64 is supported on Ableton Live 11.3.12 or later for correct operation.  The included Ableton Live Lite 11 features a unique control script that will automatically connect and route your APC to the Ableton software. That being said, the APC 64 features a completely standalone sequencer that can function perfectly without Ableton, but you will still need to plug your device into a computer.


Does the APC 64 require an additional power supply?

The APC 64 is powered by the included USB cable and does not require an additional power supply.  


Does the product require drivers, and where can I download them from?

The APC 64 is class-compliant and does not require any drivers.  


Can I use 2 or more APC64 at the same time to control different tracks simultaneously?

Yes! You can use up to 6 APC 64 units at the same time. They can be then assigned to control different tracks for larger sessions!


Is the product compatible with the latest Windows, and Mac operating systems?

 Since the APC 64 is class-compliant it is immediately compatible with all current Windows, and Mac operating systems, as well as Macs equipped with M1 Processors.  


Are the pads velocity-sensitive?

Yes! The APC 64 features 64 RGB velocity-sensitive pads with poly aftertouch.


How do I set this up with Ableton?

  1. First, connect the APC 64 to your computer into an open USB port. The APC is a Class-Compliant Plug-and-Play device and will not require additional driver installation.  

  2. Once the APC is connected to your computer, powered on, and ready to use, open up Ableton Live.  

  3. Go to Options > Preferences. On a Macintosh computer, you would select Live > Preferences.





  4. In the window that opens select the Link Tempo MIDI tab on the left-hand side.
  5. Next, select the APC 64 for the Control Surface, Input, and Output 
     
  6. You can then close the Preferences window as you are now ready to go!

 

Can I assign the knobs to control different functions?

Yes! Normally, you can use these knobs to control various parameters in Ableton Live. Press and hold Shift and press one of the right four Clip Stop Buttons labeled Knob CTRL (Volume, Pan, Send, Device) to put APC 64's Knobs in the corresponding mode: 

  • Volume Mode: The eight knobs will control the volume levels of the eight tracks in Ableton Live selected within the colored aperture that represents the Pad matrix. 
  • Pan Mode: The eight knobs will control the panning positions of the first eight tracks in Ableton Live.  
  • Send Mode: The eight knobs will control the levels of Send A for the first eight tracks in Ableton Live. Repeat this action to set the knobs to control the levels of subsequent sends (e.g., Send B, Send C, etc.). 
  • Device Mode: The eight knobs will control the eight Macro Controls of the current device in Ableton Live. 

Additionally, like all MIDI devices, these knobs can be mapped manually by you, provided you follow the MIDI learn steps outlined by Ableton. 

  1. Turn MIDI map mode on. For Mac, use the keyboard shortcut CMD + m. For Windows, use Ctrl + m.
    Screen_Shot_2017-12-14_at_11.30.19.png
  2. Select the function you want to map by clicking on it while MIDI map mode is active.
  3. Move a knob on your APC 64.
  4. The controls are now mapped.
  5. Repeat for the remaining knobs and controls you want to map.
  6. Exit MIDI map mode.


What is Custom Mode?

APC64’s Custom Mode allows you to modify the functions of the pad grid and touch faders, particularly for using APC64 in standalone mode. You can adjust MIDI assignments, pad and fader LED colors, and even create customized pad layouts for any use. To open Custom Mode, press the CUSTOM button. Custom Mode assignments are edited using the APC64 Project Editor software.


Inside the Project Editor, the right side of the window will show a graphical representation of your APC64, and the left side of the window will show the pad layout presets and editable parameters for the selected control. Each pad can be assigned one of the following settings.

  • Note: Sets the MIDI note that the pad will play. 
  • Octave: Sets the octave of the MIDI note.
  • MIDI Channel: Sets the MIDI channel that the note is played on. 
  • Poly On/Off: Enables or disables the pad from sending poly aftertouch messages.
  • Send to USB: Enables or disables the pad from sending note data over USB.
  • Send to MIDI: Enables or disables the pad from sending note data over MIDI.
  • Send to CV: Enables or disables the pad from sending note data over CV.
  • Pad On Color: Sets the color of the pad when the note is pressed.
  • Pad Off Color: Sets the color of the pad when the note is released.


How do I use the CV Ports?

APC64 features eight CV/Gate ports which can be used to connect to and control other CV-compatible devices, such as synthesizers or drum machines. Use standard 1/8” (3.5 mm) TS cables to send a single CV/Gate signal per output. The CV1–8 Source options (odd numbers between 5 and 19 in the Global Menu) determine what type of MIDI messages the CV port receives.