MIDI Controller · Native Integration

AKAI APC mini mk2 & MyStrow

MyStrow was designed to work hand in hand with the AKAI APC mini mk2. Every pad, every fader, every button has its direct mapping in the software.

Download MyStrow ↓ AKAI APC mini mk2 with MyStrow

Integration

Native Integration Designed for Live Performance

The 8×8 pad grid is mapped to your fixture colors. Click a pad to change the color, move the faders for intensity. The FX buttons on the right trigger chase, strobe, rainbow and more.

MIDI USB 64 LED pads 9 faders Plug & play Bidirectional 4 Art-Net universes

MIDI Mapping

Every AKAI Element Has Its Role

🟡

Multicolor LED Pads

The 64 pads of the 8×8 grid are each mapped to a color, an effect or a preset light scene. Their LED feedback always matches the current light state on stage. Visual navigation is immediate.

🎚️

Intensity Faders

The 9 vertical faders control the intensity of each fixture group. Fader 9 (rightmost) is the master fader. The first 8 correspond to groups A through F and configured zones.

🔇

Mute Buttons

Below each fader is a dedicated mute button. Pressing a mute button instantly cuts the DMX output of the corresponding group, without modifying stored values. Ideal for quick blackouts during a show.

⚡

Live Effects

The right-column buttons trigger instant effects: flash (maximum intensity pulse), strobe (adjustable rapid blinking), chase (automatic sweep between groups). These effects are non-destructive and don't modify your stored fixture state.

Reference

Complete MIDI Mapping Table

AKAI Element	MIDI Note / CC	Function in MyStrow
8×8 grid pads (rows 1–8)	Note On/Off · 0–63	Color or light scene selection
Right-column pads (8 buttons)	Note On · 82–89	Flash, strobe, chase effect triggers
Faders 1–8	CC · 48–55	Fixture group intensity
Fader 9 (master)	CC · 56	Master intensity
Mute buttons 1–8	Note On · 100–107	Mute/unmute fixture groups
Pad LED feedback	Note On (output)	Reflects active fixture colors

Compatibility

Also Compatible with Other Control Surfaces

The AKAI APC mini mk2 is the reference surface for MyStrow, but the software also works with mouse and keyboard via the graphical interface.

The built-in AKAI simulator reproduces the 8×8 pad grid and 9 faders on screen, letting you prepare your shows without a connected controller. Any standard MIDI controller is also compatible via remapping.

Other Control Methods

Built-in AKAI simulator (mouse/touchscreen)
Keyboard shortcuts for quick actions
Any standard MIDI controller (remapping)
StreamDeck / Elgato (assignable shortcuts)
Touch interface on tablet or touchscreen
Programmatic control via timeline and sequences

Setup

Connect the AKAI APC mini mk2 in 3 Steps

Connect the controller

Plug the AKAI APC mini mk2 into your computer via USB. No drivers to install on Windows 10/11 or macOS 12+: the controller is automatically recognized as a standard MIDI device.

Launch MyStrow

Start MyStrow. The software automatically detects the AKAI APC mini mk2 on startup and activates the MIDI interface. The pads light up according to the current state of your light program.

Play

Press a pad to change your fixture colors, move a fader to adjust intensity, use the right-side buttons to trigger your effects. Setup is immediate, even without prior training.

Zero configuration

MIDI mapping is fully preconfigured for the AKAI APC mini mk2. No need to create MIDI scenes, configure channels or program macros. Everything is ready to use from the first connection.

Get Started

Download MyStrow and Light Up Your Stage

Install MyStrow, connect your AKAI APC mini mk2 and take control of your fixtures in under 5 minutes.

Download MyStrow ↓

Explore