APC40 Arcade
Just wondering.. How would I replace the buttons with arcade buttons. Just a little question because I might wanna mod a few of them for beat juggling in my traktor mapping. New enclosure is no problem.
In theory it would function, but pulling it off would be difficult if you want any of the buttons to remain the same.
so if i would do it, easiest thing would be to make them all arcade.
The easiest thing to do would be buying anything else to mod.
It’s cramped, expensive and features an absolutely beautiful enclosure which arcade buttons wouldn’t fit on so you’d have to scrap it. Ripping it apart would be a real shame since there are plenty of other bits of kit you could work with to achieve exactly the same effect.
Yea… I would just get an Arduino/Livid/Whatever board and start from scratch with a project that extensive.
hey there are projects that have been done like this before just not with an apc40 but with a novation launch pad here is the link maybe you can email the guy and he can help you out. Also here is another link that can help you as well
This is a arcade launch pad with happ IL translucent button for the led mod which is pretty easy to do
http://www.etsy.com/listing/64084879/arcade-button-novation-launchpad-for
Then there this monome check the video its pretty cool
http://www.defcon6.com/?cat=15
The keyword in that situation is launchpad I believe. The APC would be a bit harder with the rotaries, varying buttons, level faders, and all (if I’m correct).
I see your point that would take alot of work and would not make much sense
It might be better to use an APC40 for general use and just pick up a Midifighter for whatever more extensive or difficult uses you might need arcade buttons for. If you did pull off an APC40 arcade mod you would become a God though.
The one thing you have to remember about modding that doesn’t get mentioned enough here is this: to mod anything and add/replace buttons, you need to de-solder the components on the board. This can cause major (and expensive) issues if you happen to lift a copper pad off of the circuit board, or damage the board itself. Once a pad is ripped off, your whole unit is pretty much scrap.
Yes it’s a delicate operation .I solder all day at work testing the big signs on buses. If you lift a copper pad you can make a new track with link wire between the two points. It can be a mission but not impossible. Patience is the key 
I work for a company that makes PCBs that employs over 50 skilled staff.
There is 1 woman who can do pad repairs. Certainly not the sort of skill that’s easy to pick up.