Key mapping in Ableton Live is a very useful feature of Live In this tutorial we will look at what is key mapping, starting key mapping mode, assigning keys and a conclusion.

What is key mapping?

Key mapping is a feature in Ableton Live that allows the user to assign keyboard keys to certain parameters and functions in the live window. Key mapping adds much more control and interactivity to a set, allowing the user to interact with the crowd and perform better. In other words it allows you to spend more time performing and less time clicking a mouse, staring at a screen.

Starting key mapping mode

To start key mapping mode click on the key button, next to the cpu meter, at the top right hand corner of Live. The shortcut for starting key mapping mode is Ctrl + k (pc) and apple + k (mac).

Once the key mapping button is clicked then everything that can be key mapped will be highlighted in orange. Live has preset parameters already key mapped. The F1 through to F8 control the mute/on/off buttons for channels 1 to 8. Have a play with them to get a feel of what you can do with key mapping.

Tip - If you hold down the any of the F keys they toggle on and off creating a stuttering sound, a bit like tremolo on a guitar amp. Take a listen on the left.

Assigning keys

Once you have key mode activated any parameters that can be assigned will be highlighted in orange. There are lots of parameters you can assign, like the crossfader, launch clips and scenes and turn effects on and off.

Its very easy and quick to assign keys. In this tutorial i'm assigning the launch scene 1 button to a key. To assign a key, first select the parameter you want to assign a key to. Once selected press the key on the computer keyboard. Close the key mapping mode and the key then controls that parameter. Below i've assigned the p key to the launch scene 1 button.

When you are done assigning keys click on the key button again to leave key mapping. You change anything you've done on the fly by just repeating these steps. To delete assigned keys just click on them with key mapping engaged and press delete.

Conclusion

You can do some really cool things with key mapping so experiment to see which keys work best for you. If you want have more control over the parameters and have a midi controller read my midi mapping tutorial. Midi mapping works very similar to key mapping but allows for much more organic, human control. Those of you who don't have a midi controller, get key mapping and get more control over your performance.

Well i hope this tutorial has helped you and as always if you have any questions please contact me or start a topic in the forum and I will help you the best i can. It's also worth checking out the related articles or tutorials below as they all tie in together.

Zander

Akai MPK25 review

Published: 15. 05. 2008     10 comments

We take a look at the Akai MPK25 midi controller, the smallest of the Akai MPK series of midi controller/keyboard/MPC drum pad/trigger. This is a feature packed controller and promises a lot but does it live up to it's creators repretation?