Midi mapping in Ableton Live is a very useful feature of Live In this tutorial we will look at what is midi mapping, starting midi mapping mode, assigning controllers and fun tips.

What is midi mapping?

Midi mapping is a feature in Ableton Live that allows the user to assign a midi controller to certain parameters and functions in the live window. Midi mapping adds much more control and interactivity to a set, allowing the user to interact with the crowd and perform better. You can control the whole of Ableton live via a midi controller, launching clips, starting sessions and using effects. In other words it allows you to spend more time performing and less time clicking a mouse, staring at a screen.

Starting midi mapping mode

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

Once the midi mapping button is clicked then everything that can be midi mapped will be highlighted in blue. As you can see there are lots of things that can be assigned, much more than key mapping mode.

Assigning controllers

Its very easy and quick to assign a midi controller to a parameter in Live. All you have to do is click on the parameter you want to assign, then move the knob, button, key or fader on the midi controller. Repeat this for each parameter you want assign. Once you've left midi mapping mode, by clicking on the midi mode button again, the parameter will be active and the midi controller will control it. In the screen shots below i have assigned the keys on my midi controller to launch each scene in the project, in order. I've done this so i don't have to use the mouse to launch them. I've also assigned the pitch of a clip, the aux sends, crossfader positions and channel mute button to knobs, keys and a fader

Main screenshot

Close up of scene launch area and the crossfader

Close up of clip launch, aux sends and channel mute controlled by midi controller

Close up of clip pitch controlled by midi controller

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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?