Akai Mpd24 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

Akai’s Mpd24 is an exceptionally flexible midi controller and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi controller has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Akai Mpd24 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Mpd24.

Article Contents

Does the Akai Mpd24 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Akai Mpd24 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Mpd24 to ableton
How to midi map the Akai Mpd24 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Mpd24
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Akai Mpd24 work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Akai Mpd24 is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

The Mpd24 is pre-programmed with a midi remote script in Ableton Live, so all you have to do is connect it (refer to the information below on how to do that).

All editions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, can be used with any device that sends out MIDI data. This is the case for all versions of Live, 9, 10, or 11. Seeing as the Mpd24 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

You can create your own Ableton midi mappings with ease, giving you the power to control many of the features of Ableton Live with your Mpd24.

Does the Akai Mpd24 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Mpd24, therefore it must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Although Intro and Standard are both powerful, Suite offers extra features, such as 70GB of library sounds, in contrast to Standard’s 10GB.

For those who want to guarantee they have access to the largest selection of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest investing in Ableton Live Suite, as it has a much larger selection than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Mpd24 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Akai Mpd24 with Ableton Live is a relatively simple process, once you have the 2 linked together you will be able to control parameters of the software from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Mpd24 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Mpd24 and your computer.
2. Launch Ableton Live and open the MIDI preferences.
Double click the Ableton Live icon to launch the software. Then, in the top menu of Ableton, go to the Preferences menu by opening the ‘Live’ menu and clicking ‘Preferences’.
3. Select the Mpd24 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Mpd24 are checked.
4. Ensure that the proper ‘Track’, ‘Remote’ and ‘Sync’ boxes are checked for both input and output.

Track: When checked, this allows MIDI notes and CC messages to be sent/received.
Sync: This option enables MIDI clock syncing between Ableton live and the external device.
Remote: Allows external MIDI controllers to remotely control parameters within Ableton Live.

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In the ‘MIDI’ section of this tab, make sure the ‘Track’ and ‘Remote’ boxes are checked for both the Input and Output of the Mpd24 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Mpd24 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Akai Mpd24 to Ableton Live using the steps provided, you can now assign the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to specific functions within Ableton Live via MIDI mapping as follows:

1. Select the MIDI Map Mode button in the top right corner of the Live window. The button should turn orange, indicating that the MIDI Map Mode is enabled.
2. Select the parameter you wish to control in Ableton by clicking it with the cursor, the parameter will become highlighted.
3. Move a control on the Mpd24, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Mpd24.
5. Moving the physical control on your Mpd24 will now move the position of the corresponding parameter in Ableton.
6. Repeat steps 2 – 4 for any other parameters you wish to map.
7. When you’re finished mapping, press the MIDI Map Mode button again to disable it.

The Limitations of midi mapping the Mpd24

For the fastest way to map your Mpd24, you can’t go wrong with Ableton’s midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations…

Saving your Mpd24 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Saving your mappings can be a problem as mappings are saved with an Ableton session, so if you start a new session you will need to re-map your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Mpd24 can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode is unfortunately missing many control options. Options such as selected track and selected device control aren’t possible using this method. You can see a list of all available Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you’re looking to get the most out of your Mpd24, our Ableton Midi Script Creator tool ‘Control Surface Studio‘ is exactly what you need!
With it, you’ll be able to:
– save and re-use your Mpd24’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mpd24,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mpd24, than Live’s internal midi mapping mode allows.

Learn more about Control Surface Studio and see how it can help you by clicking here!

FAQ / Troubleshooting

Why can’t I hear my Mpd24 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Mpd24 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Mpd24 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Mpd24.
4. Make sure that the Mpd24 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.