Akai Mpd26 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Mpd26 from Akai is an incredibly versatile midi controller and is a powerful tool when used in combination with Ableton Live. The Akai MPK Mini has a wealth of features that make it perfect for use with Ableton Live.

This tutorial will show you the whole process of how to operate the Akai Mpd26 with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Mpd26.

Article Contents

Does the Akai Mpd26 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Akai Mpd26 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Mpd26 to ableton
How to midi map the Akai Mpd26 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Mpd26
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Akai Mpd26 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Akai Mpd26 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Mpd26 can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.

All versions of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, standard and suite can be used in conjunction with pretty much any device which sends MIDI data, and it will work with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. As the Mpd26 is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Mpd26.

Does the Akai Mpd26 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Mpd26, therefore it must be bought separately.

Ableton Live has 3 main versions, Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are very capable pieces of software, the Suite version packs more in, such as over 70GB of library sounds compared to Standard’s 10GB.

If you’re looking to make sure you have the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest you go with Ableton Live Suite, as it has far more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Mpd26 to ableton

Linking the Akai Mpd26 to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software’s parameters from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Mpd26 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Mpd26 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 Mpd26 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Mpd26 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 Mpd26 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Mpd26 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Akai Mpd26 to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

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 Mpd26, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Mpd26.
5. Moving the physical control on your Mpd26 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 Mpd26

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Mpd26, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of…

Saving your Mpd26 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Be aware that when saving your mappings, they will be stored with the Ableton session. Therefore, starting a new session will require you to re-map your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your Mpd26 is capable of controlling only one parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode does not include every control options, options such as selected track control and selected device control unfortunately aren’t possible. You can view a comprehensive list of all Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you’re looking to get the most out of your Mpd26, 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 Mpd26’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mpd26,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mpd26, 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 Mpd26 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Mpd26 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Mpd26 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Mpd26.
4. Make sure that the Mpd26 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.