Akai Mpc Element Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Akai Mpc Element is a highly versatile midi controller and is a powerful instrument when used in combination with Ableton Live. This midi controller has a great selection of features that make it perfect for your Ableton Live setup.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Akai Mpc Element with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Mpc Element.

Article Contents

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

Does the Akai Mpc Element work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Akai Mpc Element is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Mpc Element can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

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 Mpc Element is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

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 Mpc Element.

Does the Akai Mpc Element come with ableton Live included?

The Mpc Element doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are highly functional, Suite includes an additional 70GB library of sounds, in comparison to Standard's 10GB.

Ableton Live Suite includes many more Audio and MIDI effects compared to Standard, so if you want to ensure you have everything, we recommend going with Ableton Live Suite.

How to connect the Mpc Element to ableton

Linking and configuring the Akai Mpc Element to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software's settings from your midi controller.

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

Set up of the Mpc Element with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Akai Mpc Element 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 Mpc Element, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Mpc Element.
5. Moving the physical control on your Mpc Element 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 Mpc Element

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Mpc Element, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your Mpc Element Midi Mappings is cumbersome

It is important to note that your mappings are stored with the Ableton session when saving. Consequently, when you create a new session, you will have to remap your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Mpc Element 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 Mpc Element, 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 Mpc Element's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mpc Element,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mpc Element, 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 Mpc Element in Ableton Live?

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