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

The Akai Mpc Studio is a versatile midi controller and when used alongside Ableton Live, it's an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi controller is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

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

Article Contents

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

Does the Akai Mpc Studio work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Akai Mpc Studio is usable with Ableton Live.

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

All forms of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, Standard and Suite, can work with practically any instrument that sends out MIDI data, and it will be compatible with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. Due to this, the Mpc Studio will be usable 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 Mpc Studio.

Does the Akai Mpc Studio come with ableton Live included?

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

For those seeking the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we highly suggest purchasing Ableton Live Suite, as it offers significantly more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Mpc Studio to ableton

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

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

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

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

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Mpc Studio, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Mpc Studio 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 button or knob on your Mpc Studio can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

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 Studio, 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 Studio's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mpc Studio,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mpc Studio, 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 Studio in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Mpc Studio is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Mpc Studio 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 Studio.
4. Make sure that the Mpc Studio is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.