Akai Mpd261 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Akai Mpd261 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.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Akai Mpd261 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Mpd261.

Article Contents

Does the Akai Mpd261 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Akai Mpd261 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Mpd261 to ableton
How to midi map the Akai Mpd261 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Mpd261
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Akai Mpd261 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Akai Mpd261 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Mpd261 to a variety of functions.

Any edition of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, will be compatible with any device that transmits MIDI data. This works for all editions of Live, for instance 9, 10, and 11. As the Mpd261 is a MIDI enabled device, it will work with Ableton Live.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live’s components with your Mpd261.

Does the Akai Mpd261 come with ableton Live included?

The Mpd261 does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

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 Mpd261 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Akai Mpd261 with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they’re connected you’ll be able to adjust the software’s parameters from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Mpd261 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Mpd261 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 Mpd261 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Mpd261 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 Mpd261 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Mpd261 has been configured and is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Once you have connected the Akai Mpd261 to Ableton Live by following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to the corresponding functions in Ableton Live by doing the following:

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 Mpd261, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Mpd261.
5. Moving the physical control on your Mpd261 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 Mpd261

With Ableton’s midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Mpd261, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions…

Saving your Mpd261 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

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Mpd261 can only be assigned to 1 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 Mpd261, 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 Mpd261’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mpd261,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mpd261, 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 Mpd261 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Mpd261 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Mpd261 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Mpd261.
4. Make sure that the Mpd261 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.