Akai Mpd32 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

Akai’s Mpd32 is a fantastically adaptable midi controller that is extremely useful when coupled with Ableton Live. This device has a great range of features, making it ideal as an Ableton Live controller.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Akai Mpd32 with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Mpd32.

Article Contents

Does the Akai Mpd32 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Akai Mpd32 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Mpd32 to ableton
How to midi map the Akai Mpd32 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Mpd32
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Akai Mpd32 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Akai Mpd32 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Out of the box, the Mpd32 has a midi remote script that is compatible with Ableton Live, so once you connect it (check the section below for more info) it is ready to go.

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 Mpd32 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 Mpd32.

Does the Akai Mpd32 come with ableton Live included?

The Mpd32 does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Even though Intro and Standard are both effective, Suite offers a lot more, including 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 Mpd32 to ableton

Linking and configuring the Akai Mpd32 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 Mpd32 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Mpd32 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 Mpd32 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Mpd32 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 Mpd32 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Mpd32 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 Mpd32 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 Mpd32, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Mpd32.
5. Moving the physical control on your Mpd32 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 Mpd32

With Ableton’s midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Mpd32, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions…

Saving your Mpd32 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 indicates that each control on your Mpd32 is capable of controlling only one 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 Mpd32, 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 Mpd32’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mpd32,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mpd32, 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 Mpd32 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Mpd32 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Mpd32 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Mpd32.
4. Make sure that the Mpd32 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.