Akai Mpk225 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Akai Mpk225 is a versatile midi keyboard and when used alongside Ableton Live, it’s an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi keyboard is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Akai Mpk225 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Mpk225.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Akai Mpk225 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Akai Mpk225 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Mpk225 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Akai Mpk225 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Mpk225
    1. Saving your Mpk225 Midi Mappings is cumbersome
    2. Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one
    3. Limited Ableton parameter options to map to
    4. A great solution to these problems
  6. Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Akai Mpk225 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Akai Mpk225 is compatible with Ableton Live.

The Mpk225 is pre-programmed with a midi remote script in Ableton Live, so all you have to do is connect it (refer to the information below on how to do that).

All versions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, are able to be utilized in collaboration with any equipment that sends MIDI data. This is applicable to all releases of Live, such as 9, 10, and 11. As the Mpk225 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Mpk225.

Does the Akai Mpk225 come with ableton Live included?

The Mpk225 includes a complimentary version of Ableton Live Lite, but its available features are not as extensive as those in Ableton Live Standard or Suite.

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.

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 Mpk225 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Akai Mpk225 with Ableton Live is a relatively simple process, once you have the 2 linked together you will be able to control parameters of the software from your midi keyboard.

1. Connect the Mpk225 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Mpk225 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 Mpk225 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Mpk225 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 Mpk225 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Mpk225 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 Mpk225 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 Mpk225, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Mpk225.
5. Moving the physical control on your Mpk225 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 Mpk225

Ableton’s midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Mpk225, however, you must take into account some potential limitations…

Saving your Mpk225 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

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Mpk225 can only be assigned to a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

When using Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode, unfortunately now all options are available, controls such as selected track and selected device control aren’t currently possible. View a full list of Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you’re looking to get the most out of your Mpk225, 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 Mpk225’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mpk225,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mpk225, 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 Mpk225 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Mpk225 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Mpk225 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Mpk225.
4. Make sure that the Mpk225 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.