Behringer Bcf2000 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

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Behringer's Bcf2000 is an incredibly multi-faceted midi controller and is a powerful addition to any Ableton Live setup. This midi controller has a wealth of features that make it ideal for use with Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Behringer Bcf2000 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Bcf2000.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Behringer Bcf2000 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Behringer Bcf2000 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Bcf2000 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Behringer Bcf2000 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Bcf2000
    1. Saving your Bcf2000 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 Behringer Bcf2000 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Behringer Bcf2000 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Bcf2000 can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

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 Bcf2000 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 Bcf2000.

Does the Behringer Bcf2000 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Bcf2000, therefore it must be bought separately.

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.

For those who want to guarantee they have access to the largest selection of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest investing in Ableton Live Suite, as it has a much larger selection than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Bcf2000 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Behringer Bcf2000 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 Bcf2000 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Bcf2000 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 Bcf2000 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Bcf2000 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 Bcf2000 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Bcf2000 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Behringer Bcf2000 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 Bcf2000, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Bcf2000.
5. Moving the physical control on your Bcf2000 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 Bcf2000

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Bcf2000, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Bcf2000 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Mappings are saved along with your Ableton session. Therefore, if a new session is created, you must re-map all of your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Bcf2000 can only be assigned to control a single 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 Bcf2000, 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 Bcf2000's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Bcf2000,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Bcf2000, 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 Bcf2000 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Bcf2000 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Bcf2000 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Bcf2000.
4. Make sure that the Bcf2000 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.