Behringer Fcb1010 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Fcb1010 from Behringer is an incredibly versatile midi foot controller and is a powerful tool when used in combination with Ableton Live. The Akai MPK Mini has a wealth of features that make it perfect for use with Ableton Live.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Behringer Fcb1010 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Fcb1010.

Article Contents

Does the Behringer Fcb1010 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Behringer Fcb1010 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Fcb1010 to ableton
How to midi map the Behringer Fcb1010 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Fcb1010
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Behringer Fcb1010 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Behringer Fcb1010 is usable with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Fcb1010 can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.

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 Fcb1010 is a MIDI enabled device, it will work 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 Fcb1010.

Does the Behringer Fcb1010 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Fcb1010, therefore it must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Although Intro and Standard are both powerful, Suite offers extra features, such as 70GB of library sounds, in contrast 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 Fcb1010 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Behringer Fcb1010 with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they're connected you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi foot controller.

1. Connect the Fcb1010 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Fcb1010 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 Fcb1010 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Fcb1010 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.

.
In the ‘MIDI’ section of this tab, make sure the ‘Track’ and ‘Remote’ boxes are checked for both the Input and Output of the Fcb1010 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Fcb1010 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Behringer Fcb1010 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 Fcb1010, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Fcb1010.
5. Moving the physical control on your Fcb1010 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 Fcb1010

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Fcb1010, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Fcb1010 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Be aware that when saving your mappings, they will be stored with the Ableton session. Therefore, starting a new session will require you to re-map your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your Fcb1010 is capable of controlling only one parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton's internal midi mapping mode does not provide every control option, so options such as controlling the selected track or selected device aren't possible. A full list of Ableton midi mapping options can be found here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Fcb1010, 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 Fcb1010's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Fcb1010,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Fcb1010, 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 Fcb1010 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Fcb1010 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Fcb1010 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Fcb1010.
4. Make sure that the Fcb1010 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.