Blackstar Live Logic Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

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

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

Article Contents

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

Does the Blackstar Live Logic work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Blackstar Live Logic is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

The Live Logic is equipped with a standard midi remote script in Ableton Live, so you just need to connect it (see instructions below) to get it working.

All forms of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, Standard and Suite, can work with practically any instrument that sends out MIDI data, and it will be compatible with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. Due to this, the Live Logic will be usable 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 Live Logic.

Does the Blackstar Live Logic come with ableton Live included?

The Live Logic offers a complimentary copy of Ableton Live Lite, but its features are limited in comparison to Ableton Live Standard or Suite.

There are three main versions with Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Though Intro and Standard are both comprehensive, Suite offers much more, such as 70GB of library sounds, in comparison 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 Live Logic to ableton

Linking the Blackstar Live Logic to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software’s parameters from your midi foot controller.

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

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

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

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

For the fastest way to map your Live Logic, you can’t go wrong with Ableton’s midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations…

Saving your Live Logic 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 means that each control on your Live Logic can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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 Live Logic, 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 Live Logic’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Live Logic,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Live Logic, 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 Live Logic in Ableton Live?

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