Donner N Series Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Donner's N Series is an exceptionally flexible midi keyboard and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi keyboard has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

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

Article Contents

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

Does the Donner N Series work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Donner N Series is compatible with Ableton Live.

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

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 N Series will be usable 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 N Series.

Does the Donner N Series come with ableton Live included?

The N Series doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased 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.

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 N Series to ableton

Connecting the Donner N Series with Ableton Live is pretty simple, and when the two are linked you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi keyboard.

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

Set up of the N Series with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

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

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your N Series, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

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

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