Ecler’s Nuo 4 is an incredibly multi-faceted midi controller and is a powerful addition to any Ableton Live setup. This midi DJ 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 Ecler Nuo 4 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Nuo 4.
Article Contents
- Does the Ecler Nuo 4 work with Ableton Live?
- Does the Ecler Nuo 4 come with ableton Live included?
- How to connect the Nuo 4 to ableton
- How to midi map the Ecler Nuo 4 in Ableton Live
- The Limitations of midi mapping the Nuo 4
- Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?
Does the Ecler Nuo 4 work with Ableton Live?
To sum it up, the Ecler Nuo 4 is fully compatible with Ableton Live.
Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Nuo 4 can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.
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 Nuo 4 will be usable with Ableton Live.
Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live’s components with your Nuo 4.
Does the Ecler Nuo 4 come with ableton Live included?
Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Nuo 4, therefore it must be bought separately.
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 Nuo 4 to ableton
Connecting and setting up the Ecler Nuo 4 with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they’re connected you’ll be able to adjust the software’s parameters from your midi DJ controller.
1. Connect the Nuo 4 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Nuo 4 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 Nuo 4 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Nuo 4 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 Nuo 4 (Sync can also be optionally checked).
The Nuo 4 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.
How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live
After you have connected the Ecler Nuo 4 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 Nuo 4, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Nuo 4.
5. Moving the physical control on your Nuo 4 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 Nuo 4
Ableton’s midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Nuo 4, however, you must take into account some potential limitations…
Saving your Nuo 4 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 Nuo 4 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 Nuo 4, 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 Nuo 4’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Nuo 4,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Nuo 4, 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 Nuo 4 in Ableton Live?
There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Nuo 4 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Nuo 4 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Nuo 4.
4. Make sure that the Nuo 4 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.