Evolution Uc33e Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Uc33e from Evolution is an incredibly versatile midi 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.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Evolution Uc33e with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Uc33e.

Article Contents

Does the Evolution Uc33e work with Ableton Live?
Does the Evolution Uc33e come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Uc33e to ableton
How to midi map the Evolution Uc33e in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Uc33e
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Evolution Uc33e work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Evolution Uc33e is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

The Uc33e is pre-programmed with a midi remote script in Ableton Live, so all you have to do is connect it (refer to the information below on how to do that).

All versions of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, standard and suite can be used in conjunction with pretty much any device which sends MIDI data, and it will work with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. As the Uc33e is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Uc33e.

Does the Evolution Uc33e come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Uc33e, therefore it must be bought separately.

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.

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 Uc33e to ableton

Linking and configuring the Evolution Uc33e to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software’s settings from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Uc33e to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Uc33e 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 Uc33e from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Uc33e 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 Uc33e (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Uc33e with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Evolution Uc33e 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 Uc33e, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Uc33e.
5. Moving the physical control on your Uc33e 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 Uc33e

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Uc33e, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of…

Saving your Uc33e Midi Mappings is cumbersome

When saving an Ableton session, your mappings will be saved as part of that session. Therefore, if you create a new session, you will need to remap your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Uc33e can only be assigned to a single 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 Uc33e, 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 Uc33e’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Uc33e,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Uc33e, 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 Uc33e in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Uc33e is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Uc33e is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Uc33e.
4. Make sure that the Uc33e is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.