Faderfox Fx3 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Faderfox Fx3 is a versatile midi controller and when used alongside Ableton Live, it’s an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi controller is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Faderfox Fx3 with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Fx3.

Article Contents

Does the Faderfox Fx3 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Faderfox Fx3 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Fx3 to ableton
How to midi map the Faderfox Fx3 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Fx3
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Faderfox Fx3 work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the Faderfox Fx3 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Fx3 to midi map to numerous functions in 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 Fx3 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 Fx3.

Does the Faderfox Fx3 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn’t included with the Fx3, so this 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 prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Fx3 to ableton

Connecting the Faderfox Fx3 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 controller.

1. Connect the Fx3 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Fx3 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 Fx3 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Fx3 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 Fx3 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Fx3 is all set and can now be used with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Upon making a successful connection between the Faderfox Fx3 and Ableton Live using the instructions above, you can now use MIDI mapping to allocate the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their respective functions in Ableton Live like this:

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 Fx3, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Fx3.
5. Moving the physical control on your Fx3 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 Fx3

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Fx3, there are however, some limitations to be aware of…

Saving your Fx3 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 Fx3 is capable of controlling only one parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

When using Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode, unfortunately now all options are available, controls such as selected track and selected device control aren’t currently possible. View a full list of Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you’re looking to get the most out of your Fx3, 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 Fx3’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Fx3,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Fx3, 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 Fx3 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Fx3 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Fx3 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Fx3.
4. Make sure that the Fx3 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.