Faderfox Gt1 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

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Faderfox's Gt1 is a fantastically adaptable midi controller that is extremely useful when coupled with Ableton Live. This device has a great range of features, making it ideal as an Ableton Live controller.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Faderfox Gt1 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Gt1.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Faderfox Gt1 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Faderfox Gt1 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Gt1 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Faderfox Gt1 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Gt1
    1. Saving your Gt1 Midi Mappings is cumbersome
    2. Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one
    3. Limited Ableton parameter options to map to
    4. A great solution to these problems
  6. Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Faderfox Gt1 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Faderfox Gt1 is usable with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Gt1 to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

All versions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, are able to be utilized in collaboration with any equipment that sends MIDI data. This is applicable to all releases of Live, such as 9, 10, and 11. As the Gt1 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

Making your own midi mappings is a breeze with Ableton Live, which gives you the ability to control a lot of components of the software with your Gt1.

Does the Faderfox Gt1 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Gt1, 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'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 Gt1 to ableton

Connecting the Faderfox Gt1 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 Gt1 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Gt1 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 Gt1 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Gt1 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 Gt1 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Gt1 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 Gt1 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 Gt1, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Gt1.
5. Moving the physical control on your Gt1 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 Gt1

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Gt1, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Gt1 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 button or knob on your Gt1 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 Gt1, 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 Gt1's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Gt1,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Gt1, 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 Gt1 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Gt1 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Gt1 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Gt1.
4. Make sure that the Gt1 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.