Faderfox Lv2 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

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Faderfox's Lv2 is an exceptionally flexible midi controller and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi controller has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Faderfox Lv2 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Lv2.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Faderfox Lv2 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Faderfox Lv2 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Lv2 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Faderfox Lv2 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Lv2
    1. Saving your Lv2 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 Lv2 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Faderfox Lv2 is usable with Ableton Live.

The lack of a MIDI remote script in Ableton Live does not restrict users from midi mapping the Lv2 to multiple functions inside the program.

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 Lv2 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 Lv2.

Does the Faderfox Lv2 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not provided with the Lv2, so it needs to be purchased 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.

Ableton Live Suite includes many more Audio and MIDI effects compared to Standard, so if you want to ensure you have everything, we recommend going with Ableton Live Suite.

How to connect the Lv2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Faderfox Lv2 with Ableton Live is a relatively simple process, once you have the 2 linked together you will be able to control parameters of the software from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Lv2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Lv2 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 Lv2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Lv2 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 Lv2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Lv2 will now be setup and ready to use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After successfully connecting the Faderfox Lv2 to Ableton live following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to functionality within Ableton Live by doing the following:

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 Lv2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Lv2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Lv2 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 Lv2

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Lv2, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Lv2 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 indicates that each control on your Lv2 is capable of controlling only one 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 Lv2, 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 Lv2's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Lv2,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Lv2, 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 Lv2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Lv2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Lv2 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Lv2.
4. Make sure that the Lv2 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.