Faderfox Uc44 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Faderfox Uc44 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 guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Faderfox Uc44 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Uc44.

Article Contents

Does the Faderfox Uc44 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Faderfox Uc44 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Uc44 to ableton
How to midi map the Faderfox Uc44 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Uc44
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Faderfox Uc44 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Faderfox Uc44 is usable with Ableton Live.

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Uc44 to a variety of functions.

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 Uc44 will be usable with Ableton Live.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Uc44.

Does the Faderfox Uc44 come with ableton Live included?

The Uc44 does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

Ableton Live has 3 main versions, Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are very capable pieces of software, the Suite version packs more in, such as over 70GB of library sounds compared 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 Uc44 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Faderfox Uc44 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 Uc44 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Uc44 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 Uc44 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Uc44 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 Uc44 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Uc44 has been configured and is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Once you have connected the Faderfox Uc44 to Ableton Live by following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to the corresponding functions in 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 Uc44, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Uc44.
5. Moving the physical control on your Uc44 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 Uc44

With Ableton’s midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Uc44, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions…

Saving your Uc44 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 means that each control on your Uc44 can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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 Uc44, 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 Uc44’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Uc44,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Uc44, 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 Uc44 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Uc44 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Uc44 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Uc44.
4. Make sure that the Uc44 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.