Ik Multimedia IRig Keys 37 PRO Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

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Ik Multimedia's IRig Keys 37 PRO is an incredibly multi-faceted midi controller and is a powerful addition to any Ableton Live setup. This midi keyboard has a wealth of features that make it ideal for use with Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys 37 PRO with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the IRig Keys 37 PRO.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys 37 PRO work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys 37 PRO come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the IRig Keys 37 PRO to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys 37 PRO in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the IRig Keys 37 PRO
    1. Saving your IRig Keys 37 PRO 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 Ik Multimedia IRig Keys 37 PRO work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys 37 PRO 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 IRig Keys 37 PRO to a variety of functions.

All editions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, can be used with any device that sends out MIDI data. This is the case for all versions of Live, 9, 10, or 11. Seeing as the IRig Keys 37 PRO is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your IRig Keys 37 PRO.

Does the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys 37 PRO come with ableton Live included?

The IRig Keys 37 PRO 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 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 IRig Keys 37 PRO to ableton

Connecting the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys 37 PRO 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 keyboard.

1. Connect the IRig Keys 37 PRO to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the IRig Keys 37 PRO 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 IRig Keys 37 PRO from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the IRig Keys 37 PRO 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 IRig Keys 37 PRO (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The IRig Keys 37 PRO 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 Ik Multimedia IRig Keys 37 PRO 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 IRig Keys 37 PRO, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the IRig Keys 37 PRO.
5. Moving the physical control on your IRig Keys 37 PRO 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 IRig Keys 37 PRO

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your IRig Keys 37 PRO, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your IRig Keys 37 PRO Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Saving your mappings can be a problem as mappings are saved with an Ableton session, so if you start a new session you will need to re-map your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your IRig Keys 37 PRO can only be assigned to 1 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 IRig Keys 37 PRO, 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 IRig Keys 37 PRO's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your IRig Keys 37 PRO,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your IRig Keys 37 PRO, 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 IRig Keys 37 PRO in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the IRig Keys 37 PRO is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the IRig Keys 37 PRO is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the IRig Keys 37 PRO.
4. Make sure that the IRig Keys 37 PRO is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.