Intech Ef44 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

Intech’s Ef44 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 tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Intech Ef44 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Ef44.

Article Contents

Does the Intech Ef44 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Intech Ef44 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Ef44 to ableton
How to midi map the Intech Ef44 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Ef44
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Intech Ef44 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Intech Ef44 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Ef44 can still be midi mapped to many functions within 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 Ef44 will be usable 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 Ef44.

Does the Intech Ef44 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Ef44, therefore it 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 Ef44 to ableton

Linking and configuring the Intech Ef44 to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software’s settings from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Ef44 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Ef44 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 Ef44 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Ef44 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 Ef44 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Ef44 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Intech Ef44 to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

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 Ef44, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Ef44.
5. Moving the physical control on your Ef44 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 Ef44

With Ableton’s midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Ef44, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions…

Saving your Ef44 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 button or knob on your Ef44 can only be assigned to control a single 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 Ef44, 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 Ef44’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Ef44,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Ef44, 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 Ef44 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Ef44 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Ef44 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Ef44.
4. Make sure that the Ef44 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.