Korg Kaoss Pad K3+ Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Kaoss Pad K3+ from Korg is an incredibly versatile midi DJ controller and is a powerful tool when used in combination with Ableton Live. The Akai MPK Mini has a wealth of features that make it perfect for use with Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Korg Kaoss Pad K3+ with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Kaoss Pad K3+.

Article Contents

Does the Korg Kaoss Pad K3+ work with Ableton Live?
Does the Korg Kaoss Pad K3+ come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Kaoss Pad K3+ to ableton
How to midi map the Korg Kaoss Pad K3+ in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Kaoss Pad K3+
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Korg Kaoss Pad K3+ work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Korg Kaoss Pad K3+ is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Kaoss Pad K3+ can still be mapped to many of the software’s functions.

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 Kaoss Pad K3+ is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

You can create your own Ableton midi mappings with ease, giving you the power to control many of the features of Ableton Live with your Kaoss Pad K3+.

Does the Korg Kaoss Pad K3+ come with ableton Live included?

The Kaoss Pad K3+ doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased separately.

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.

For those seeking the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we highly suggest purchasing Ableton Live Suite, as it offers significantly more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Kaoss Pad K3+ to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Korg Kaoss Pad K3+ 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 DJ controller.

1. Connect the Kaoss Pad K3+ to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Kaoss Pad K3+ 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 Kaoss Pad K3+ from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Kaoss Pad K3+ 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 Kaoss Pad K3+ (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Kaoss Pad K3+ with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Korg Kaoss Pad K3+ to Ableton Live using the steps provided, you can now assign the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to specific functions within Ableton Live via MIDI mapping as follows:

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 Kaoss Pad K3+, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Kaoss Pad K3+.
5. Moving the physical control on your Kaoss Pad K3+ 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 Kaoss Pad K3+

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Kaoss Pad K3+, there are however, some limitations to be aware of…

Saving your Kaoss Pad K3+ 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

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Kaoss Pad K3+ 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 Kaoss Pad K3+, 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 Kaoss Pad K3+’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Kaoss Pad K3+,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Kaoss Pad K3+, 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 Kaoss Pad K3+ in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Kaoss Pad K3+ is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Kaoss Pad K3+ is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Kaoss Pad K3+.
4. Make sure that the Kaoss Pad K3+ is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.