M Audio Keystation Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Keystation from M Audio is an incredibly versatile midi keyboard 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.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the M Audio Keystation with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Keystation.

Article Contents

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

Does the M Audio Keystation work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the M Audio Keystation is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

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

Any edition of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, will be compatible with any device that transmits MIDI data. This works for all editions of Live, for instance 9, 10, and 11. As the Keystation is a MIDI enabled device, it will work 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 Keystation.

Does the M Audio Keystation come with ableton Live included?

The Keystation offers a complimentary copy of Ableton Live Lite, but its features are limited in comparison to Ableton Live Standard or Suite.

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 Keystation to ableton

Linking the M Audio Keystation to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software's parameters from your midi keyboard.

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

Set up of the Keystation with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the M Audio Keystation 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 Keystation, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Keystation.
5. Moving the physical control on your Keystation 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 Keystation

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

Saving your Keystation 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 Keystation 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 Keystation, 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 Keystation's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Keystation,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Keystation, 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 Keystation in Ableton Live?

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