M Audio O2 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

M Audio’s O2 is an exceptionally flexible midi keyboard and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi keyboard has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

This tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the M Audio O2 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the O2.

Article Contents

Does the M Audio O2 work with Ableton Live?
Does the M Audio O2 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the O2 to ableton
How to midi map the M Audio O2 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the O2
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the M Audio O2 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the M Audio O2 is usable with Ableton Live.

The O2 comes with a midi remote script to ensure it functions with Ableton Live, so just plug it in (see the instructions below to see how) and you’re good to go.

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 O2 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

Making your own midi mappings is a breeze with Ableton Live, which gives you the ability to control a lot of components of the software with your O2.

Does the M Audio O2 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn’t included with the O2, so this 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.

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 O2 to ableton

Linking the M Audio O2 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 O2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the O2 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 O2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the O2 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 O2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The O2 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 M Audio O2 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 O2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the O2.
5. Moving the physical control on your O2 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 O2

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your O2, there are however, some limitations to be aware of…

Saving your O2 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 O2 can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

When using Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode, unfortunately now all options are available, controls such as selected track and selected device control aren’t currently possible. View a full list of Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you’re looking to get the most out of your O2, 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 O2’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your O2,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your O2, 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 O2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the O2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the O2 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the O2.
4. Make sure that the O2 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.