M Audio ProjectMix I/O Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The ProjectMix I/O from M Audio is an incredibly versatile midi 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.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the M Audio ProjectMix I/O with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the ProjectMix I/O.

Article Contents

  1. Does the M Audio ProjectMix I/O work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the M Audio ProjectMix I/O come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the ProjectMix I/O to ableton
  4. How to midi map the M Audio ProjectMix I/O in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the ProjectMix I/O
    1. Saving your ProjectMix I/O 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 M Audio ProjectMix I/O work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the M Audio ProjectMix I/O is compatible with Ableton Live.

Out of the box, the ProjectMix I/O has a midi remote script that is compatible with Ableton Live, so once you connect it (check the section below for more info) it is ready to go.

All versions of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, standard and suite can be used in conjunction with pretty much any device which sends MIDI data, and it will work with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. As the ProjectMix I/O is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live’s components with your ProjectMix I/O.

Does the M Audio ProjectMix I/O come with ableton Live included?

The ProjectMix I/O does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

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 who want to guarantee they have access to the largest selection of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest investing in Ableton Live Suite, as it has a much larger selection than the Standard edition.

How to connect the ProjectMix I/O to ableton

Linking the M Audio ProjectMix I/O to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software’s parameters from your midi controller.

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

The ProjectMix I/O is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the M Audio ProjectMix I/O 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 ProjectMix I/O, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the ProjectMix I/O.
5. Moving the physical control on your ProjectMix I/O 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 ProjectMix I/O

Ableton’s midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your ProjectMix I/O, however, you must take into account some potential limitations…

Saving your ProjectMix I/O 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

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your ProjectMix I/O is capable of controlling only one parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode does not provide every control option, so options such as controlling the selected track or selected device aren’t possible. A full list of Ableton midi mapping options can be found here.

We have a great solution to these problems

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

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