Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

remotify logo
Remotify Team
by Remotify Team
Last updated on December 19 2022

Native Instruments's Komplete Kontrol M32 is a fantastically adaptable midi keyboard 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.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Komplete Kontrol M32.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Komplete Kontrol M32 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Komplete Kontrol M32
    1. Saving your Komplete Kontrol M32 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 Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 is compatible with Ableton Live.

The Komplete Kontrol M32 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 editions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, can be used with any device that sends out MIDI data. This is the case for all versions of Live, 9, 10, or 11. Seeing as the Komplete Kontrol M32 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

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 Komplete Kontrol M32.

Does the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 come with ableton Live included?

You get a complimentary version of Ableton Live Lite with the Komplete Kontrol M32, but its worth noting that the features of Ableton Live Lite are not as full as those of Ableton Live Standard or Suite.

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 Komplete Kontrol M32 to ableton

Linking the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 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 Komplete Kontrol M32 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Komplete Kontrol M32 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 Komplete Kontrol M32 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Komplete Kontrol M32 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.

.
In the ‘MIDI’ section of this tab, make sure the ‘Track’ and ‘Remote’ boxes are checked for both the Input and Output of the Komplete Kontrol M32 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Komplete Kontrol M32 is all set and can now be used with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Upon making a successful connection between the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 and Ableton Live using the instructions above, you can now use MIDI mapping to allocate the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their respective functions in Ableton Live like this:

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 Komplete Kontrol M32, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Komplete Kontrol M32.
5. Moving the physical control on your Komplete Kontrol M32 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 Komplete Kontrol M32

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Komplete Kontrol M32, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Komplete Kontrol M32 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Mappings are saved along with your Ableton session. Therefore, if a new session is created, you must re-map all of your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Komplete Kontrol M32 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 Komplete Kontrol M32, 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 Komplete Kontrol M32's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Komplete Kontrol M32,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Komplete Kontrol M32, 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 Komplete Kontrol M32 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Komplete Kontrol M32 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Komplete Kontrol M32 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Komplete Kontrol M32.
4. Make sure that the Komplete Kontrol M32 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.