Novation Launchkey 37 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Novation Launchkey 37 is a versatile midi keyboard and when used alongside Ableton Live, it’s an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi keyboard is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

This tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Novation Launchkey 37 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Launchkey 37.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Novation Launchkey 37 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Novation Launchkey 37 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Launchkey 37 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Novation Launchkey 37 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Launchkey 37
    1. Saving your Launchkey 37 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 Novation Launchkey 37 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Novation Launchkey 37 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Out of the box, the Launchkey 37 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 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 Launchkey 37 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 Launchkey 37.

Does the Novation Launchkey 37 come with ableton Live included?

With the Launchkey 37 you get a free copy of Ableton Live Lite, but its features are not nearly as comprehensive as those of Ableton Live Standard or Suite.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Even though Intro and Standard are both effective, Suite offers a lot more, including 70GB of library sounds, compared 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 Launchkey 37 to ableton

Linking the Novation Launchkey 37 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 Launchkey 37 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Launchkey 37 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 Launchkey 37 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Launchkey 37 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 Launchkey 37 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Launchkey 37 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 Novation Launchkey 37 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 Launchkey 37, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Launchkey 37.
5. Moving the physical control on your Launchkey 37 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 Launchkey 37

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Launchkey 37, there are however, some limitations to be aware of…

Saving your Launchkey 37 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

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Launchkey 37 can only be assigned to a single 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 Launchkey 37, 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 Launchkey 37’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Launchkey 37,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Launchkey 37, 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 Launchkey 37 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Launchkey 37 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Launchkey 37 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Launchkey 37.
4. Make sure that the Launchkey 37 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.