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

The Novation Launchkey Mini 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 guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Novation Launchkey Mini with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Launchkey Mini.

Article Contents

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

In a nutshell, the Novation Launchkey Mini is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Out of the box, the Launchkey Mini 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 Launchkey Mini 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 Launchkey Mini.

Does the Novation Launchkey Mini come with ableton Live included?

With the Launchkey Mini 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 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.

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 Mini to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Novation Launchkey Mini with Ableton Live is a relatively simple process, once you have the 2 linked together you will be able to control parameters of the software from your midi keyboard.

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

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

With Ableton’s midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Launchkey Mini, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions…

Saving your Launchkey Mini Midi Mappings is cumbersome

When saving an Ableton session, your mappings will be saved as part of that session. Therefore, if you create a new session, you will need to remap your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Launchkey Mini can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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 Launchkey Mini, 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 Mini’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Launchkey Mini,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Launchkey Mini, 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 Mini in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Launchkey Mini is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Launchkey Mini 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 Mini.
4. Make sure that the Launchkey Mini is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.