Novation Launchpad Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

Novation’s Launchpad is a fantastically adaptable midi controller 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.

This tutorial will show you the whole process of how to operate the Novation Launchpad with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Launchpad.

Article Contents

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

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

The Launchpad is equipped with a standard midi remote script in Ableton Live, so you just need to connect it (see instructions below) to get it working.

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 Launchpad is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function 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 Launchpad.

Does the Novation Launchpad come with ableton Live included?

The Launchpad offers a complimentary copy of Ableton Live Lite, but its features are limited in comparison to Ableton Live Standard or Suite.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Although Intro and Standard are both powerful, Suite offers extra features, such as 70GB of library sounds, in contrast to Standard’s 10GB.

If you prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Launchpad to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Novation Launchpad 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 controller.

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

Set up of the Launchpad with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Novation Launchpad to Ableton Live using the steps provided, you can now assign the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to specific functions within Ableton Live via MIDI mapping as follows:

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

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

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

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