Novation Launchpad Mini Mk3 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Novation Launchpad Mini Mk3 is a versatile midi controller and when used alongside Ableton Live, it’s an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi controller 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 Launchpad Mini Mk3 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Launchpad Mini Mk3.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Novation Launchpad Mini Mk3 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Novation Launchpad Mini Mk3 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Launchpad Mini Mk3 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Novation Launchpad Mini Mk3 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Launchpad Mini Mk3
    1. Saving your Launchpad Mini Mk3 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 Mini Mk3 work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the Novation Launchpad Mini Mk3 is compatible with Ableton Live.

The Launchpad Mini Mk3 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 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 Launchpad Mini Mk3 is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

You can create your own Ableton midi mappings with ease, giving you the power to control many of the features of Ableton Live with your Launchpad Mini Mk3.

Does the Novation Launchpad Mini Mk3 come with ableton Live included?

You get a complimentary version of Ableton Live Lite with the Launchpad Mini Mk3, 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. Although Intro and Standard are both powerful, Suite offers extra features, such as 70GB of library sounds, in contrast to Standard’s 10GB.

Ableton Live Suite includes many more Audio and MIDI effects compared to Standard, so if you want to ensure you have everything, we recommend going with Ableton Live Suite.

How to connect the Launchpad Mini Mk3 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Novation Launchpad Mini Mk3 with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they’re connected you’ll be able to adjust the software’s parameters from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Launchpad Mini Mk3 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Launchpad Mini Mk3 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 Mini Mk3 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Launchpad Mini Mk3 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 Mini Mk3 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Launchpad Mini Mk3 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 Novation Launchpad Mini Mk3 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 Launchpad Mini Mk3, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Launchpad Mini Mk3.
5. Moving the physical control on your Launchpad Mini Mk3 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 Mini Mk3

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Launchpad Mini Mk3, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of…

Saving your Launchpad Mini Mk3 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 Launchpad Mini Mk3 can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

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 Launchpad Mini Mk3, 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 Mini Mk3’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Launchpad Mini Mk3,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Launchpad Mini Mk3, 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 Mini Mk3 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Launchpad Mini Mk3 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Launchpad Mini Mk3 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 Mini Mk3.
4. Make sure that the Launchpad Mini Mk3 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.