Novation Launchpad Pro Mk2 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Launchpad Pro Mk2 from Novation is an incredibly versatile midi controller and is a powerful tool when used in combination with Ableton Live. The Akai MPK Mini has a wealth of features that make it perfect for use with Ableton Live.

This tutorial will show you the whole process of how to operate the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk2 with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Launchpad Pro Mk2.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk2 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk2 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Launchpad Pro Mk2 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk2 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Launchpad Pro Mk2
    1. Saving your Launchpad Pro Mk2 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 Pro Mk2 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk2 is compatible with Ableton Live.

The Launchpad Pro Mk2 is pre-programmed with a midi remote script in Ableton Live, so all you have to do is connect it (refer to the information below on how to do that).

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 Pro Mk2 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 Pro Mk2.

Does the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk2 come with ableton Live included?

The Launchpad Pro Mk2 includes a complimentary version of Ableton Live Lite, but its available features are not as extensive as those in 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 seeking the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we highly suggest purchasing Ableton Live Suite, as it offers significantly more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Launchpad Pro Mk2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk2 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 Pro Mk2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Launchpad Pro Mk2 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 Pro Mk2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Launchpad Pro Mk2 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 Pro Mk2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Launchpad Pro Mk2 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk2 to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

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 Pro Mk2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Launchpad Pro Mk2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Launchpad Pro Mk2 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 Pro Mk2

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Launchpad Pro Mk2, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of…

Saving your Launchpad Pro Mk2 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

It is important to note that your mappings are stored with the Ableton session when saving. Consequently, when you create a new session, you will have to remap your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Launchpad Pro Mk2 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 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 Launchpad Pro Mk2, 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 Pro Mk2’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Launchpad Pro Mk2,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Launchpad Pro Mk2, 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 Pro Mk2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Launchpad Pro Mk2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Launchpad Pro Mk2 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 Pro Mk2.
4. Make sure that the Launchpad Pro Mk2 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.