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

The Launchpad Pro Mk3 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.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Launchpad Pro Mk3.

Article Contents

Does the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Launchpad Pro Mk3 to ableton
How to midi map the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Launchpad Pro Mk3
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3 is usable with Ableton Live.

Out of the box, the Launchpad Pro Mk3 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.

Any edition of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, will be compatible with any device that transmits MIDI data. This works for all editions of Live, for instance 9, 10, and 11. As the Launchpad Pro Mk3 is a MIDI enabled device, it will work with Ableton Live.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Launchpad Pro Mk3.

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

With the Launchpad Pro Mk3 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 Launchpad Pro Mk3 to ableton

Linking the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3 to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software’s parameters from your midi controller.

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

The Launchpad Pro Mk3 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 Launchpad Pro Mk3 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 Launchpad Pro 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 Pro Mk3.
5. Moving the physical control on your Launchpad Pro 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 Pro Mk3

With Ableton’s midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Launchpad Pro Mk3, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions…

Saving your Launchpad Pro Mk3 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

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Launchpad Pro Mk3 can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode is unfortunately missing many control options. Options such as selected track and selected device control aren’t possible using this method. You can see a list of all available 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 Pro 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 Pro Mk3’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Launchpad Pro Mk3,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Launchpad Pro 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 Pro Mk3 in Ableton Live?

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