Novation Launchpad X Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

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

Article Contents

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

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

Ableton live provides a default midi remote script for the Launchpad X, meaning it will work with Ableton Live as soon as you connect it (see the section below on how to connect to ableton).

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 X is a MIDI enabled device, it will work 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 X.

Does the Novation Launchpad X come with ableton Live included?

Yes the Launchpad X comes with a free copy of Ableton Live Lite. Although it has unlimited usage, the available features are a lot less than what is available in the full versions of Ableton Live Standard or Suite.

Ableton Live has 3 main versions, Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are very capable pieces of software, the Suite version packs more in, such as over 70GB of library sounds compared 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 X to ableton

Linking and configuring the Novation Launchpad X to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software’s settings from your midi controller.

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

The Launchpad X will now be setup and ready to use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After successfully connecting the Novation Launchpad X to Ableton live following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to functionality within 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 X, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Launchpad X.
5. Moving the physical control on your Launchpad X 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 X

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

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

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