Novation Nocturn Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

Novation’s Nocturn is an incredibly multi-faceted midi controller and is a powerful addition to any Ableton Live setup. This midi controller has a wealth of features that make it ideal for use with Ableton Live.

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

Article Contents

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

In summary, the Novation Nocturn is usable with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Nocturn can still be mapped to many of the software’s functions.

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 Nocturn is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

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 Nocturn.

Does the Novation Nocturn come with ableton Live included?

The Nocturn doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased separately.

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.

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 Nocturn to ableton

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

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

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

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

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

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

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