Novation Twitch Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

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

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

Article Contents

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

Does the Novation Twitch work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Novation Twitch is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Twitch to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

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

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Twitch.

Does the Novation Twitch come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn’t included with the Twitch, so this must be bought separately.

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’re looking to make sure you have the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest you go with Ableton Live Suite, as it has far more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Twitch to ableton

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

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

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

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

Saving your Twitch Midi Mappings is cumbersome

When saving an Ableton session, your mappings will be saved as part of that session. Therefore, if you create a new session, you will need to remap your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Twitch can only be assigned to 1 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 Twitch, 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 Twitch’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Twitch,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Twitch, 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 Twitch in Ableton Live?

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