Novation Zero Sl Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Novation Zero Sl is a versatile midi controller and when used alongside Ableton Live, it’s an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi controller is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

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

Article Contents

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

To sum it up, the Novation Zero Sl is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

The Zero Sl comes with a midi remote script to ensure it functions with Ableton Live, so just plug it in (see the instructions below to see how) and you’re good to go.

All versions of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, standard and suite can be used in conjunction with pretty much any device which sends MIDI data, and it will work with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. As the Zero Sl is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live’s components with your Zero Sl.

Does the Novation Zero Sl come with ableton Live included?

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

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Although Intro and Standard are both powerful, Suite offers extra features, such as 70GB of library sounds, in contrast to Standard’s 10GB.

Ableton Live Suite includes many more Audio and MIDI effects compared to Standard, so if you want to ensure you have everything, we recommend going with Ableton Live Suite.

How to connect the Zero Sl to ableton

Connecting the Novation Zero Sl with Ableton Live is pretty simple, and when the two are linked you’ll be able to adjust the software’s parameters from your midi controller.

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

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

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

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

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