Novation Zero Sl Mk2 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Zero Sl Mk2 from Novation is an incredibly versatile midi zero sl 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 tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Novation Zero Sl Mk2 with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Zero Sl Mk2.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Novation Zero Sl Mk2 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Novation Zero Sl Mk2 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Zero Sl Mk2 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Novation Zero Sl Mk2 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Zero Sl Mk2
    1. Saving your Zero Sl Mk2 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 Mk2 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Novation Zero Sl Mk2 is usable with Ableton Live.

Ableton live provides a default midi remote script for the Zero Sl Mk2, meaning it will work with Ableton Live as soon as you connect it (see the section below on how to connect to ableton).

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 Mk2 is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Zero Sl Mk2.

Does the Novation Zero Sl Mk2 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not provided with the Zero Sl Mk2, so it needs to be purchased 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.

For those seeking the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we highly suggest purchasing Ableton Live Suite, as it offers significantly more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Zero Sl Mk2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Novation Zero Sl Mk2 with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they’re connected you’ll be able to adjust the software’s parameters from your midi zero sl.

1. Connect the Zero Sl Mk2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Zero Sl Mk2 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 Mk2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Zero Sl Mk2 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.

.
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 Mk2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Zero Sl Mk2 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 Zero Sl Mk2 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 Zero Sl Mk2, 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 Mk2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Zero Sl Mk2 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 Mk2

Ableton’s midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Zero Sl Mk2, however, you must take into account some potential limitations…

Saving your Zero Sl Mk2 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Mappings are saved along with your Ableton session. Therefore, if a new session is created, you must re-map all of your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your Zero Sl Mk2 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 Zero Sl Mk2, 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 Mk2’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Zero Sl Mk2,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Zero Sl Mk2, 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 Mk2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Zero Sl Mk2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Zero Sl Mk2 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 Mk2.
4. Make sure that the Zero Sl Mk2 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.