Reloop Rp 8000 Mk2 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

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The Rp 8000 Mk2 from Reloop is an incredibly versatile midi DJ 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 tutorial will show you the whole process of how to operate the Reloop Rp 8000 Mk2 with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Rp 8000 Mk2.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Reloop Rp 8000 Mk2 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Reloop Rp 8000 Mk2 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Rp 8000 Mk2 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Reloop Rp 8000 Mk2 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Rp 8000 Mk2
    1. Saving your Rp 8000 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 Reloop Rp 8000 Mk2 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Reloop Rp 8000 Mk2 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Rp 8000 Mk2 to a variety of 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 Rp 8000 Mk2 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Rp 8000 Mk2.

Does the Reloop Rp 8000 Mk2 come with ableton Live included?

The Rp 8000 Mk2 does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

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 Rp 8000 Mk2 to ableton

Linking the Reloop Rp 8000 Mk2 to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software's parameters from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the Rp 8000 Mk2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Rp 8000 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 Rp 8000 Mk2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Rp 8000 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.

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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 Rp 8000 Mk2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Rp 8000 Mk2 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 Reloop Rp 8000 Mk2 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 Rp 8000 Mk2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Rp 8000 Mk2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Rp 8000 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 Rp 8000 Mk2

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Rp 8000 Mk2, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your Rp 8000 Mk2 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

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your Rp 8000 Mk2 is capable of controlling only one 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 Rp 8000 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 Rp 8000 Mk2's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Rp 8000 Mk2,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Rp 8000 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 Rp 8000 Mk2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Rp 8000 Mk2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Rp 8000 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 Rp 8000 Mk2.
4. Make sure that the Rp 8000 Mk2 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.