Sub Zero Commandkey88 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Sub Zero Commandkey88 is a versatile midi keyboard and when used alongside Ableton Live, it’s an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi keyboard is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Sub Zero Commandkey88 with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Commandkey88.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Sub Zero Commandkey88 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Sub Zero Commandkey88 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Commandkey88 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Sub Zero Commandkey88 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Commandkey88
    1. Saving your Commandkey88 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 Sub Zero Commandkey88 work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Sub Zero Commandkey88 is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Commandkey88 can still be mapped to many of the software’s functions.

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 Commandkey88 is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Commandkey88.

Does the Sub Zero Commandkey88 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Commandkey88, therefore it must be bought separately.

There are three main versions with Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Though Intro and Standard are both comprehensive, Suite offers much more, such as 70GB of library sounds, in comparison to Standard’s 10GB.

For those who want to guarantee they have access to the largest selection of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest investing in Ableton Live Suite, as it has a much larger selection than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Commandkey88 to ableton

Linking and configuring the Sub Zero Commandkey88 to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software’s settings from your midi keyboard.

1. Connect the Commandkey88 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Commandkey88 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 Commandkey88 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Commandkey88 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 Commandkey88 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Commandkey88 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Sub Zero Commandkey88 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 Commandkey88, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Commandkey88.
5. Moving the physical control on your Commandkey88 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 Commandkey88

Ableton’s midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Commandkey88, however, you must take into account some potential limitations…

Saving your Commandkey88 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 Commandkey88 is capable of controlling only one parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

When using Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode, unfortunately now all options are available, controls such as selected track and selected device control aren’t currently possible. View a full list of Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you’re looking to get the most out of your Commandkey88, 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 Commandkey88’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Commandkey88,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Commandkey88, 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 Commandkey88 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Commandkey88 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Commandkey88 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Commandkey88.
4. Make sure that the Commandkey88 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.