Tascam Model 12 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Tascam Model 12 is a highly versatile midi controller and is a powerful instrument when used in combination with Ableton Live. This midi controller has a great selection of features that make it perfect for your Ableton Live setup.

This tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Tascam Model 12 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Model 12.

Article Contents

Does the Tascam Model 12 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Tascam Model 12 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Model 12 to ableton
How to midi map the Tascam Model 12 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Model 12
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Tascam Model 12 work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Tascam Model 12 is fully 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 Model 12 to a variety of functions.

All versions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, are able to be utilized in collaboration with any equipment that sends MIDI data. This is applicable to all releases of Live, such as 9, 10, and 11. As the Model 12 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

Making your own midi mappings is a breeze with Ableton Live, which gives you the ability to control a lot of components of the software with your Model 12.

Does the Tascam Model 12 come with ableton Live included?

The Model 12 does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Even though Intro and Standard are both effective, Suite offers a lot more, including 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 Model 12 to ableton

Linking and configuring the Tascam Model 12 to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software's settings from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Model 12 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Model 12 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 Model 12 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Model 12 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 Model 12 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Model 12 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 Tascam Model 12 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 Model 12, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Model 12.
5. Moving the physical control on your Model 12 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 Model 12

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Model 12, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Model 12 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

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Model 12 can only be assigned to a single 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 Model 12, 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 Model 12's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Model 12,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Model 12, 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 Model 12 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Model 12 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Model 12 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Model 12.
4. Make sure that the Model 12 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.