While the list of controllers supported out of the box is long and distinguished, it’s far from complete so chances are high your favorite MIDI axe is not there.

Controllers with endless encoders and LED rings such as the BCD, Nocturn or Midi Fighter Twister are perfect for switching between devices and enjoying instant updates of the control surface. Once you have successfully connected your controller to Ableton Live and have data coming in and out of the computer, your control surface can both take over and display each parameter. Sync is not usually used unless you plan to sync the MIDI clock between Live and your controller.

To get this data into Live, you need to always arm “Remote” which is never enabled by default. Most controllers that you plug in only have Track turned “On” by default so when you go to record MIDI automation, the notes get recorded but not any control automation from knobs, encoders, or faders. Many people get confused on the last point – here’s a quick explanation: For recording control signals, enable Track and Remote by changing “Off” to “On” under the MIDI Ports section.Make sure the appropriate Input and Output are also selected for that controller.If it’s there, select it – if not, move to the next section.Look for your controller in the Control Surfaces column.Two octave keyboards with encoders and pads are particularly useful for song writing without touching the mouse. Many major controllers have scripts pre-bundled with Ableton – you just need to enable them. Wouldn’t it be nice if your controller dynamically mapped to any instrument, effect, or drum rack you have selected? Well, it can! THE EASY ONES When in the throws of music production creativity, one hardly has time to stop and MIDI map your controller to each synth – especially when quickly previewing instruments and tweaking their parameters.

Map, click, turn, and control! Super easy – but did you know many controllers have more advanced “Remote Scripts” that give them instant -and more importantly dynamic- control over Live’s devices? Many Ableton Live users know there is a simple and easy MIDI mapping engine available for controlling synths and tracks with any control surface.

Minilab mk2 ableton mapping