Akai Apc Mini Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Apc Mini from Akai is an incredibly versatile midi 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 guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Akai Apc Mini with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Apc Mini.

Article Contents

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

Does the Akai Apc Mini work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Akai Apc Mini is compatible with Ableton Live.

Out of the box, the Apc Mini has a midi remote script that is compatible with Ableton Live, so once you connect it (check the section below for more info) it is ready to go.

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 Apc Mini is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

You can create your own Ableton midi mappings with ease, giving you the power to control many of the features of Ableton Live with your Apc Mini.

Does the Akai Apc Mini come with ableton Live included?

With the Apc Mini you get a free copy of Ableton Live Lite, but its features are not nearly as comprehensive as those of Ableton Live Standard or Suite.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Although Intro and Standard are both powerful, Suite offers extra features, such as 70GB of library sounds, in contrast to Standard's 10GB.

Ableton Live Suite includes many more Audio and MIDI effects compared to Standard, so if you want to ensure you have everything, we recommend going with Ableton Live Suite.

How to connect the Apc Mini to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Akai Apc Mini with Ableton Live is a relatively simple process, once you have the 2 linked together you will be able to control parameters of the software from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Apc Mini to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Apc Mini 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 Apc Mini from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Apc Mini are checked.
4. Ensure that the ‘Track’, ‘Remote’ and ‘Sync’ boxes are all checked.
In the ‘MIDI’ section of this tab, make sure the ‘Track’ and ‘Remote’ boxes are checked for both the Input and Output of the Apc Mini (Sync can also be optionally checked).

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

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

Saving your Apc Mini Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Saving your mappings can be a problem as mappings are saved with an Ableton session, so if you start a new session you will need to re-map your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Apc Mini can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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 Apc Mini, 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 Apc Mini's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Apc Mini,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Apc Mini, 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 Apc Mini in Ableton Live?

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