Akai Mpc X Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Akai's Mpc X is a fantastically adaptable midi controller that is extremely useful when coupled with Ableton Live. This device has a great range of features, making it ideal as an Ableton Live controller.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Akai Mpc X with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Mpc X.

Article Contents

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

To sum it up, the Akai Mpc X 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 Mpc X to a variety of functions.

Any edition of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, will be compatible with any device that transmits MIDI data. This works for all editions of Live, for instance 9, 10, and 11. As the Mpc X is a MIDI enabled device, it will work 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 Mpc X.

Does the Akai Mpc X come with ableton Live included?

The Mpc X 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.

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 Mpc X to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Akai Mpc X with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they're connected you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi controller.

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

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

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Mpc X, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Mpc X Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Be aware that when saving your mappings, they will be stored with the Ableton session. Therefore, starting a new session will require you to re-map your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Mpc X can only be assigned to control 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 Mpc X, 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 Mpc X's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mpc X,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mpc X, 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 Mpc X in Ableton Live?

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