Akai Mpd16 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Akai Mpd16 is a versatile midi controller and when used alongside Ableton Live, it's an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi controller is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Akai Mpd16 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Mpd16.

Article Contents

1. Does the Akai Mpd16 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Akai Mpd16 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Mpd16 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Akai Mpd16 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Mpd16
   1. Saving your Mpd16 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 Mpd16 work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the Akai Mpd16 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Mpd16 to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

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 Mpd16 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function 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 Mpd16.

Does the Akai Mpd16 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Mpd16, so this must be bought separately.

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.

If you prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Mpd16 to ableton

Linking the Akai Mpd16 to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software's parameters from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Mpd16 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Mpd16 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 Mpd16 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Mpd16 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 Mpd16 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Mpd16 is all set and can now be used with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Upon making a successful connection between the Akai Mpd16 and Ableton Live using the instructions above, you can now use MIDI mapping to allocate the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their respective functions in Ableton Live like this:

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 Mpd16, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Mpd16.
5. Moving the physical control on your Mpd16 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 Mpd16

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Mpd16, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Mpd16 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

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Mpd16 can only be assigned to 1 parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode is unfortunately missing many control options. Options such as selected track and selected device control aren’t possible using this method. You can see a list of all available Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Mpd16, 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 Mpd16's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mpd16,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mpd16, 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 Mpd16 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Mpd16 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Mpd16 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Mpd16.
4. Make sure that the Mpd16 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.