Akai Mpd18 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Akai Mpd18 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 tutorial will show you the whole process of how to operate the Akai Mpd18 with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Mpd18.

Article Contents

1. Does the Akai Mpd18 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Akai Mpd18 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Mpd18 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Akai Mpd18 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Mpd18
   1. Saving your Mpd18 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 Mpd18 work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Akai Mpd18 is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

The Mpd18 comes with a midi remote script to ensure it functions with Ableton Live, so just plug it in (see the instructions below to see how) and you're good 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 Mpd18 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function 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 Mpd18.

Does the Akai Mpd18 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Mpd18, so this must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are highly functional, Suite includes an additional 70GB library of sounds, in comparison 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 Mpd18 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Akai Mpd18 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 Mpd18 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Mpd18 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 Mpd18 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Mpd18 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 Mpd18 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Mpd18 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 Mpd18 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 Mpd18, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Mpd18.
5. Moving the physical control on your Mpd18 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 Mpd18

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Mpd18, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your Mpd18 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

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Mpd18 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 provide every control option, so options such as controlling the selected track or selected device aren't possible. A full list of Ableton midi mapping options can be found here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Mpd18, 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 Mpd18's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mpd18,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mpd18, 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 Mpd18 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Mpd18 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Mpd18 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Mpd18.
4. Make sure that the Mpd18 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.