Alesis Vi49 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Alesis's Vi49 is an incredibly multi-faceted midi controller and is a powerful addition to any Ableton Live setup. This midi keyboard has a wealth of features that make it ideal for use with Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Alesis Vi49 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Vi49.

Article Contents

1. Does the Alesis Vi49 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Alesis Vi49 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Vi49 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Alesis Vi49 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Vi49
   1. Saving your Vi49 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 Alesis Vi49 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Alesis Vi49 is usable with Ableton Live.

Out of the box, the Vi49 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 forms of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, Standard and Suite, can work with practically any instrument that sends out MIDI data, and it will be compatible with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. Due to this, the Vi49 will be usable 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 Vi49.

Does the Alesis Vi49 come with ableton Live included?

With the Vi49 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. Even though Intro and Standard are both effective, Suite offers a lot more, including 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 Vi49 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Alesis Vi49 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 keyboard.

1. Connect the Vi49 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Vi49 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 Vi49 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Vi49 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 Vi49 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Vi49 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 Alesis Vi49 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 Vi49, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Vi49.
5. Moving the physical control on your Vi49 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 Vi49

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Vi49, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Vi49 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 Vi49 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 Vi49, 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 Vi49's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Vi49,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Vi49, 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 Vi49 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Vi49 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Vi49 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Vi49.
4. Make sure that the Vi49 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.