Behringer Bcr32 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Behringer's Bcr32 is an exceptionally flexible midi controller and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi controller has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Behringer Bcr32 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Bcr32.

Article Contents

1. Does the Behringer Bcr32 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Behringer Bcr32 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Bcr32 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Behringer Bcr32 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Bcr32
   1. Saving your Bcr32 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 Behringer Bcr32 work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the Behringer Bcr32 is 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 Bcr32 to a variety of functions.

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 Bcr32 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 Bcr32.

Does the Behringer Bcr32 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Bcr32, so this must be bought separately.

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.

For those seeking the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we highly suggest purchasing Ableton Live Suite, as it offers significantly more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Bcr32 to ableton

Connecting the Behringer Bcr32 with Ableton Live is pretty simple, and when the two are linked you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Bcr32 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Bcr32 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 Bcr32 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Bcr32 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 Bcr32 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Bcr32 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 Behringer Bcr32 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 Bcr32, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Bcr32.
5. Moving the physical control on your Bcr32 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 Bcr32

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Bcr32, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Bcr32 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 control on your Bcr32 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 Bcr32, 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 Bcr32's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Bcr32,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Bcr32, 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 Bcr32 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Bcr32 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Bcr32 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Bcr32.
4. Make sure that the Bcr32 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.