Behringer Cmd Pl 1 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Behringer Cmd Pl 1 is a highly versatile midi controller and is a powerful instrument when used in combination with Ableton Live. This midi DJ controller has a great selection of features that make it perfect for your Ableton Live setup.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Behringer Cmd Pl 1 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Cmd Pl 1.

Article Contents

Does the Behringer Cmd Pl 1 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Behringer Cmd Pl 1 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Cmd Pl 1 to ableton
How to midi map the Behringer Cmd Pl 1 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Cmd Pl 1
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Behringer Cmd Pl 1 work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Behringer Cmd Pl 1 is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Cmd Pl 1 to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

All versions of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, standard and suite can be used in conjunction with pretty much any device which sends MIDI data, and it will work with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. As the Cmd Pl 1 is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Cmd Pl 1.

Does the Behringer Cmd Pl 1 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not provided with the Cmd Pl 1, so it needs to be purchased 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 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 Cmd Pl 1 to ableton

Connecting the Behringer Cmd Pl 1 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 DJ controller.

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

The Cmd Pl 1 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 Behringer Cmd Pl 1 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 Cmd Pl 1, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Cmd Pl 1.
5. Moving the physical control on your Cmd Pl 1 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 Cmd Pl 1

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Cmd Pl 1, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Cmd Pl 1 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

When saving an Ableton session, your mappings will be saved as part of that session. Therefore, if you create a new session, you will need to remap your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Cmd Pl 1 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 Cmd Pl 1, 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 Cmd Pl 1's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Cmd Pl 1,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Cmd Pl 1, 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 Cmd Pl 1 in Ableton Live?

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