Behringer UMX49 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Behringer's UMX49 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.

This tutorial will show you the whole process of how to operate the Behringer UMX49 with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the UMX49.

Article Contents

1. Does the Behringer UMX49 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Behringer UMX49 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the UMX49 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Behringer UMX49 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the UMX49
   1. Saving your UMX49 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 UMX49 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Behringer UMX49 is usable with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the UMX49 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 UMX49 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 UMX49.

Does the Behringer UMX49 come with ableton Live included?

With the UMX49 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.

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 UMX49 to ableton

Connecting the Behringer UMX49 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 keyboard.

1. Connect the UMX49 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the UMX49 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 UMX49 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the UMX49 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 UMX49 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The UMX49 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 UMX49 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 UMX49, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the UMX49.
5. Moving the physical control on your UMX49 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 UMX49

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your UMX49, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your UMX49 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 indicates that each control on your UMX49 is capable of controlling only one parameter in Ableton Live.

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 UMX49, 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 UMX49's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your UMX49,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your UMX49, 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 UMX49 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the UMX49 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the UMX49 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the UMX49.
4. Make sure that the UMX49 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.