Casio Xw Pd1 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map
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The Casio Xw Pd1 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 tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Casio Xw Pd1 with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Xw Pd1.
Article Contents
- Does the Casio Xw Pd1 work with Ableton Live?
- Does the Casio Xw Pd1 come with ableton Live included?
- How to connect the Xw Pd1 to ableton
- How to midi map the Casio Xw Pd1 in Ableton Live
- The Limitations of midi mapping the Xw Pd1
- Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?
Does the Casio Xw Pd1 work with Ableton Live?
In short, yes, the Casio Xw Pd1 is compatible with Ableton Live.
Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Xw Pd1 can still be midi mapped to many functions within 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 Xw Pd1 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 Xw Pd1.
Does the Casio Xw Pd1 come with ableton Live included?
Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Xw Pd1, therefore it 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.
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 Xw Pd1 to ableton
Linking the Casio Xw Pd1 to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software's parameters from your midi DJ controller.
1. Connect the Xw Pd1 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Xw Pd1 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 Xw Pd1 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Xw Pd1 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 Xw Pd1 (Sync can also be optionally checked).
The Xw Pd1 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.
How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live
After you have connected the Casio Xw Pd1 to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:
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 Xw Pd1, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Xw Pd1.
5. Moving the physical control on your Xw Pd1 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 Xw Pd1
Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Xw Pd1, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...
Saving your Xw Pd1 Midi Mappings is cumbersome
Saving your mappings can be a problem as mappings are saved with an Ableton session, so if you start a new session you will need to re-map your controls again.
Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one
With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Xw Pd1 can only be assigned to a single 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 Xw Pd1, 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 Xw Pd1's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Xw Pd1,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Xw Pd1, 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 Xw Pd1 in Ableton Live?
There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Xw Pd1 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Xw Pd1 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Xw Pd1.
4. Make sure that the Xw Pd1 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.