Faderfox 4tracktrigger Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Faderfox's 4tracktrigger is an incredibly multi-faceted midi controller and is a powerful addition to any Ableton Live setup. This midi DJ controller 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 Faderfox 4tracktrigger with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the 4tracktrigger.

Article Contents

Does the Faderfox 4tracktrigger work with Ableton Live?
Does the Faderfox 4tracktrigger come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the 4tracktrigger to ableton
How to midi map the Faderfox 4tracktrigger in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the 4tracktrigger
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Faderfox 4tracktrigger work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Faderfox 4tracktrigger 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 4tracktrigger to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

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 4tracktrigger will be usable with Ableton Live.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live's components with your 4tracktrigger.

Does the Faderfox 4tracktrigger come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not provided with the 4tracktrigger, so it needs to be purchased 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.

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 4tracktrigger to ableton

Connecting the Faderfox 4tracktrigger 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 4tracktrigger to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the 4tracktrigger 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 4tracktrigger from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the 4tracktrigger 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 4tracktrigger (Sync can also be optionally checked).

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

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your 4tracktrigger, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your 4tracktrigger Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Mappings are saved along with your Ableton session. Therefore, if a new session is created, you must re-map all of your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your 4tracktrigger is capable of controlling only one 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 4tracktrigger, 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 4tracktrigger's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your 4tracktrigger,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your 4tracktrigger, 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 4tracktrigger in Ableton Live?

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