Faderfox Lc2 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Lc2 from Faderfox is an incredibly versatile midi controller and is a powerful tool when used in combination with Ableton Live. The Akai MPK Mini has a wealth of features that make it perfect for use with Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Faderfox Lc2 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Lc2.

Article Contents

1. Does the Faderfox Lc2 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Faderfox Lc2 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Lc2 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Faderfox Lc2 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Lc2
   1. Saving your Lc2 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 Faderfox Lc2 work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Faderfox Lc2 is fully 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 Lc2 to a variety of functions.

All versions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, are able to be utilized in collaboration with any equipment that sends MIDI data. This is applicable to all releases of Live, such as 9, 10, and 11. As the Lc2 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Lc2.

Does the Faderfox Lc2 come with ableton Live included?

The Lc2 does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Although Intro and Standard are both powerful, Suite offers extra features, such as 70GB of library sounds, in contrast 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 Lc2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Faderfox Lc2 with Ableton Live is a relatively simple process, once you have the 2 linked together you will be able to control parameters of the software from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Lc2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Lc2 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 Lc2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Lc2 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 Lc2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Lc2 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 Faderfox Lc2 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 Lc2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Lc2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Lc2 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 Lc2

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Lc2, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your Lc2 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

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Lc2 can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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 Lc2, 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 Lc2's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Lc2,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Lc2, 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 Lc2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Lc2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Lc2 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Lc2.
4. Make sure that the Lc2 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.