Faderfox Lv3 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Faderfox Lv3 is a versatile midi controller and when used alongside Ableton Live, it's an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi controller is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Faderfox Lv3 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Lv3.

Article Contents

1. Does the Faderfox Lv3 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Faderfox Lv3 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Lv3 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Faderfox Lv3 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Lv3
   1. Saving your Lv3 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 Lv3 work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Faderfox Lv3 is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Lv3 can still be mapped to many of the software's 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 Lv3 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible 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 Lv3.

Does the Faderfox Lv3 come with ableton Live included?

The Lv3 doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased separately.

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.

For those who want to guarantee they have access to the largest selection of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest investing in Ableton Live Suite, as it has a much larger selection than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Lv3 to ableton

Connecting the Faderfox Lv3 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 controller.

1. Connect the Lv3 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Lv3 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 Lv3 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Lv3 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 Lv3 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Lv3 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Faderfox Lv3 to Ableton Live using the steps provided, you can now assign the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to specific functions within Ableton Live via MIDI mapping as follows:

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 Lv3, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Lv3.
5. Moving the physical control on your Lv3 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 Lv3

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Lv3, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Lv3 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Be aware that when saving your mappings, they will be stored with the Ableton session. Therefore, starting a new session will require you to re-map your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Lv3 can only be assigned to 1 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 Lv3, 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 Lv3's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Lv3,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Lv3, 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 Lv3 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Lv3 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Lv3 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Lv3.
4. Make sure that the Lv3 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.