Faderfox Lx2 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Faderfox Lx2 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 tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Faderfox Lx2 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Lx2.

Article Contents

1. Does the Faderfox Lx2 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Faderfox Lx2 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Lx2 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Faderfox Lx2 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Lx2
   1. Saving your Lx2 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 Lx2 work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Faderfox Lx2 is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Lx2 to a variety of functions.

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 Lx2 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 Lx2.

Does the Faderfox Lx2 come with ableton Live included?

The Lx2 does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

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.

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 Lx2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Faderfox Lx2 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 Lx2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Lx2 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 Lx2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Lx2 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 Lx2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Lx2 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 Lx2 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 Lx2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Lx2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Lx2 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 Lx2

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Lx2, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Lx2 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

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Lx2 can only be assigned to a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton's internal midi mapping mode does not provide every control option, so options such as controlling the selected track or selected device aren't possible. A full list of Ableton midi mapping options can be found here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Lx2, 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 Lx2's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Lx2,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Lx2, 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 Lx2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Lx2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Lx2 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Lx2.
4. Make sure that the Lx2 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.