Faderfox Pc4 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Faderfox Pc4 is a highly versatile midi controller and is a powerful instrument when used in combination with Ableton Live. This midi controller has a great selection of features that make it perfect for your Ableton Live setup.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Faderfox Pc4 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Pc4.

Article Contents

1. Does the Faderfox Pc4 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Faderfox Pc4 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Pc4 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Faderfox Pc4 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Pc4
   1. Saving your Pc4 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 Pc4 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Faderfox Pc4 is usable with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Pc4 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 Pc4 will be usable with Ableton Live.

You can create your own Ableton midi mappings with ease, giving you the power to control many of the features of Ableton Live with your Pc4.

Does the Faderfox Pc4 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Pc4, so this 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 Pc4 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Faderfox Pc4 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 Pc4 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Pc4 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 Pc4 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Pc4 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 Pc4 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Pc4 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 Pc4 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 Pc4, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Pc4.
5. Moving the physical control on your Pc4 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 Pc4

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Pc4, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your Pc4 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

It is important to note that your mappings are stored with the Ableton session when saving. Consequently, when you create a new session, you will have to remap your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Pc4 can only be assigned to control 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 Pc4, 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 Pc4's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Pc4,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Pc4, 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 Pc4 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Pc4 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Pc4 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Pc4.
4. Make sure that the Pc4 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.