Faderfox Sc4 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Sc4 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.

This tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Faderfox Sc4 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Sc4.

Article Contents

1. Does the Faderfox Sc4 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Faderfox Sc4 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Sc4 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Faderfox Sc4 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Sc4
   1. Saving your Sc4 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 Sc4 work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Faderfox Sc4 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 Sc4 to a variety of functions.

All versions of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, standard and suite can be used in conjunction with pretty much any device which sends MIDI data, and it will work with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. As the Sc4 is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Sc4.

Does the Faderfox Sc4 come with ableton Live included?

The Sc4 does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

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'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 Sc4 to ableton

Linking and configuring the Faderfox Sc4 to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software's settings from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Sc4 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Sc4 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 Sc4 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Sc4 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 Sc4 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Sc4 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 Sc4 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 Sc4, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Sc4.
5. Moving the physical control on your Sc4 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 Sc4

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Sc4, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Sc4 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 Sc4 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 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 Sc4, 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 Sc4's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Sc4,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Sc4, 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 Sc4 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Sc4 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Sc4 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Sc4.
4. Make sure that the Sc4 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.