Icon I Stage Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Icon's I Stage is an incredibly multi-faceted midi controller and is a powerful addition to any Ableton Live setup. This midi controller has a wealth of features that make it ideal for use with Ableton Live.

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

Article Contents

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

In a nutshell, the Icon I Stage is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the I Stage to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

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 I Stage 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 I Stage.

Does the Icon I Stage come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the I Stage, so this must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Even though Intro and Standard are both effective, Suite offers a lot more, including 70GB of library sounds, compared to Standard's 10GB.

For those seeking the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we highly suggest purchasing Ableton Live Suite, as it offers significantly more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the I Stage to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Icon I Stage with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they're connected you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi controller.

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

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

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

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

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