Icon Platform B Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Platform B from Icon 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 explain all you need to know on using the Icon Platform B with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Platform B.

Article Contents

Does the Icon Platform B work with Ableton Live?
Does the Icon Platform B come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Platform B to ableton
How to midi map the Icon Platform B in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Platform B
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Icon Platform B work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Icon Platform B is usable with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Platform B can still be mapped to many of the software's 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 Platform B 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 Platform B.

Does the Icon Platform B come with ableton Live included?

The Platform B 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.

If you prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Platform B to ableton

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

Set up of the Platform B with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Icon Platform B 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 Platform B, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Platform B.
5. Moving the physical control on your Platform B 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 Platform B

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Platform B, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Platform B 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

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your Platform B is capable of controlling only one 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 Platform B, 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 Platform B's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Platform B,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Platform B, 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 Platform B in Ableton Live?

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