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

The Platform M 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 teach you everything needed in order to use the Icon Platform M with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Platform M.

Article Contents

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

Does the Icon Platform M work with Ableton Live?

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

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Platform M can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.

All versions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, are able to be utilized in collaboration with any equipment that sends MIDI data. This is applicable to all releases of Live, such as 9, 10, and 11. As the Platform M is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Platform M.

Does the Icon Platform M come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Platform M, therefore it must be bought 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'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 Platform M to ableton

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

The Platform M is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Icon Platform M to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

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

For the fastest way to map your Platform M, you can't go wrong with Ableton's midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations...

Saving your Platform M 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 M is capable of controlling only one 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 Platform M, 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 M's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Platform M,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Platform M, 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 M in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Platform M is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Platform M 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 M.
4. Make sure that the Platform M is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.