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

Icon's Platform Nano is a fantastically adaptable midi controller that is extremely useful when coupled with Ableton Live. This device has a great range of features, making it ideal as an Ableton Live controller.

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

Article Contents

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

Does the Icon Platform Nano work with Ableton Live?

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

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Platform Nano 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 Platform Nano is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

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

Does the Icon Platform Nano come with ableton Live included?

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

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.

For those who want to guarantee they have access to the largest selection of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest investing in Ableton Live Suite, as it has a much larger selection than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Platform Nano to ableton

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

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

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

Saving your Platform Nano Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Be aware that when saving your mappings, they will be stored with the Ableton session. Therefore, starting a new session will require you to re-map your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

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

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