Icon Qcon Pro G2 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

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The Qcon Pro G2 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.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Icon Qcon Pro G2 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Qcon Pro G2.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Icon Qcon Pro G2 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Icon Qcon Pro G2 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Qcon Pro G2 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Icon Qcon Pro G2 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Qcon Pro G2
    1. Saving your Qcon Pro G2 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 Qcon Pro G2 work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Icon Qcon Pro G2 is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Qcon Pro G2 can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

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 Qcon Pro G2 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible 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 Qcon Pro G2.

Does the Icon Qcon Pro G2 come with ableton Live included?

The Qcon Pro G2 doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased separately.

There are three main versions with Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Though Intro and Standard are both comprehensive, Suite offers much more, such as 70GB of library sounds, in comparison 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 Qcon Pro G2 to ableton

Connecting the Icon Qcon Pro G2 with Ableton Live is pretty simple, and when the two are linked you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Qcon Pro G2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Qcon Pro G2 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 Qcon Pro G2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Qcon Pro G2 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 Qcon Pro G2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Qcon Pro G2 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Icon Qcon Pro G2 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 Qcon Pro G2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Qcon Pro G2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Qcon Pro G2 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 Qcon Pro G2

For the fastest way to map your Qcon Pro G2, you can't go wrong with Ableton's midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations...

Saving your Qcon Pro G2 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 control on your Qcon Pro G2 can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode is unfortunately missing many control options. Options such as selected track and selected device control aren’t possible using this method. You can see a list of all available Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Qcon Pro G2, 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 Qcon Pro G2's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Qcon Pro G2,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Qcon Pro G2, 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 Qcon Pro G2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Qcon Pro G2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Qcon Pro G2 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Qcon Pro G2.
4. Make sure that the Qcon Pro G2 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.