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

Icon's Qcon Pro Xs is an exceptionally flexible midi controller and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi controller has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Icon Qcon Pro Xs with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Qcon Pro Xs.

Article Contents

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

Does the Icon Qcon Pro Xs work with Ableton Live?

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

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Qcon Pro Xs to a variety of 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 Qcon Pro Xs is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live's components with your Qcon Pro Xs.

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

The Qcon Pro Xs does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

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 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 Qcon Pro Xs to ableton

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

The Qcon Pro Xs has been configured and is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Once you have connected the Icon Qcon Pro Xs to Ableton Live by following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to the corresponding functions in Ableton Live by doing the following:

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 Xs, 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 Xs.
5. Moving the physical control on your Qcon Pro Xs 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 Xs

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

Saving your Qcon Pro Xs 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 means that each control on your Qcon Pro Xs can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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

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