Ik Multimedia IRig BlueBoard Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Ik Multimedia IRig BlueBoard is a versatile midi foot controller and when used alongside Ableton Live, it's an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi foot controller is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Ik Multimedia IRig BlueBoard with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the IRig BlueBoard.

Article Contents

1. Does the Ik Multimedia IRig BlueBoard work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Ik Multimedia IRig BlueBoard come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the IRig BlueBoard to ableton
4. How to midi map the Ik Multimedia IRig BlueBoard in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the IRig BlueBoard
   1. Saving your IRig BlueBoard 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 Ik Multimedia IRig BlueBoard work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Ik Multimedia IRig BlueBoard is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the IRig BlueBoard to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

All versions of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, standard and suite can be used in conjunction with pretty much any device which sends MIDI data, and it will work with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. As the IRig BlueBoard is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

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

Does the Ik Multimedia IRig BlueBoard come with ableton Live included?

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

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are highly functional, Suite includes an additional 70GB library of 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 IRig BlueBoard to ableton

Linking the Ik Multimedia IRig BlueBoard to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software's parameters from your midi foot controller.

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

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

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your IRig BlueBoard, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your IRig BlueBoard 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 means that each control on your IRig BlueBoard 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 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 IRig BlueBoard, 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 IRig BlueBoard's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your IRig BlueBoard,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your IRig BlueBoard, 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 IRig BlueBoard in Ableton Live?

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