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

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

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys Mini with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the IRig Keys Mini.

Article Contents

Does the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys Mini work with Ableton Live?
Does the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys Mini come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the IRig Keys Mini to ableton
How to midi map the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys Mini in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the IRig Keys Mini
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys Mini work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys Mini is usable with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the IRig Keys Mini 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 IRig Keys Mini 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 IRig Keys Mini.

Does the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys Mini come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the IRig Keys Mini, 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 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 IRig Keys Mini to ableton

Connecting the Ik Multimedia IRig Keys Mini 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 keyboard.

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

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

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your IRig Keys Mini, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your IRig Keys Mini 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 button or knob on your IRig Keys Mini can only be assigned to control a single 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 IRig Keys Mini, 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 Keys Mini's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your IRig Keys Mini,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your IRig Keys Mini, 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 Keys Mini in Ableton Live?

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