Intech Pbf4 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Intech's Pbf4 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 tutorial will show you the whole process of how to operate the Intech Pbf4 with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Pbf4.

Article Contents

1. Does the Intech Pbf4 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Intech Pbf4 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Pbf4 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Intech Pbf4 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Pbf4
   1. Saving your Pbf4 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 Intech Pbf4 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Intech Pbf4 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Pbf4 can still be midi mapped to many functions within 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 Pbf4 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

You can create your own Ableton midi mappings with ease, giving you the power to control many of the features of Ableton Live with your Pbf4.

Does the Intech Pbf4 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Pbf4, therefore it must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Although Intro and Standard are both powerful, Suite offers extra features, such as 70GB of library sounds, in contrast 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 Pbf4 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Intech Pbf4 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 Pbf4 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Pbf4 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 Pbf4 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Pbf4 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 Pbf4 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Pbf4 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Intech Pbf4 to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

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 Pbf4, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Pbf4.
5. Moving the physical control on your Pbf4 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 Pbf4

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Pbf4, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Pbf4 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 Pbf4 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 Pbf4, 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 Pbf4's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Pbf4,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Pbf4, 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 Pbf4 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Pbf4 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Pbf4 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Pbf4.
4. Make sure that the Pbf4 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.