Korg Microkey 1 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Korg's Microkey 1 is an exceptionally flexible midi keyboard and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi keyboard has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Korg Microkey 1 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Microkey 1.

Article Contents

Does the Korg Microkey 1 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Korg Microkey 1 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Microkey 1 to ableton
How to midi map the Korg Microkey 1 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Microkey 1
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Korg Microkey 1 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Korg Microkey 1 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Microkey 1 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 Microkey 1 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Microkey 1.

Does the Korg Microkey 1 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Microkey 1, 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.

Ableton Live Suite includes many more Audio and MIDI effects compared to Standard, so if you want to ensure you have everything, we recommend going with Ableton Live Suite.

How to connect the Microkey 1 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Korg Microkey 1 with Ableton Live is a relatively simple process, once you have the 2 linked together you will be able to control parameters of the software from your midi keyboard.

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

The Microkey 1 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 Korg Microkey 1 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 Microkey 1, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Microkey 1.
5. Moving the physical control on your Microkey 1 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 Microkey 1

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Microkey 1, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Microkey 1 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 button or knob on your Microkey 1 can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

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 Microkey 1, 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 Microkey 1's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Microkey 1,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Microkey 1, 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 Microkey 1 in Ableton Live?

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