Lumi Keys 1 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Keys 1 from Lumi is an incredibly versatile midi keyboard and is a powerful tool when used in combination with Ableton Live. The Akai MPK Mini has a wealth of features that make it perfect for use with Ableton Live.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Lumi Keys 1 with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Keys 1.

Article Contents

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

Does the Lumi Keys 1 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Lumi Keys 1 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Keys 1 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 Keys 1 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 Keys 1.

Does the Lumi Keys 1 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Keys 1, 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.

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 Keys 1 to ableton

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

The Keys 1 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Lumi Keys 1 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 Keys 1, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Keys 1.
5. Moving the physical control on your Keys 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 Keys 1

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Keys 1, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Keys 1 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Mappings are saved along with your Ableton session. Therefore, if a new session is created, you must re-map all of your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your Keys 1 is capable of controlling only one parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

When using Ableton's internal midi mapping mode, unfortunately now all options are available, controls such as selected track and selected device control aren't currently possible. View a full list of Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Keys 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 Keys 1's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Keys 1,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Keys 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 Keys 1 in Ableton Live?

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