M Audio Axiom 49 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

M Audio's Axiom 49 is a fantastically adaptable midi keyboard that is extremely useful when coupled with Ableton Live. This device has a great range of features, making it ideal as an Ableton Live controller.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the M Audio Axiom 49 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Axiom 49.

Article Contents

Does the M Audio Axiom 49 work with Ableton Live?
Does the M Audio Axiom 49 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Axiom 49 to ableton
How to midi map the M Audio Axiom 49 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Axiom 49
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the M Audio Axiom 49 work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the M Audio Axiom 49 is compatible with Ableton Live.

The Axiom 49 is pre-programmed with a midi remote script in Ableton Live, so all you have to do is connect it (refer to the information below on how to do that).

All forms of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, Standard and Suite, can work with practically any instrument that sends out MIDI data, and it will be compatible with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. Due to this, the Axiom 49 will be usable with Ableton Live.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live's components with your Axiom 49.

Does the M Audio Axiom 49 come with ableton Live included?

The Axiom 49 includes a complimentary version of Ableton Live Lite, but its available features are not as extensive as those in Ableton Live Standard or Suite.

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.

If you prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Axiom 49 to ableton

Connecting the M Audio Axiom 49 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 Axiom 49 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Axiom 49 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 Axiom 49 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Axiom 49 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 Axiom 49 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Axiom 49 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the M Audio Axiom 49 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 Axiom 49, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Axiom 49.
5. Moving the physical control on your Axiom 49 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 Axiom 49

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Axiom 49, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Axiom 49 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Saving your mappings can be a problem as mappings are saved with an Ableton session, so if you start a new session you will need to re-map your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Axiom 49 can only be assigned to control a single 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 Axiom 49, 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 Axiom 49's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Axiom 49,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Axiom 49, 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 Axiom 49 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Axiom 49 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Axiom 49 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Axiom 49.
4. Make sure that the Axiom 49 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.