M Audio Code 25 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The M Audio Code 25 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 tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the M Audio Code 25 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Code 25.

Article Contents

Does the M Audio Code 25 work with Ableton Live?
Does the M Audio Code 25 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Code 25 to ableton
How to midi map the M Audio Code 25 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Code 25
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the M Audio Code 25 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the M Audio Code 25 is usable with Ableton Live.

The Code 25 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).

Any edition of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, will be compatible with any device that transmits MIDI data. This works for all editions of Live, for instance 9, 10, and 11. As the Code 25 is a MIDI enabled device, it will work 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 Code 25.

Does the M Audio Code 25 come with ableton Live included?

The Code 25 includes a complimentary version of Ableton Live Lite, but its available features are not as extensive as those in Ableton Live Standard or Suite.

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.

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 Code 25 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the M Audio Code 25 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 Code 25 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Code 25 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 Code 25 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Code 25 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 Code 25 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Code 25 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 Code 25 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 Code 25, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Code 25.
5. Moving the physical control on your Code 25 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 Code 25

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Code 25, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Code 25 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

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Code 25 can only be assigned to 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 Code 25, 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 Code 25's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Code 25,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Code 25, 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 Code 25 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Code 25 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Code 25 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Code 25.
4. Make sure that the Code 25 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.