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

M Audio's Code 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.

This tutorial will show you the whole process of how to operate the M Audio Code 49 with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Code 49.

Article Contents

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

Does the M Audio Code 49 work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the M Audio Code 49 is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Out of the box, the Code 49 has a midi remote script that is compatible with Ableton Live, so once you connect it (check the section below for more info) it is ready to go.

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 Code 49 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 Code 49.

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

With the Code 49 you get a free copy of Ableton Live Lite, but its features are not nearly as comprehensive as those of 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.

For those seeking the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we highly suggest purchasing Ableton Live Suite, as it offers significantly more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Code 49 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the M Audio Code 49 with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they're connected you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi keyboard.

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

The Code 49 has been configured and is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Once you have connected the M Audio Code 49 to Ableton Live by following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to the corresponding functions in Ableton Live by doing the following:

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 49, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Code 49.
5. Moving the physical control on your Code 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 Code 49

For the fastest way to map your Code 49, you can't go wrong with Ableton's midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations...

Saving your Code 49 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

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Code 49 can only be assigned to a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton's internal midi mapping mode does not include every control options, options such as selected track control and selected device control unfortunately aren't possible. You can view a comprehensive list of all 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 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 Code 49's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Code 49,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Code 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 Code 49 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Code 49 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Code 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 Code 49.
4. Make sure that the Code 49 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.