M Audio Code 61 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

M Audio's Code 61 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 Code 61 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Code 61.

Article Contents

Does the M Audio Code 61 work with Ableton Live?
Does the M Audio Code 61 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Code 61 to ableton
How to midi map the M Audio Code 61 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Code 61
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the M Audio Code 61 work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the M Audio Code 61 is compatible with Ableton Live.

The Code 61 comes with a midi remote script to ensure it functions with Ableton Live, so just plug it in (see the instructions below to see how) and you're good to go.

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 Code 61 will be usable with Ableton Live.

You can create your own Ableton midi mappings with ease, giving you the power to control many of the features of Ableton Live with your Code 61.

Does the M Audio Code 61 come with ableton Live included?

You get a complimentary version of Ableton Live Lite with the Code 61, but its worth noting that the features of Ableton Live Lite are not as full as those of Ableton Live Standard or Suite.

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.

For those who want to guarantee they have access to the largest selection of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest investing in Ableton Live Suite, as it has a much larger selection than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Code 61 to ableton

Linking the M Audio Code 61 to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software's parameters from your midi keyboard.

1. Connect the Code 61 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Code 61 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 61 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Code 61 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 61 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Code 61 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 M Audio Code 61 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 Code 61, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Code 61.
5. Moving the physical control on your Code 61 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 61

For the fastest way to map your Code 61, you can't go wrong with Ableton's midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations...

Saving your Code 61 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 control on your Code 61 can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton's internal midi mapping mode does not provide every control option, so options such as controlling the selected track or selected device aren't possible. A full list of Ableton midi mapping options can be found here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Code 61, 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 61's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Code 61,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Code 61, 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 61 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Code 61 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Code 61 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 61.
4. Make sure that the Code 61 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.