M Audio Keystation 88es Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The M Audio Keystation 88es is a highly versatile midi controller and is a powerful instrument when used in combination with Ableton Live. This midi keyboard has a great selection of features that make it perfect for your Ableton Live setup.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the M Audio Keystation 88es with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Keystation 88es.

Article Contents

Does the M Audio Keystation 88es work with Ableton Live?
Does the M Audio Keystation 88es come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Keystation 88es to ableton
How to midi map the M Audio Keystation 88es in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Keystation 88es
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the M Audio Keystation 88es work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the M Audio Keystation 88es is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Keystation 88es can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

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 Keystation 88es is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

Making your own midi mappings is a breeze with Ableton Live, which gives you the ability to control a lot of components of the software with your Keystation 88es.

Does the M Audio Keystation 88es come with ableton Live included?

Yes the Keystation 88es comes with a free copy of Ableton Live Lite. Although it has unlimited usage, the available features are a lot less than what is available in the full versions 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 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 Keystation 88es to ableton

Linking the M Audio Keystation 88es 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 Keystation 88es to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Keystation 88es 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 Keystation 88es from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Keystation 88es 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 Keystation 88es (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Keystation 88es will now be setup and ready to use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After successfully connecting the M Audio Keystation 88es to Ableton live following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to functionality within 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 Keystation 88es, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Keystation 88es.
5. Moving the physical control on your Keystation 88es 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 Keystation 88es

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Keystation 88es, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your Keystation 88es Midi Mappings is cumbersome

When saving an Ableton session, your mappings will be saved as part of that session. Therefore, if you create a new session, you will need to remap your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Keystation 88es can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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 Keystation 88es, 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 Keystation 88es's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Keystation 88es,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Keystation 88es, 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 Keystation 88es in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Keystation 88es is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Keystation 88es is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Keystation 88es.
4. Make sure that the Keystation 88es is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.