Nektar Se49 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Nektar's Se49 is an exceptionally flexible midi keyboard and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi keyboard has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Nektar Se49 with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Se49.

Article Contents

1. Does the Nektar Se49 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Nektar Se49 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Se49 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Nektar Se49 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Se49
   1. Saving your Se49 Midi Mappings is cumbersome
   2. Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one
   3. Limited Ableton parameter options to map to
   4. A great solution to these problems
6. Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Nektar Se49 work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Nektar Se49 is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Se49 to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

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 Se49 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function 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 Se49.

Does the Nektar Se49 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Se49, so this must be bought separately.

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 Se49 to ableton

Linking and configuring the Nektar Se49 to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software's settings from your midi keyboard.

1. Connect the Se49 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Se49 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 Se49 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Se49 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 Se49 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Se49 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 Nektar Se49 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 Se49, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Se49.
5. Moving the physical control on your Se49 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 Se49

For the fastest way to map your Se49, you can't go wrong with Ableton's midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations...

Saving your Se49 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

It is important to note that your mappings are stored with the Ableton session when saving. Consequently, when you create a new session, you will have to remap your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your Se49 is capable of controlling only one parameter in Ableton Live.

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 Se49, 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 Se49's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Se49,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Se49, 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 Se49 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Se49 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Se49 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Se49.
4. Make sure that the Se49 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.