Novation 61sl Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Novation 61sl 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.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Novation 61sl with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the 61sl.

Article Contents

1. Does the Novation 61sl work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Novation 61sl come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the 61sl to ableton
4. How to midi map the Novation 61sl in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the 61sl
   1. Saving your 61sl 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 Novation 61sl work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Novation 61sl is usable with Ableton Live.

Out of the box, the 61sl 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 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 61sl will be usable with Ableton Live.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your 61sl.

Does the Novation 61sl come with ableton Live included?

With the 61sl 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.

Ableton Live Suite includes many more Audio and MIDI effects compared to Standard, so if you want to ensure you have everything, we recommend going with Ableton Live Suite.

How to connect the 61sl to ableton

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

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

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your 61sl, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your 61sl 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 means that each button or knob on your 61sl can only be assigned to control 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 61sl, 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 61sl's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your 61sl,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your 61sl, 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 61sl in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the 61sl is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the 61sl is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the 61sl.
4. Make sure that the 61sl is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.