Novation Launch Control Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Novation Launch Control is a versatile midi controller and when used alongside Ableton Live, it's an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi controller is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

This tutorial will show you the whole process of how to operate the Novation Launch Control with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Launch Control.

Article Contents

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

In summary, the Novation Launch Control is usable with Ableton Live.

Out of the box, the Launch Control 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 Launch Control 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 Launch Control.

Does the Novation Launch Control come with ableton Live included?

With the Launch Control 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.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Even though Intro and Standard are both effective, Suite offers a lot more, including 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 Launch Control to ableton

Linking the Novation Launch Control to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software's parameters from your midi controller.

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

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

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

Saving your Launch Control Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Mappings are saved along with your Ableton session. Therefore, if a new session is created, you must re-map all of your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Launch Control can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

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

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