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

The Launch Control Xl from Novation is an incredibly versatile midi controller and is a powerful tool when used in combination with Ableton Live. The Akai MPK Mini has a wealth of features that make it perfect for use with Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Novation Launch Control Xl with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Launch Control Xl.

Article Contents

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

To put it briefly, the Novation Launch Control Xl is compatible with Ableton Live.

The Launch Control Xl 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 versions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, are able to be utilized in collaboration with any equipment that sends MIDI data. This is applicable to all releases of Live, such as 9, 10, and 11. As the Launch Control Xl is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

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

Does the Novation Launch Control Xl come with ableton Live included?

You get a complimentary version of Ableton Live Lite with the Launch Control Xl, 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 with Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Though Intro and Standard are both comprehensive, Suite offers much more, such as 70GB of library sounds, in comparison 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 Xl to ableton

Linking and configuring the Novation Launch Control Xl to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software's settings from your midi controller.

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

The Launch Control Xl 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 Novation Launch Control Xl 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 Launch Control Xl, 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 Xl.
5. Moving the physical control on your Launch Control Xl 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 Xl

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Launch Control Xl, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Launch Control Xl 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

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Launch Control Xl can only be assigned to 1 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 Launch Control Xl, 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 Xl's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Launch Control Xl,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Launch Control Xl, 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 Xl in Ableton Live?

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