Softube Console 1 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Softube's Console 1 is a fantastically adaptable midi controller that is extremely useful when coupled with Ableton Live. This device has a great range of features, making it ideal as an Ableton Live controller.

This tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Softube Console 1 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Console 1.

Article Contents

Does the Softube Console 1 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Softube Console 1 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Console 1 to ableton
How to midi map the Softube Console 1 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Console 1
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Softube Console 1 work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Softube Console 1 is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Console 1 can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.

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 Console 1 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 Console 1.

Does the Softube Console 1 come with ableton Live included?

The Console 1 does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

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.

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 Console 1 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Softube Console 1 with Ableton Live is a relatively simple process, once you have the 2 linked together you will be able to control parameters of the software from your midi controller.

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

The Console 1 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Softube Console 1 to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

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 Console 1, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Console 1.
5. Moving the physical control on your Console 1 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 Console 1

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Console 1, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Console 1 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 Console 1 can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton's internal midi mapping mode does not include every control options, options such as selected track control and selected device control unfortunately aren't possible. You can view a comprehensive list of all Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Console 1, 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 Console 1's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Console 1,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Console 1, 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 Console 1 in Ableton Live?

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