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

The Console 1 Fader from Softube 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.

This tutorial will show you the whole process of how to operate the Softube Console 1 Fader with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Console 1 Fader.

Article Contents

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

Does the Softube Console 1 Fader work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Softube Console 1 Fader is compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Console 1 Fader to a variety of functions.

All versions of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, standard and suite can be used in conjunction with pretty much any device which sends MIDI data, and it will work with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. As the Console 1 Fader is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Console 1 Fader.

Does the Softube Console 1 Fader come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Console 1 Fader, so this must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Although Intro and Standard are both powerful, Suite offers extra features, such as 70GB of library sounds, in contrast to Standard's 10GB.

If you prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Console 1 Fader to ableton

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

The Console 1 Fader 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 Softube Console 1 Fader 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 Console 1 Fader, 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 Fader.
5. Moving the physical control on your Console 1 Fader 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 Fader

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

Saving your Console 1 Fader 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 indicates that each control on your Console 1 Fader is capable of controlling only one 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 Console 1 Fader, 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 Fader's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Console 1 Fader,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Console 1 Fader, 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 Fader in Ableton Live?

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