Stanton Scs 1m Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Scs 1m from Stanton is an incredibly versatile midi DJ 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 explain all you need to know on using the Stanton Scs 1m with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Scs 1m.

Article Contents

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

Does the Stanton Scs 1m work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Stanton Scs 1m is fully 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 Scs 1m to a variety of functions.

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 Scs 1m is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

Making your own midi mappings is a breeze with Ableton Live, which gives you the ability to control a lot of components of the software with your Scs 1m.

Does the Stanton Scs 1m come with ableton Live included?

The Scs 1m 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 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 Scs 1m to ableton

Linking and configuring the Stanton Scs 1m to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software's settings from your midi DJ controller.

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

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

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

Saving your Scs 1m Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Be aware that when saving your mappings, they will be stored with the Ableton session. Therefore, starting a new session will require you to re-map your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Scs 1m can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

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 Scs 1m, 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 Scs 1m's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Scs 1m,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Scs 1m, 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 Scs 1m in Ableton Live?

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