Steinberg Cc121 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Steinberg Cc121 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 guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Steinberg Cc121 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Cc121.

Article Contents

1. Does the Steinberg Cc121 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Steinberg Cc121 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Cc121 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Steinberg Cc121 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Cc121
   1. Saving your Cc121 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 Steinberg Cc121 work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Steinberg Cc121 is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Cc121 can still be mapped to many of the software's 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 Cc121 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 Cc121.

Does the Steinberg Cc121 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Cc121, therefore it must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are highly functional, Suite includes an additional 70GB library of sounds, in comparison 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 Cc121 to ableton

Linking the Steinberg Cc121 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 Cc121 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Cc121 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 Cc121 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Cc121 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 Cc121 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Cc121 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Steinberg Cc121 to Ableton Live using the steps provided, you can now assign the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to specific functions within Ableton Live via MIDI mapping as follows:

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 Cc121, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Cc121.
5. Moving the physical control on your Cc121 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 Cc121

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Cc121, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Cc121 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 Cc121 is capable of controlling only one 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 Cc121, 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 Cc121's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Cc121,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Cc121, 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 Cc121 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Cc121 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Cc121 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Cc121.
4. Make sure that the Cc121 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.