Studio Logic Numa Compact 2 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Studio Logic's Numa Compact 2 is an incredibly multi-faceted midi controller and is a powerful addition to any Ableton Live setup. This midi keyboard has a wealth of features that make it ideal for use with Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Studio Logic Numa Compact 2 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Numa Compact 2.

Article Contents

Does the Studio Logic Numa Compact 2 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Studio Logic Numa Compact 2 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Numa Compact 2 to ableton
How to midi map the Studio Logic Numa Compact 2 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Numa Compact 2
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Studio Logic Numa Compact 2 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Studio Logic Numa Compact 2 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Numa Compact 2 can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.

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 Numa Compact 2 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 Numa Compact 2.

Does the Studio Logic Numa Compact 2 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Numa Compact 2, therefore it must be bought separately.

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 Numa Compact 2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Studio Logic Numa Compact 2 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 keyboard.

1. Connect the Numa Compact 2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Numa Compact 2 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 Numa Compact 2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Numa Compact 2 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 Numa Compact 2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Numa Compact 2 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Studio Logic Numa Compact 2 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 Numa Compact 2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Numa Compact 2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Numa Compact 2 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 Numa Compact 2

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Numa Compact 2, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your Numa Compact 2 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

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Numa Compact 2 can only be assigned to 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 Numa Compact 2, 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 Numa Compact 2's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Numa Compact 2,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Numa Compact 2, 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 Numa Compact 2 in Ableton Live?

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