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

Studio Logic's Numa Compact 2x 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.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Studio Logic Numa Compact 2x with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Numa Compact 2x.

Article Contents

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

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

In a nutshell, the Studio Logic Numa Compact 2x is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Numa Compact 2x to a variety of functions.

Any edition of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, will be compatible with any device that transmits MIDI data. This works for all editions of Live, for instance 9, 10, and 11. As the Numa Compact 2x is a MIDI enabled device, it will work with Ableton Live.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Numa Compact 2x.

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

The Numa Compact 2x does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

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'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 Numa Compact 2x to ableton

Linking the Studio Logic Numa Compact 2x to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software's parameters from your midi keyboard.

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

The Numa Compact 2x 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 Studio Logic Numa Compact 2x 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 Numa Compact 2x, 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 2x.
5. Moving the physical control on your Numa Compact 2x 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 2x

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Numa Compact 2x, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Numa Compact 2x Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Mappings are saved along with your Ableton session. Therefore, if a new session is created, you must re-map all of your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your Numa Compact 2x is capable of controlling only one parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode is unfortunately missing many control options. Options such as selected track and selected device control aren’t possible using this method. You can see a list of all available 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 2x, 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 2x's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Numa Compact 2x,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Numa Compact 2x, 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 2x in Ableton Live?

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