Studio Logic Sl Mixface Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Sl Mixface from Studio Logic is an incredibly versatile midi 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 Studio Logic Sl Mixface with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Sl Mixface.

Article Contents

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

Does the Studio Logic Sl Mixface work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Studio Logic Sl Mixface is usable with Ableton Live.

The lack of a MIDI remote script in Ableton Live does not restrict users from midi mapping the Sl Mixface to multiple functions inside the program.

All forms of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, Standard and Suite, can work with practically any instrument that sends out MIDI data, and it will be compatible with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. Due to this, the Sl Mixface will be usable with Ableton Live.

You can create your own Ableton midi mappings with ease, giving you the power to control many of the features of Ableton Live with your Sl Mixface.

Does the Studio Logic Sl Mixface come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not provided with the Sl Mixface, so it needs to be purchased 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.

Ableton Live Suite includes many more Audio and MIDI effects compared to Standard, so if you want to ensure you have everything, we recommend going with Ableton Live Suite.

How to connect the Sl Mixface to ableton

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

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

The Sl Mixface will now be setup and ready to use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After successfully connecting the Studio Logic Sl Mixface to Ableton live following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to functionality within 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 Sl Mixface, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Sl Mixface.
5. Moving the physical control on your Sl Mixface 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 Sl Mixface

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

Saving your Sl Mixface 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

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Sl Mixface can only be assigned to 1 parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton's internal midi mapping mode does not provide every control option, so options such as controlling the selected track or selected device aren't possible. A full list of Ableton midi mapping options can be found here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Sl Mixface, 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 Sl Mixface's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Sl Mixface,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Sl Mixface, 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 Sl Mixface in Ableton Live?

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