Sub Zero Commandkey61 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Sub Zero Commandkey61 is a versatile midi keyboard and when used alongside Ableton Live, it's an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi keyboard 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 Sub Zero Commandkey61 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Commandkey61.

Article Contents

Does the Sub Zero Commandkey61 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Sub Zero Commandkey61 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Commandkey61 to ableton
How to midi map the Sub Zero Commandkey61 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Commandkey61
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Sub Zero Commandkey61 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Sub Zero Commandkey61 is usable with Ableton Live.

The lack of a MIDI remote script in Ableton Live does not restrict users from midi mapping the Commandkey61 to multiple functions inside the program.

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 Commandkey61 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 Commandkey61.

Does the Sub Zero Commandkey61 come with ableton Live included?

The Commandkey61 doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased separately.

Ableton Live has 3 main versions, Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are very capable pieces of software, the Suite version packs more in, such as over 70GB of library sounds compared 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 Commandkey61 to ableton

Connecting the Sub Zero Commandkey61 with Ableton Live is pretty simple, and when the two are linked you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi keyboard.

1. Connect the Commandkey61 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Commandkey61 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 Commandkey61 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Commandkey61 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 Commandkey61 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Commandkey61 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 Sub Zero Commandkey61 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 Commandkey61, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Commandkey61.
5. Moving the physical control on your Commandkey61 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 Commandkey61

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Commandkey61, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your Commandkey61 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 indicates that each control on your Commandkey61 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 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 Commandkey61, 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 Commandkey61's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Commandkey61,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Commandkey61, 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 Commandkey61 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Commandkey61 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Commandkey61 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Commandkey61.
4. Make sure that the Commandkey61 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.