Sub Zero Controlkey49 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Sub Zero Controlkey49 is a highly versatile midi controller and is a powerful instrument when used in combination with Ableton Live. This midi keyboard has a great selection of features that make it perfect for your Ableton Live setup.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Sub Zero Controlkey49 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Controlkey49.

Article Contents

Does the Sub Zero Controlkey49 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Sub Zero Controlkey49 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Controlkey49 to ableton
How to midi map the Sub Zero Controlkey49 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Controlkey49
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Sub Zero Controlkey49 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Sub Zero Controlkey49 is usable with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Controlkey49 can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

All versions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, are able to be utilized in collaboration with any equipment that sends MIDI data. This is applicable to all releases of Live, such as 9, 10, and 11. As the Controlkey49 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible 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 Controlkey49.

Does the Sub Zero Controlkey49 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Controlkey49, 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.

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 Controlkey49 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Sub Zero Controlkey49 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 Controlkey49 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Controlkey49 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 Controlkey49 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Controlkey49 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 Controlkey49 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Controlkey49 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Sub Zero Controlkey49 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 Controlkey49, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Controlkey49.
5. Moving the physical control on your Controlkey49 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 Controlkey49

For the fastest way to map your Controlkey49, you can't go wrong with Ableton's midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations...

Saving your Controlkey49 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Saving your mappings can be a problem as mappings are saved with an Ableton session, so if you start a new session you will need to re-map your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Controlkey49 can only be assigned to control a single 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 Controlkey49, 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 Controlkey49's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Controlkey49,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Controlkey49, 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 Controlkey49 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Controlkey49 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Controlkey49 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Controlkey49.
4. Make sure that the Controlkey49 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.