Sub Zero Controlkey61 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Sub Zero's Controlkey61 is a fantastically adaptable midi keyboard that is extremely useful when coupled with Ableton Live. This device has a great range of features, making it ideal as an Ableton Live controller.

This tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Sub Zero Controlkey61 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Controlkey61.

Article Contents

Does the Sub Zero Controlkey61 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Sub Zero Controlkey61 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Controlkey61 to ableton
How to midi map the Sub Zero Controlkey61 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Controlkey61
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Sub Zero Controlkey61 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Sub Zero Controlkey61 is usable with Ableton Live.

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Controlkey61 to a variety of functions.

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 Controlkey61 will be usable 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 Controlkey61.

Does the Sub Zero Controlkey61 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Controlkey61, so this 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.

For those seeking the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we highly suggest purchasing Ableton Live Suite, as it offers significantly more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Controlkey61 to ableton

Linking the Sub Zero Controlkey61 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 Controlkey61 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Controlkey61 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 Controlkey61 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Controlkey61 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 Controlkey61 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Controlkey61 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 Sub Zero Controlkey61 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 Controlkey61, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Controlkey61.
5. Moving the physical control on your Controlkey61 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 Controlkey61

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Controlkey61, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Controlkey61 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 means that each button or knob on your Controlkey61 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 Controlkey61, 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 Controlkey61's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Controlkey61,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Controlkey61, 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 Controlkey61 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Controlkey61 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Controlkey61 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Controlkey61.
4. Make sure that the Controlkey61 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.