Sub Zero Controlpad64 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Sub Zero Controlpad64 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 tutorial will show you the whole process of how to operate the Sub Zero Controlpad64 with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Controlpad64.

Article Contents

Does the Sub Zero Controlpad64 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Sub Zero Controlpad64 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Controlpad64 to ableton
How to midi map the Sub Zero Controlpad64 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Controlpad64
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Sub Zero Controlpad64 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Sub Zero Controlpad64 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Controlpad64 to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

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 Controlpad64 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible 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 Controlpad64.

Does the Sub Zero Controlpad64 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not provided with the Controlpad64, 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 Controlpad64 to ableton

Linking the Sub Zero Controlpad64 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 Controlpad64 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Controlpad64 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 Controlpad64 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Controlpad64 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 Controlpad64 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Controlpad64 is all set and can now be used with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Upon making a successful connection between the Sub Zero Controlpad64 and Ableton Live using the instructions above, you can now use MIDI mapping to allocate the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their respective functions in Ableton Live like this:

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 Controlpad64, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Controlpad64.
5. Moving the physical control on your Controlpad64 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 Controlpad64

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Controlpad64, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Controlpad64 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 control on your Controlpad64 can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton's internal midi mapping mode does not include every control options, options such as selected track control and selected device control unfortunately aren't possible. You can view a comprehensive list of all Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Controlpad64, 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 Controlpad64's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Controlpad64,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Controlpad64, 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 Controlpad64 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Controlpad64 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Controlpad64 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Controlpad64.
4. Make sure that the Controlpad64 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.