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

The Sub Zero Minicommand 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.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Sub Zero Minicommand with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Minicommand.

Article Contents

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

Does the Sub Zero Minicommand work with Ableton Live?

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

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

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 Minicommand is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live's components with your Minicommand.

Does the Sub Zero Minicommand come with ableton Live included?

The Minicommand doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need 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.

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 Minicommand to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Sub Zero Minicommand with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they're connected you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi keyboard.

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

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

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

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

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

Saving your Minicommand Midi Mappings is cumbersome

When saving an Ableton session, your mappings will be saved as part of that session. Therefore, if you create a new session, you will need to remap your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Minicommand 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 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 Minicommand, 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 Minicommand's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Minicommand,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Minicommand, 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 Minicommand in Ableton Live?

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