Vestax Vcm 100 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Vcm 100 from Vestax is an incredibly versatile midi DJ controller and is a powerful tool when used in combination with Ableton Live. The Akai MPK Mini has a wealth of features that make it perfect for use with Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Vestax Vcm 100 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Vcm 100.

Article Contents

Does the Vestax Vcm 100 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Vestax Vcm 100 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Vcm 100 to ableton
How to midi map the Vestax Vcm 100 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Vcm 100
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Vestax Vcm 100 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Vestax Vcm 100 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Vcm 100 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 Vcm 100 will be usable with Ableton Live.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Vcm 100.

Does the Vestax Vcm 100 come with ableton Live included?

The Vcm 100 does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

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.

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 Vcm 100 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Vestax Vcm 100 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 DJ controller.

1. Connect the Vcm 100 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Vcm 100 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 Vcm 100 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Vcm 100 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 Vcm 100 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Vcm 100 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 Vestax Vcm 100 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 Vcm 100, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Vcm 100.
5. Moving the physical control on your Vcm 100 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 Vcm 100

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Vcm 100, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Vcm 100 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

It is important to note that your mappings are stored with the Ableton session when saving. Consequently, when you create a new session, you will have to remap your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Vcm 100 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 Vcm 100, 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 Vcm 100's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Vcm 100,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Vcm 100, 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 Vcm 100 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Vcm 100 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Vcm 100 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Vcm 100.
4. Make sure that the Vcm 100 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.