Worlde Kx61c Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Worlde Kx61c is a versatile midi keyboard and when used alongside Ableton Live, it's an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi keyboard is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

This tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Worlde Kx61c with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Kx61c.

Article Contents

1. Does the Worlde Kx61c work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Worlde Kx61c come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Kx61c to ableton
4. How to midi map the Worlde Kx61c in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Kx61c
   1. Saving your Kx61c Midi Mappings is cumbersome
   2. Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one
   3. Limited Ableton parameter options to map to
   4. A great solution to these problems
6. Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Worlde Kx61c work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Worlde Kx61c is compatible with Ableton Live.

The lack of a MIDI remote script in Ableton Live does not restrict users from midi mapping the Kx61c to multiple functions inside the program.

All versions of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, standard and suite can be used in conjunction with pretty much any device which sends MIDI data, and it will work with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. As the Kx61c is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Kx61c.

Does the Worlde Kx61c come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not provided with the Kx61c, 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.

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 Kx61c to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Worlde Kx61c 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 Kx61c to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Kx61c 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 Kx61c from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Kx61c 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 Kx61c (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Kx61c will now be setup and ready to use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After successfully connecting the Worlde Kx61c to Ableton live following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to functionality within 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 Kx61c, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Kx61c.
5. Moving the physical control on your Kx61c 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 Kx61c

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Kx61c, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Kx61c Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Mappings are saved along with your Ableton session. Therefore, if a new session is created, you must re-map all of your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Kx61c can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode is unfortunately missing many control options. Options such as selected track and selected device control aren’t possible using this method. You can see a list of all available Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Kx61c, 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 Kx61c's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Kx61c,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Kx61c, 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 Kx61c in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Kx61c is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Kx61c is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Kx61c.
4. Make sure that the Kx61c is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.