Worlde Kx88hc Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Kx88hc from Worlde is an incredibly versatile midi keyboard 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 Worlde Kx88hc with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Kx88hc.

Article Contents

1. Does the Worlde Kx88hc work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Worlde Kx88hc come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Kx88hc to ableton
4. How to midi map the Worlde Kx88hc in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Kx88hc
   1. Saving your Kx88hc 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 Kx88hc work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Worlde Kx88hc is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Kx88hc can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.

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 Kx88hc is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function 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 Kx88hc.

Does the Worlde Kx88hc come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Kx88hc, therefore it must be bought separately.

Ableton Live has 3 main versions, Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are very capable pieces of software, the Suite version packs more in, such as over 70GB of library sounds compared to Standard’s 10GB.

If you prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Kx88hc to ableton

Connecting the Worlde Kx88hc with Ableton Live is pretty simple, and when the two are linked you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi keyboard.

1. Connect the Kx88hc to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Kx88hc 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 Kx88hc from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Kx88hc 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 Kx88hc (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Kx88hc is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Worlde Kx88hc to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

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 Kx88hc, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Kx88hc.
5. Moving the physical control on your Kx88hc 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 Kx88hc

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Kx88hc, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Kx88hc 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 Kx88hc 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 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 Kx88hc, 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 Kx88hc's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Kx88hc,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Kx88hc, 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 Kx88hc in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Kx88hc is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Kx88hc is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Kx88hc.
4. Make sure that the Kx88hc is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.