Worlde Panda25 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Worlde's Panda25 is an exceptionally flexible midi keyboard and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi keyboard has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Worlde Panda25 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Panda25.

Article Contents

1. Does the Worlde Panda25 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Worlde Panda25 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Panda25 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Worlde Panda25 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Panda25
   1. Saving your Panda25 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 Panda25 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Worlde Panda25 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Panda25 can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

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 Panda25 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Panda25.

Does the Worlde Panda25 come with ableton Live included?

The Panda25 doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased 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.

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 Panda25 to ableton

Linking the Worlde Panda25 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 Panda25 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Panda25 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 Panda25 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Panda25 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 Panda25 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Panda25 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Worlde Panda25 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 Panda25, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Panda25.
5. Moving the physical control on your Panda25 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 Panda25

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Panda25, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Panda25 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 button or knob on your Panda25 can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

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 Panda25, 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 Panda25's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Panda25,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Panda25, 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 Panda25 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Panda25 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Panda25 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Panda25.
4. Make sure that the Panda25 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.