How to Set Up a DAW Controller in Live
Live DAW controller setup
Live supports a variety of DAW controllers. If you are setting up a DAW controller for the first time, we recommend reading Getting Started with DAW Controllers first and then following the instructions below.
DAW controllers (control surfaces) need to be configured within Live before they can control it. That means you’ll need to select the controller’s protocol and port settings within Live. If you’re not sure how to change the protocol (mode) of your MIDI device, check its user manual for more information.
Third party control surfaces with Live
Non-Ableton DAW controllers may require additional installation. Learn more about installing third-party control surfaces and remote scripts.
- Open the Live menu and select Preferences….
- Click the Link/MIDI tab and select your controller/protocol and its MIDI ports:
- Control Surface: Select a device’s preset or configure for Mackie Control.
- Input: Select the device’s MIDI input port.
- Output: Select the device’s MIDI output port.
- If your device is natively supported (selectable) by Live, it can be set to receive Live’s preset dump. Ready the controller (check the controller’s user manual to learn how) and click the Dump button to synchronize its button layout with Live’s preset.
- Enable the controller’s input and output port Track and Remote MIDI port switches. Only enable Sync when syncing to the tempo of another sequencer or drum machine.
- Close the Preferences menu.
Configuring a control surface in Live
Additional resources
Setting up MIDI
MIDI Mapping
Recording automation
When you need help, Sweetwater has the answers!
Our knowledge base contains over 28,000 expertly written tech articles that will give you answers and help you get the most out of your gear. Our pro musicians and gear experts update content daily to keep you informed and on your way. Best of all, it’s totally FREE, and it’s just another reason that you get more at Sweetwater.com.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Select manufacturers may require that only the manufacturer’s products qualify towards the minimum purchase amount needed to be eligible for promotional financing. Otherwise, an invoice that meets the minimum purchase amount and contains at least one qualifying manufacturer product is eligible for promotional financing. No interest will be charged on promo purchase balance, and equal monthly payments are required on promo purchase until it is paid in full. The payments equal the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next whole dollar. These payments may be higher than the payments that would be required if this purchase was a non-promo purchase. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to the prior months’ rounding. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
The estimated required monthly payment shown which excludes taxes and delivery equals the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next cent. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to this rounding. These payments apply only with the financing offer shown. If you make these payments by the due date each month, you should pay off this amount financed within the promo period, if it is the only balance you are paying off. If you have other balances on your account, this payment will be added to any other minimum monthly payments.
Applies only to select items from this manufacturer. Ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more details.