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
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