Sending Program Change messages from Ableton Live

Ableton Live can send Program Change messages to plug-ins, hardware synthesizers, and other MIDI devices. Program Change messages are used to switch presets or "patches" to select a sound. Learn more about MIDI Program Change. 

How to send Program Change messages from MIDI Clips

1. Create a MIDI track.
2. From the track's MIDI Out menu, select your external device. Or, load External Instrument or the desired plug-in into the track.
3. Create a MIDI Clip.
4. In Live 11 or later, open Clip View, and if necessary expand the right edge of the Clip View panel to show clip properties. In Live 10, open Notes View.
   
   

   Live 12		Live 11
   Live 10

5. Select a Bank/Sub Bank/Program Change value in the appropriate choosers.
6. Launch the Clip to send the Program Change message to your device.

Program Change tips

• The implementation of Program Change, Bank and Sub-bank values varies depending on the device receiving them. Some devices do not respond to Program Change messages. Check your MIDI device's documentation for its specifications and features.
• A Clip sends one single Bank/Program Change message to one MIDI port and channel, only when it is launched.
• To send Bank/Program Change messages to multiple devices at the same time, create and launch additional Clips.
• To send Program Change commands, Live sends MIDI Control Change 32 messages. This means MIDI CC 32 does not appear as an available parameter the Clip's Envelopes Control Chooser menu. Learn more about using MIDI CC in Live.

Program Change with Max for Live

Max for Live devices can also be used to send Program Change messages. You can find third-party Max for Live devices at www.maxforlive.com. Please note that third-party Max for Live devices are not tested or officiallty supported, and must be updated for compatibility with your Live, Max, and operating system versions.