Making custom MIDI Mappings

  • Live Versions: All
  • Operating System: All

You might want to create your own custom MIDI mappings in the following situations:

  • Your controller doesn't have a Control Surface.
  • Your controller has a Control Surface, but you want to override some parameters.
  • Your controller has a dedicated User Mode.

First, go to Live’s Preferences/Settings by clicking on Live in the top menu and selecting Preferences.

In the Preferences window, select the Link/MIDI tab. A list of MIDI devices will be listed under the MIDI Ports section. For the device you want to use for mapping, ensure that the Remote option is enabled in the Input column.

To allow your controller to display visual feedback (e.g., lights or feedback on knobs), enable the Remote option in the Output column for that same MIDI device.

Note: The exact configuration can vary depending on your MIDI device.

To create a MIDI mapping:

  1. Turn MIDI map mode on: Mac: CMD + m, Windows: Ctrl + m.
    Screen_Shot_2017-12-14_at_11.30.19.png
  2. Select the function you want to map, e.g. a volume fader.
  3. Move a knob or slider on your controller.
  4. The controls are now mapped.
  5. Repeat for the remaining controls you want to map.
  6. Exit MIDI map mode.

For a detailed overview, read the Live manual section on MIDI and Key Remote Control.

Note: MIDI mappings can be saved as part of your default template Set.

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