Ableton Live Setup

This guide walks you through setting up your Yaeltex controller with Ableton Live for optimal performance, including proper MIDI configuration and LED feedback.

Initial Setup

1. Connect your Yaeltex controller via USB
2. Open Ableton Live
3. Open Preferences with Cmd + , (Mac) or Ctrl + , (Windows)
4. Navigate to the Link/Tempo/MIDI tab

MIDI Configuration

In the Link/Tempo/MIDI preferences, locate your Yaeltex controller in the MIDI Ports section and configure it as follows:

Input Settings

Setting	Enable	Purpose
Track	Yes	Allows recording MIDI from your controller
Remote	Yes	Enables control of Ableton parameters

Output Settings

Setting	Enable	Purpose
Track	Yes	Sends MIDI feedback to controller LEDs

Your preferences should look like this:

LED Feedback

The Track output must be enabled for LED feedback to work. This allows Ableton to send MIDI messages back to your controller, updating LED states based on parameter values.

Using MIDI Learn

Ableton’s MIDI Learn feature makes it easy to map your controller to any parameter:

1. Press Cmd + M (Mac) or Ctrl + M (Windows) to enter MIDI Map Mode
2. Click on the parameter you want to control
3. Move the encoder, press the button, or adjust the fader on your controller
4. Press Cmd + M / Ctrl + M again to exit MIDI Map Mode

The mapping is now active and will be saved with your Live Set.

Mapping Tips

• Map multiple controls before exiting MIDI Map Mode to speed up your workflow
• Use the Browser’s MIDI Mappings section to view and manage all mappings
• Mappings are saved per Live Set, so create a template with your preferred mappings

Advanced Integration

For more sophisticated control, consider these options:

Control Surface Scripts

Ableton supports custom Control Surface scripts that provide:

• Automatic parameter mapping
• Visual feedback on the controller
• Session view navigation
• Transport control

Check the Yaeltex website for available Control Surface scripts for your device.

Max for Live

If you need custom behavior, Max for Live devices can:

• Create complex MIDI routing
• Generate dynamic LED feedback
• Build custom control schemes

See the Feedback documentation for more details on LED feedback implementation.

Common Issues

Controller Not Appearing in Preferences

1. Check that the USB cable is properly connected
2. Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0)
3. Restart Ableton Live
4. On Windows, verify the driver is installed correctly

USB Hubs

Some USB hubs can cause connection issues. If your controller is not recognized, try connecting directly to your computer’s USB port.

No LED Feedback

If your controller LEDs are not responding to Ableton:

1. Verify Track output is enabled in MIDI preferences
2. Check that feedback is configured in Kilowhat (see Feedback documentation)
3. Ensure the MIDI channel matches between Ableton and your controller

Controls Not Responding

If your controller sends MIDI but Ableton doesn’t respond:

1. Confirm Remote input is enabled
2. Check that you have a valid MIDI mapping
3. Verify the control is not mapped to a disabled or hidden parameter

Stuck or Incorrect LED States

1. Reload the Live Set
2. Toggle the Track output off and on in preferences
3. Power cycle your controller

For additional troubleshooting, see Common Issues.

Recommended Workflow

1. Create a template: Set up your MIDI mappings in an empty Live Set and save it as your default template
2. Use feedback colors: Configure LED colors in Kilowhat to match your Ableton color scheme
3. Group related controls: Map related parameters (like a synth’s filter controls) to adjacent encoders or faders
4. Test thoroughly: After mapping, test all controls to ensure they work as expected before a performance