Friday, September 9, 2011

Akai MPK mini and Ableton Live

Lately I got myself an Akai MPK mini. I had an Akai LPK25 as well as a Korg nanoKONTROL (first generation). Both units were great, but I thought on the road one single device, which blocks only one USB-slot, would be more convenient.

But there wasn't a User Remote Script in Ableton Live for the Akai MPK mini provided with the device. I found one created by Matthew Adams which he generously shared on the Ableton Forum. I thought it was great, but didn't use the full potential of the MPK mini. So I decided to expand Matt's script.




This zip-file contains two folders.

"MPKmini" is the folder in which the userconfig.txt file is located.
Copy this folder to the "User Remote Scripts" folder (this is in a different location on Mac and Windows, please have a look below).

Windows: Users\<Your Username>\App Data\Roaming\Ableton\<Live Version>\Preferences\User Remote Scripts

Mac:  Macintosh HD>Users>[yourusername]>Library>Preferences>Ableton>[Live Version]>User Remote Scripts

If the App Data folder doesn't show, please unhide all hidden folders via the "folder options" dialogue in the control panel of Windows.
Be aware that you have to copy the folder for each version of Live you want to use it with.
Set the preferences for the MPK mini in Ableton Live's control surface dialogue (The control surface script is at the bottom of the drop down menu).




The second folder in this zip-file "MPKmini Presets" contains four presets for the MPK mini.
Load them using the MPK mini editor. Be sure to hit upload before you switch to the next preset or close the editor.

Now the remote script works as follows:

Preset 1 (Drumrack + Macros)
The padbanks control a drumrack if selected (otherwise C1 upward) and the encoders control a device when it is selected (indicated by a little blue hand in the device header).

If you select "CC" on your MPK mini the first padbank works like this:


This first padbank (that means pad 1 to 4) is the same on all four presets.
"Lock" binds the macro control to the currently selected device. "Next/Prev" step through the macrobanks. The rest does as it says. You could map the empty pad 5 to an often used function in Live such as OVR or "Tap Tempo", just save this with your default preset.
The second padbank lets you switch between macro banks 1 - 8. (Each of Live's devices provides several banks each consisting of 8 parameters. For further information please check the pdf in this thread. )


Preset 2 (Volume + Arm)
The padbanks play notes from C2 upwards.
The encoders control the volume of tracks 1 - 8.
If you select "CC" on your MPK mini pads 1 - 4 on the first padbank act like in preset 1, pad 5 - 8 are free to use.
The second padbank arms tracks 1 - 8.


Preset 3 (Send 1)
The Padbanks play from C3 upwards.
The encoders control Sends 1 of track 1 - 8.
With "CC" selected  pads 1 - 4 on the first padbank act like in preset 1, pad 5 - 8 and padbank 2 are free to use (with different CCs than the other presets).


Preset 4 (Send 2)
The Padbanks play from C4 upwards.
The encoders control Sends 2 of track 1 - 8.
Hit "CC" and pads 1 - 4 on the first padbank act like in preset 1, pad 5 - 8 and padbank 2 are again free to use (once more with different CCs).

You might want to assign the "free to use" pads to functions in Ableton Live entering the MIDI Map Mode by hitting ctrl+m. Save this as your default template (Preferences>File/Folder>Save current set as default).

204 comments:

  1. Fantastic - just beginning to understand this but an immense help (to Matt Adams too)

    Are the presets loaded via the Prog 1,2,3,4 option on the MPK Mini?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, you have to upload them first via the MKP mini editor. Then you can recall them by pressing "Program" + the Prog 1-4 keys on the keyboard.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I wish there was someone to tell me what all of this means. I know i can go in and do it and have it work. but it'd be cool if someone could dumb it down i guess and if i could better understand this.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hm, could you be a bit more specific which part you don't understand?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How do you edit the parameters on the macro banks? or what even are macro banks? Does the arp not work in ableton with this setup? And idk if its user error but the program change does do anything when i press it + one of the last 4 keys. Sorry there's a lot of questions but i tried figuring this out for a solid amount of hours and still don't quite understand.

      Delete
  5. Hi, mothergarage! Here is Leandro, from Brazil. I'm not using your remote script yet, but I already downloaded it. I'm still using the one Matthew Adams shared before. But my doubt is about the arpeggiator. When I try to sync it with live, selecting the the "arp enable" and the "external arp clock" and then uploading it in the mini akai editor, and still selecting "sync" in the output of mpk mini in the midi ports inside ableton, the sound in the keyboard keeps on mute. Do you have any cue? thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  6. The only thing that I know of right now is, that you have to hit "play" in Live for the arpeggiator to work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, I´ve created a file in Users with all subfolders that you mention, but when i open ableton live it doesnt apear any AKAI MPK MINI in the control surface!, can you help? thank you

      Delete
    2. Maybe try to to repeat all steps. And be aware that the MPK mini control surface sits on the bottom of the dropdwon menu in Live's preferences.

      Delete
  7. Thanks for the script. Everything is working great. I have one issue with the arp on external to Live's clock. If I restart my computer, Live and the MPK mini editor the arp syncs on the first play. Once I stop the sequencer, the arp goes dead. Any thoughts... Yes, I am playing the sequencer in Live when trying the arp. Thanks in advance for any help

    ReplyDelete
  8. Will overwriting UserConfiguration.txt effect my other devices, e.g. PadKontrol and APC? I see it changes transport settings and I don't want to mess up my studio setup when I only intend to use the MPK Mini when I'm away from the studio.

    ReplyDelete
  9. @cbg: I'm sorry, I don't know what the issue could be. But I finde the arpeggiator in Live superior anyway...

    @Vincent: Well, you don't overwrite the other user configurations. The ones that came with Live are usually much more elaborated and include LUA scripting. These have their own folder in the installation directory.
    The one provided here sits in a folder in your user settings. And in both cases each script has it's own folder named after the controller. And by this folder name the script is recognized in Live's Midi settings.
    So the scripts sit side by side and you can choose up to six to work simultaneously or change them fitting your current controllers.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh, thanks...I reread it and realize you said to copy the folder, not the file. My bad, but thanks for the response!

    Now to dig in and try this out...peace :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. grossartig.... arbeite erst eine woche mit ableton live und hab von midi eigentlich auch keine ahnung, aber deine files haben mich echt gerettet...

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hey should I buy an Akai mini, Ive been reading about mapping issues with Ableton and Reason? Is it a hard fix? Ive been searching for an answer, please help! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  13. @volkmar: freut mich, dass ich helfen konnte

    @Anonymus: The mapping issues are most of the time user related. For Reason there is a remotemap(offwhitenoise.blogspot.com/2011/09/akai-mpk-mini-reason.html). I couldn't check it out yet, but it should do as advertised. So if you want a beginner keyboard/one for the road you should be fine with the MPK mini.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hmm I think I should go to guitarcenter to see if I can test it out. See I just want to have a midi with a keyboard and beat pad and knobs. I will use whatever software as long as I can use all the features I previously stated. Basically I dont wanna have features on the board for show. Thanks for the help too

    ReplyDelete
  15. I don't have a library where you say one should be located.

    Macintosh HD>Users>[yourusername]>Library>Preferences>Ableton>[Live Version]>User Remote Scripts

    I don't think ive had one since having osx lion! Any idea?

    ReplyDelete
  16. I don't have a Mac so can't say for sure, but from the linked thread on the Ableton forum: "Apparently Apple decided to hide the Library Folder from the User. To get into it, press SHIFT+CMD+G (in Finder) and append Library so the path will look like /Users//Library"

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks.

    To make /Users/Library visible, hold down the "Option/Alt" key, and choose "Go to Library" in the Go menu of the Finder.

    Now...... it's not showing USB aggregator in input/output. Only "MPK Mini" and "From mpk mini editor 1"

    ?

    Thanks for the help

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for the script. Just one question. When I map an audioclip to the MPK it play a note and only then the audioclip.
    Whitout the mapping the audio plays just fine.
    Is this because of the script?

    ReplyDelete
  19. @MrK: Sorry as I'm not familar with Mac please ask your question over at the Ableton Forum (http://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=157076). But try "MPK mini" as in/output for a start.

    @Anonymus: Did you map a pad ins standard mode to the clip? If so try to map a pad in cc mode.

    ReplyDelete
  20. @mothergarage: WOW! I did not use CC mode. It works great! Just a noob, thanx for your patience!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wow. Script is sick but the download location is gone:

    http://www.mediafire.com/?y03swomg1ko9vpv

    Please post a mirror siteto dl the config files. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  22. @Hek-Nah: Works fine here. Please try again, but I'll look to set up a mirror though.

    ReplyDelete
  23. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! You just made my day THANK YOU!!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for the script. I just recently bought the mpk mini and an apc40. It took me a day but I am finally figuring out how to control ableton using that apc40 in a basic way.

    Now I am trying to get the mpk mini to talk with ableton and am having no luck. I installed your script and presets in the mini editor. When I go to preferences midi/sync where I selected the apc40 I can't find "mpkmini" in the 'control surface' drop down. Its usb'd properly because it is under the input and output dropdown menus right next to control surface. Closest thing in my drop down for control surface is mpd24, mpd32 or mpk49.

    I am running ableton live 8.01. Would you by chance now what I am doing wrong?

    ReplyDelete
  25. @Vinyl Richy: If it doesn't show up in the dropdown menu, it is probably sitting in the wrong folder. Please check back on the paths above. Then it should appear on the bottom of the menu.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm having some trouble with being able to play various instruments. For example if I load in a synth it plays just fine, but if I were to load in say another synth, only that synth would play. If I delete this second synth I still get no sound from the initial synth. Is there some sort of setting that I need to adjust to be able to switch between instruments and be able to use the midi controller across all of them?

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  27. @sboneill: Well you have to arm the track to play it with a keyboard. Either click the arm button on the track or select Program 2 on your MPKmini, activate CC, select Pad Bank 2 and the pad number corresponding to your track. You might want to check settings in Preferences of Live. Please consult the manual.

    ReplyDelete
  28. @mothergarage thank you so much, I feel kind of stupid right now :) arming was all I needed to do, haha thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm having trouble with pad bank 2 on preset 2 mode... the leds on the pads seem to latch on to the note, and its less responsive ... any tips?

    ReplyDelete
  30. also, of the 1st preset, what do you mean by, "The second padbank lets you switch between macro banks 1 - 8."

    ReplyDelete
  31. @anonymus: 1) Thanks for pointing out the problem with padbank 2 on Prog2, I hadn't noticed this yet. To be able to use this preset in CC mode to arm/disarm a track these pads had to be set to toggle, while the rest is set to momentary. The Akai sadly transfers these settings to note mode too. So if you want to use them to trigger notes you have to set them to momentary via the editor, but you lose the ability to arm tracks.

    2) Each of Live's devices provides several banks each consisting of 8 parameters. For further information please check the pdf in this thread: http://beatwise.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=apc&action=display&thread=361

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. this link's not working... Thanks for your tips anyway

      Delete
    2. From another reply:

      http://www.nativekontrol.com/uploads/Live_Device_Mapping.pdf

      I could only find a direct link. I recommend you check www.nativekontrol.com though as Stray provides a lot of useful remotescripts for various controllers. You may consider to assign to his board as he has some free stuff too (I guess the previous link has moved to the user area).

      Delete
  32. How exactly do I load the presets with mini editor? I tried opening the file and it just gave me a pop up with a bunch of numbers.

    ReplyDelete
  33. @anonymus. Start the editor. Hit "Load Preset". Navigate to the presets. Select the preset. Hit open.

    ReplyDelete
  34. OK, so first off thanks for making this. I've had the Mini since it came out but it mostly collected dust since I couldn't get it to work properly.

    On to the actual question: ok so I got it working.. It controls the drum rack perfectly. Then I make a synth and it still controls the drum rack. How do I get it to jump control from device to device?

    ReplyDelete
  35. @anomymous: Please see my answer to sboneill above. And you have to select the device (indicated by a small blue hand).

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks about the Bank questions!

    So you can change banks in the akai...? Can you also change banks in ableton itself? I didn't know about that till now...

    Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks for the script! I've been playing around with it for the past 24 hours and it has been a huge help. I was hoping to modify Preset 2 so that in CC mode padbank 2 would trigger the speaker on/off buttons for tracks 1-8 rather than the track arm buttons for tracks 1-8, but can't seem to figure out what I need to change the track arm commands to in the user remote script to do this. Any help would be appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  38. @Anonymus: This is not possible via the user remote script. You have to map the buttons manually and store the project as a template.

    ReplyDelete
  39. "1) Thanks for pointing out the problem with padbank 2 on Prog2, I hadn't noticed this yet. To be able to use this preset in CC mode to arm/disarm a track these pads had to be set to toggle, while the rest is set to momentary. The Akai sadly transfers these settings to note mode too. So if you want to use them to trigger notes you have to set them to momentary via the editor, but you lose the ability to arm tracks."

    so is there any way to make the pad toggle but still be responsive enough to drum with?

    ReplyDelete
  40. Can I use the prog change button for additional mappings?

    ReplyDelete
  41. @Anonymus1: I don't think so. It's either toggle or momentary. The lack of responsiveness when in toggle mode is probably a result of latching the note and then having to unlatch it.

    @Anonymus2: Haven't tried yet. Maybe there is interference with the CCs? Give it a go and report back ;)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Decent. Thanks Dude!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thank you so much! I'd been struggling with this for a While!

    ReplyDelete
  44. I installed the script , but for some reason the keyboard and pad controls dont work within ableton with the live set you included. If I hit a key or pad ableton recognizes it, but no sound comes out. The only pads that work are when I press CC, which allows me to play/stop/record with pads 1-4

    I'm not sure hat I'm doing wrong as I have all presets uploaded and have the script enabled in the preferences menu.

    ReplyDelete
  45. @Anonymus. I don't know which live set you mean, there wasn't any included with the download...? But anyway : Did you arm the track you want to play?

    ReplyDelete
  46. Ha! Just noticed I spelled Anonymous wrong all the time. Sorry to all Anonymouses!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Please ignore my last message, totally mistook your script for another one I was trying to run before.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Ok, I've been messing around trying to figure this out, but I can't find where to put the files. On XP, there's no User folder, and no AppData folder (Yes, I know how to show hidden folders). My question is: Where do you place the userconfig.txt file on a XP system???

    ReplyDelete
  49. @Anonymous: On my german XP system it looks like this: "C:\Dokumente und Einstellungen\%user%\Anwendungsdaten\Ableton\Live 8.2.7\Preferences\User Remote Scripts"

    ReplyDelete
  50. hey i'm Adam, i did everything how you said but...mpk mini doesn't communicate with ableton yet, i set mpk25 in the controll surface because i don't have mpkmini there....what else should be the problem?i uploaded the presets,the set the in and output to mpk mini

    ReplyDelete
  51. @Adam: Make shure you copied the user remote script into the right folder. In Live's drop down menu it should appear way down. And you can't substitute the script with the one for the MPK25.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I've installed the script, but still not getting any response from the macro knobs. Folder is in the right spot with the new script, and I 'believe' I've uploaded the MPK presets properly. I've seen this workin on a friends system just a few days ago. Looked amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  53. @Grapha: Please check again via the editor if you uploaded the presets corrrectly. You have to hit upload on every page before you switch pages.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Alright, so I'm a complete noob when it comes to this software. I followed all the instructions and everything, but when I open up Ableton I just don't know what to do. Anything you can point out? (I'm sure the easiest answer is: "LERN 2 ABLETON DUMBASS" but that's a work in progress)

    ReplyDelete
  55. @Jared: I really don't know what to tell you as I don't know where you're standing. Maybe start with the lessons implemented in Live?

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi! thanks for your great work! I just want to ask you something. I was using some time ago mpk mini without a problem and one day my operation system couldn't find a midi device. I was reinstalled everything and If i wanted to configure mpk editor, UPLOAD hit wasn't working correctly( no green colour). If you'll have some idea what could be problem, I will be glad. Thanks and biggup!

    ReplyDelete
  57. I'm sorry, looks like a hardware issue. Maybe try you MPK mini on a different machine and see if it works.

    ReplyDelete
  58. thanks for the script : )


    all works well, except for the prev/next commands in Pad Bank 1 (CC). Not sure why - any ideas?

    I'd love to be able to skip from one device to the next/previous, all without the mouse or keyboard : )


    also, for Program 1, you mentioned that 'The second padbank lets you switch between macro banks 1 - 8'

    do you mean the ability to jump from the first macrobank of tracks 1-8? (that would be great)

    If so, that's not working for me either (but could be easily recreated via midi mapping a default project, using a pad to select the first macrobank of each track).


    regards,

    Sam s

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well both prev/next and the 8 padbanks refer to the macro banks various live devices have. This works only when the device is in focus (blue hand in the device header).
      For a start: http://beatwise.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=apc&action=display&thread=361

      Delete
  59. Hi!

    First off, thank you for the script. Most of it seems to be working well on my machine -- except I cannot get the pads to fire the drum kits.

    In CC mode I can start/stop/record, etc. However, program 1 when I hit the pads no sounds are made. The blue hand is on the title bar in the rack in the bottom - the knobs control the dial parameters, but no love on the pads.

    Any ideas?

    ReplyDelete
  60. Thank you so much for this post. I just got MPK Mini yesterday, and I got frustrated on not being able to do anything with the blue hand thingy. Now everything works real smooth. Also, your blog is excellent. I've been using Ableton for a few years now, but I finally decided to try and learn to make a lot more use of it. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Do you know how I could use the CC pads instead of moving through banks to move through different devices on a track? like so that I could control a rack and then press the button to move to a different rack and use that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You could map the pads to the title bars of the devices.

      Delete
    2. but could i just use two pads to shuffle left and right between a track's devices?

      Delete
  62. You could do this with a key to midi translator like Bome's Miditranslator and then mapping left and right keys to the pads. But you first have to get one device into focus for this to work. I haven't figured out how to do this yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cool. I found a launchpad script that lets you step through track devices like that... i have a launchpad so all is great and good, but I thought it would be helpful to be able to do it on the mpk. thanks for your help though!

      Delete
    2. And I just found that by using ALT+Arrow Keys you can step through the different "windows" in Live. So if you are on a track you can press ALT+3xDown to get to the devices and then press LEFT/Right to switch between those.

      Delete
  63. Hi mothergarage,

    first of all, thanks a lot for your presets and config file! I've pasted the config file into the right folder and uploaded the presets, but when I press CC and try to start/stop/record a track using the pad it doesn't do anything... could you help me?

    Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  64. this works perfect thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Hi @Anonymous

    how could you use the pads for controlling the tracks? When I select the CC mode the pads doesn't do anything... can anyone help me?

    Thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. please make sure you pasted the folder containing the config file to the right location and to select it in the control surface dropdown menu. maybe try to reinstall the files.

      Delete
  66. Thanks man, works perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hey, how can i map the pads to play,stop etc what you mentioned on the presets in cc mode?

    Adam

    ReplyDelete
  68. can you help me to set the arpeggiator? it just it doesn't work, the tap tempo doesn't even flash,

    the second question, how can i write presets for the pad like u did to play stop etc?

    Angers

    ReplyDelete
  69. Play, Stop and the rest should work right out of the box with the user remote script. If they don't, reinstall or I don't know. Further you could midimap tose pads, please reference Live's manual for that.
    Afaik tap tempo just sets the tempo for the mpkmini, it is totally unrelated to Live and doesn't even send midi messages. You'll have to tinker with the sync buttons for the mpkmini in Live's midi preferences. And for the arp to work you have to hit Play in Live.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I have a problem:
    I have to hit the pads of the mpk really hard in order to get a good volume... Is there a way to hit the pads at FULL volume, no matter how hard/soft you hit the pads? Please help me, it's really frustrating...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. unfortunately there isn't a way to set velocity curves with the mpkmini editor. But you could use the velocity plugin in Live or mod your mpkmini as shown here http://tinyurl.com/6vmap7t

      Delete
    2. Thank you sooooooooooooooooo much!!!!!

      Delete
  71. Hi mothergarage!

    Like you said, I didn't paste the file in the correct folder! Now it's 100% running! Thanks a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Much love to you, mothergarage! I was beating my head against a wall regarding my mini, you've really helped me out alot. Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Hi
    Im having a bit of a problem with setting up the mpk mini with Ableton, I have followed the instructions and copied the 'user configuration' file into the 'user remote scripts folder'
    But i am not getting the option for MPK Mini in the control surface drop down in Ableton....can you please help me out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. put the 'map with the script in it as discibed. So , not only the script! at the bottom the script will appear in your contoller-list

      Delete
  74. hi Mothergarage

    The presets from the zip folder after loading and hitting upload are not staying in the selected preset in mpk mini editor...every time i upload it and close the program it gets reset...pls help

    ReplyDelete
  75. 1st Anonymus: You have to copy the whole folder, not just the file. So you have a folder called "MPKmini" in which the file is located.

    2nd Anonymus: You have to hit upload on each page of the editor. If you switch pages before uploading the settings are lost.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanx a ton...worked perfectly(the presets & the user config)

      Delete
  76. Hi there,
    I found your Script for the AKAI MPKmini while seeking a way to map drum hits to the pads, and to see if I could possibly set the Arpeggiator tempo to one of the dials. Prior to finding, downloading, and using your script the controller keyboard worked. I could play and record with various different instruments and use the arpeggiator and sustain key. No problems there. The pads worked with certain instruments but I wanted to map drum hits to them instead. I followed the steps you provided and immediately afterward the controller stopped working completely. I do not know why this has happened so I’m coming to you for help. I’m going to provide some screen caps and go through the steps that way we both know what’s going on. Okay, here we go.

    1.) I downloaded the zip file containing "MPKmini" and "User Remote Scripts" folders. I use winrar to unzip files. Your instructions stated to copy the MPKmini folder to “Windows: Users\\App Data\Roaming\Ableton\\Preferences\User Remote Scripts”.
    Instead of copying it there I told winrar to extract the folder the specified location. The Folder appeared there as it would if I copied it.
    2.) I’m linking a picture here.
    http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac103/jealousorchards/mpk1.jpg
    This is my preferences menu, the MIDI Sync Panel. Note the bottom portion where the Inputs and Out Puts are. On the post you published you have one Input menu and one Output menu, I have three; one for input and two for output. The Input row shows the MPK mini. The second row shows “Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth”, which is my computer’s built in Software Synthesizer. The Third column is Out Put MPK mini.
    3.) More Pictures here. The First Picture is of the Drop down menu for Input. The Second is for the Output Dropdown
    http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac103/jealousorchards/mpk2.jpg
    http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac103/jealousorchards/mpk3.jpg
    My menu differs from your screen shots in that the drop menu for your input and output in your screen shot shows (USB-Audiogerat). I only have MPK mini for input and MPK mini and ‘Microsoft GS…’

    When I got to this point when figuring all this out Ableton stopped recognizing the Controller altogether. Before it worked with the Keyboard keys, Arpeggiator buttons and whatnot , and the pads worked on certain instruments, but the dials did not work.
    Anything you can do to help me out?

    ReplyDelete
  77. Did you upload the settings using the MPKmini editor?

    The reason it says "USB-Audiogerät" is because I use (a german) Windows XP. All other versions should show "MPK mini". So choose this.

    For any possible hardware related problems please contact Akai.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Uploaded the settings the editor. Ableton isn't receiving MIDI from the controller at all. Before I tried your script it was working fine. Another picture.
      http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac103/jealousorchards/mpk4.jpg
      The Midi in/out indicator doesn't change or show any activity.

      Delete
    2. I uploaded the the settings in the MPKmini editor.
      Another pic.
      http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac103/jealousorchards/mpk4.jpg

      The key/midi in and out indicators aren't showing any activity. It's as if once I added your script Ableton stopped responding to the controller altogether.

      Delete
    3. I just did. Still not working.

      Delete
  78. Try something like midiox to determine if the MPKmini sends Midi at all. Maybe try to reinstall it and/or walk through above setup process once more.

    ReplyDelete
  79. it sends midi just fine and worked before I followed the steps provided. I uninstalled and reinstalled and it's still not working for some reason. I give up, returning the controller and probably never using Ableton again. I haven't been able to find information on why my problem is so unique. I've attempted to seek out help on the Ableton forum, but it will not allow me to register or post and Ableton's customer service has thus far ignored me.

    I appreciate you trying to help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sorry it didn't work for you.

      Some additional ideas:
      Be sure to have the editor closed when working with Live.
      Try disabling the wavetable synth.

      Delete
  80. Hi.

    First of all, let me preface this by saying that I have no previous experience with midi controllers, so please excuse me if the following question sounds incredibly dumb.

    What I want to know is, how can I play one instrument on the keys, and a different instrument on the pads (i.e. synth on keys, drumrack on pads), at the same time ?

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nevermind what I asked, I figured it out.

      Here's how to do it, for anyone else who wants to know.

      First, open the MPK Mini Editor, and set a different channel for the Pads than the one being used by the Keys and Knobs (or viceversa).

      In Ableton, enable the I/O section, and for each of the desired tracks, select the channel that corresponds to what you want to play, pads or keys.

      In order to play multiple instruments at the same time, you have to arm the tracks that they're on, which you you do by holding down the Ctrl key on your keyboard, and clicking the arm button on those particular tracks in Ableton.

      Delete
    2. Sorry for not getting back to you, blogspot gave me errors.
      Yes, that's what I would have answered you ;)
      But you could also create an instrument rack and split the keyzones for the instruments.

      Delete
    3. Hey so I have this question to. I did what you said Dan but with no luck.... not sure where to go from here. I would really like to be able to play drums on the pads and synth on the keys... Thanks and let me know... Thanks in advance for accepting this possibly newbie question.

      Delete
  81. Hi,

    I have a problem with Ableton 8.3 for Mac and my MpkMini. I'm new on this kind of device and i need help for setting my keyboard. Actually i tried instant mapping but my knobs weren't recognized. I'm a total noob and i will be more than happy if you can help me to set it correctly.

    Thank you in advance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Follow the steps above. Make sure the folder you put the user script in is the right one, this might differ from OS version. I don't have a Mac, so can't help you in detail. Please check the comments too.

      Delete
  82. hi I've bought yesterday an Akai Mpk MIni .... I've got Ableton but when i try to map the controller it doesn't work ... I can use the key board and other functions like arpeggiator and programm, pads but i can't usa and map knoobs. Please help me ... I've tried your script but it doesn't work.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Joshua S (tremuluh(atsign)aim.com)May 16, 2012 at 10:33 AM

    I'm on live 2.2 on windows xp 32bit (tried on 3.0 too) and I can get everything besides the macro bank next/prev and macro bank selects 1-8 to work. If I understand correctly it is supposed to be the equivalent of pressing the right or left arrow key on the keyboard to move through devices on a track?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. no, macro banks are in Live's built in instruments or automatable parameters in vsts you mapped. please look in the comments above, I linked a pdf concerning this.

      Delete
  84. I`m having major problems here, before Ableton atleast recognized MIDI through the pads and keys, only the knobs wouldnt work.. and now after trying out your patch it stopped recognizing everything, I have no idea why a product like this is causing so many problems.. I cant find proper help anywhere.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Hi mothergarage;
    Firstly, great posts and answers.
    I can't play multiple instruments (pads for drums, keys for synth)at the same time on the AKAI MPK Mini with Ableton. I've tried setting different channels for each, but when i hit a pad it still triggers the lower notes of the synth. Any ideas?
    Thanks a lot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The "MIDI from" channel the synth you want to play is probably set to "All Channels". Select the channel you set your MPK mini keyboard to.

      Delete
    2. Thanks man...it worked! I thought I tried that already but apparantly not! Noobie question though...now that I can play multiple instruments etc...I don't really understand what the script is for? The pads can be triggered to do whatever you want them to, and you can program the knobs by using the midi editor within Ableton.

      Delete
  86. Very quick response...much appreciated. I will look at this again this evening and give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Hi mothergarage,

    First, thanks for all your effort with the script and addressing all the comments. Just running into a problem on my end and need some help. Yesterday, I tried the script out for the first time and the pads triggered the drum kits (808s specifically) in Ableton perfectly. I tried to use the keys and pads for two different sets of sounds but couldn't figure it out and gave up. I noticed today in the comments section that this was addressed but when I started up Ableton to try it, none of my pads were triggering any sounds. Only my keys (the second octave) worked for them (they did trigger all the sounds as they should though). Please help, and thank you in advance!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry for the double post. The 808s seem to be working fine with the pads. But when I tried "backbeat room" from the Impulse set, I'm getting problems.

      Delete
    2. That's because Drum Racks and Impulse use different keysets. Drum Racks start at C1, while Impulse is mapped to the C3-C4 keys on the white keys only. You might want to consult the manual.

      Delete
  88. Hey mothergarage,

    Thanks for the great script and your replies. This is concerning your most recent reply to 'Aashish'. I'm having the same problem, except I have no idea how to change the keysets. I looked at the manual but it's sort of unclear. Do you have a link that explains it better or if it's not too much trouble, could you summarize the process here? I don't want to risk changing it if it's directly modifying your script. Thanks in advance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. EDIT: even in Drum Racks, only a couple of sets work with the pads, everything else is pretty much around the C3-C4 area.

      Delete
    2. Well, changing the keysets would require to reassign the pads via the MPKmini editor. Or you could build a midi effect rack that reroutes the incoming midi notes. Insert a Scale midi effect set Transpose to +24st and in the matrix set the first eight notes to the white keys. Download the rack here:

      https://www.dropbox.com/s/zqaxrswgvw9dxu4/Pad2Impulse.adg

      Concerning the Drum Racks: I don't know what could be the problem here.

      Delete
    3. Thanks so much!

      Delete
  89. Danke Du bist echt Spitze.Ich habe hier schon verzweifelt gesucht aber Dein Skript ist echt total super Danke aus Deutschland...

    ReplyDelete
  90. Hi, it seems your file got kicked from mediafire:
    "File Blocked for Violation."

    Could you please re-upload or share an alternative link...

    thanks a lot for your effort, just got my mpkMini, can´t wait to use it! :)

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same for me , cant download the pack with presets. Thks for your work !

      Delete
    2. awesome so fast ! thks again ! trying that right now

      Delete
  91. what is exactly the next bank previous bank function ? everything else is workig but that i dont really know what it is used for ....

    is there a way to switch between tracks or device with the pads ?
    thks !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. Each of Live's devices provides several banks each consisting of 8 parameters. For further information please check the pdf in this thread: http://beatwise.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=apc&action=display&thread=361

      2. Not without a midi to key translator like Bome's Miditranslator.

      Delete
    2. Mothergarage thank you so much, so much time saved and frustration. One thing though, the link does not open (about the 8 parameter banks0, think you can upload a new link?

      Delete
    3. Here you go:

      http://www.nativekontrol.com/uploads/Live_Device_Mapping.pdf

      I could only find a direct link. I recommend you check www.nativekontrol.com though as Stray provides a lot of useful remotescripts for various controllers. You may consider to assign to his board as he has some free stuff too (I guess the previous link has moved to the user area).

      Delete
  92. I press Prog Change and then the keys to the far right of the board, but every option seems to do the same thing, its as if the new preset hasn't loaded properly, does the mini editor need to be open at the same time?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have to press the prog change and the preset keys simultaneously as if you would use a shift key.

      Delete
  93. Hi, I'm having issues trying to automap the knobs in ableton... it seems to be working fine, as when I open the program and pressing CC and the first pads the plan/stop works just fine, but if I add an instrument, like Analog or something, it just stops working and no knobs functionallity.. the keybord keeps working. I don't know what could be the reason... maybe the MPK editor resets the device to the default settings?? I'm going crazy with this... I will really appreciate some help!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Be sure to hit upload before you switch to the next preset or close the editor.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the reply, I have already done that and tried hundreds of times with no success... it feels like Ableton is changing the script itself once I add a new instrument...

      Delete
    3. hm, could you check the settings for input and output in Live's MIDI settings.

      Delete
    4. I've selected the MPK Mini on the bottom of the list, and I selected also on the input & output. Below I have on all the 3 boxes (in yellow). Is there anything else I should check? Thanks a lot for replying!!

      Delete
    5. Make sure you have the right user remote script selected. The latest versions of Live have their own (I haven't checked this out yet). If you copied the provided script (folder) to the right folder it should be at the bottom of the Control Surface list.

      Delete
    6. Yeah, I have checked it is on the very bottom. I thin I'm going to re-install Ableton and start everything from the beginning to see if there is any issue from there. I think my version is 8.1.1 so it should not be a version issue... anyway, thanks a lot, I appreciate the help.

      Delete
  94. Hey man nice work i really like your config here i was gonna do this myself and i figured i would look for a already done one and i found this page thanks a million. but one question your script defines global channel as 14 yet you use channel 15 for every button key and knob on the mpk is this a glitch in live because when i actually set the keyboard to channel 14 nothing works. I know if its not broke dont fix it but im getting ready to make another script for my other controller and im just curious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, there is an inconsistency how developers of hard and software relate to MIDI channels. Some start counting at 0, others at 1. So some have their range of channels from 0-15, while others have 1-16.

      Delete
  95. Hye
    Many thanks for this script !
    I just have a problem: encoders works fine, pads work fine except in "cc" mode: when i hit the pad, i have nothing.
    I should have play, stop, record... but nothing happens...:-(
    Any idea ?
    Eric
    ps: is it possible to use the pad to enable the metronome on/off ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please see my answer to your question on the Ableton forum.

      Delete
  96. HI Mothergarage, firstly thankyou for your work on this script, it works perfectly for me.

    Could you help me with understanding how I do this and have it automatically stored as preset 1 on the MPK mini, effectively so that when I load your preset 1 it also maps overdub to pad5.

    You could map the empty pad 5 to an often used function in Live such as OVR or "Tap Tempo", just save this with your default preset.


    I have tried mapping it through midid map mode, by clicking midi, then clicking OVR, then pressing pad 5 ( overdub now says 15/21 which i assume is the channel and cc number), then I click midi again.

    When I press pad 5 it switches ovr off but not back on when i hit the pad again. Am I missing something?

    thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you map "overdub" to a pad you have to set the pad to "toggle", but you can't trigger a drumpad then. This was an oversight on my side when I wrote that part. Sorry.

      Delete
  97. Hey, Great post!!

    I have some problems with my akai mini. When ever y press "CC" on program 1 it don´t work like you say it´s supponsed to. (play, stop, record, loo)

    I am just starting on this so it might be something i´m doing wrong.

    I´m supposed to map it?. I followed all the steps you put on the file.

    Again, sorry about my ignorance but iam just starting.

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Ok, I finaly figured out how to get it woking. Now things star to make sens haha.

    One thing I don´t really get to understand is the use of the buttom "program change". Sorry again about my ignorance but is my fist controller and I had never use ableton before in my live.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Programm change doesn't do anything in Live as it can't receive these messages.

      Delete
  99. Very nice job!!! One answer: could you explain where and how do you find the differents banks of macros 1-8 ? As far as i know, and in the manual, there's only one bank of 8 controls...
    Another point : the change of program 1-4 don't work in my miniMPK, in any apps: what about your miniMPK, any idea?

    ReplyDelete
  100. excuse my poor english i was meaning one question...

    ReplyDelete
  101. A HUGE "duh" problem I had was no connection between live and the midi controller, but it's because I had mini editor open at the same time and the akai mini mpk anyway can't run on 2 applications at once so once you've uploaded you're presets and opened live up close mini editor

    ReplyDelete
  102. Just wanted to say thanks, mothergarage. Spent the first day with my MPK mini lost. Your script made things so much easier.

    ReplyDelete
  103. Well, for some reason this worked for me before. Then I build some mappings to work on another software, and when I retried to upload these it didn't work as before.

    I successfully uploaded the presets and changed all the files as before. However something went wrong. Do you have any idea what might be the issue? :/

    ReplyDelete
  104. maybe thats becouse it doenst work in ableton 9

    ReplyDelete
  105. Question: Should I have to upload the presets every time I reboot my computer?

    ReplyDelete
  106. Hi
    I can't find akai mini on the control surface menu. I read an earlier comment about it being at the bottom, but it doesn't show up on mine. The input and output are no problem. any idea what the problem might be?
    Thanks in advance!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Where the script appears in the control surface menu depends on the Live version you use since Live 9 the script is sorted in alphabetically, before it was on the bottom. Make sure you have chosen the right folder and make also sure you copied the whole MPK mini folder not just the userconfig file.

      Delete
    2. Fantastic! Copying the whole folder did the trick. Thanks again!

      Delete
  107. Really good, works great!! Only 1 problem, pr3 and pr4 the encoders do not control the sends and the padbanks do not arm the tracks. I run live 8.2.2, any ideas? Maybe cuz I changed the macro banks per accident? Anyway I will change it manually!! keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
  108. Hello,
    My problems is: I had the knobs working fine with the automap feature within ableton 9 effects from the first time I've connected the Mpkmini to my computer (probably the only one in the whole universe?) then I wanted to experiment a bit with your preset and now nothing's working! I did follow perfectly your instructions. Can I go back to my original preset somehow? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  109. Awesome stuff. Thanks for making this. One thing I don't quite understand: are the 8 knobs in preset 1 (drums + macros) supposed to correspond to the 8 macros in a selected device in live?

    That was the impression I got from the explanation, but for me it controls the B-Send for each of my first 8 tracks. Is that supposed to happen? I'm using Live 9 if that makes a difference.

    ReplyDelete
  110. Nvm I got it working properly after some trial and error. However, I have an updated question:

    Does anybody know if there's any way to make it so that selecting a channel will automatically select the device within said channel?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you figured it out.

      Besides from the blue hand I don't know a way to autoselect the device.

      Delete
  111. Hi, first off thank you for this awesome upload..

    I know you have been asked this a million times before, but nobody went into detail and i;m actually a guy to RTFM befoer asking questions [i hate asking for help].. So everything works fine for me AFAIK except for CC functions on pads [play / record etc]..

    The thing is that:

    a) in the mpk mini editor, after loading the presets [no matter which one] everything gets updated except for the momentary/toggle function, which doesn't change according to your screenshot.. i just downloaded the latest version of the akai software and re-uploaded the presets accordingly..

    b) in ableton, the arp, pads, keys, sustain etc all work fine, but cc does not [as mentioned above].. in control surfaces view, i actually cant set input & output to USB-Audio, only options available are MPK mini & none...
    However, further down on the midi-ports i have
    Input: MPK_mini Input (MPK mini)
    Output: MPKI_mini Output (MPK mini)
    i also have another output [MS GS Wavetable Synth], changing settings there has no effect at all..
    c) i might be new to music production, but i been tempering with appdata/cfgs etc on various other occasions and know how to handle a computer so im sure nothing went wrong with the install itself..

    I would appreciate any input, being it the link to your answer on the ableton forums [i couldnt find the topic over there] or whatever you can offer..
    PS: sry for making it longish but i thought making it just another "it doesnt work" post wouldnt help the situation here.. thanks for your time^^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whenever USB-Audio is mentioned above just choose the MPK mini option. It shows USB-Audio here, because this was how the MPK mini was registered on Windows XP.

      Delete
  112. yh i obviously did that as i thought it's the only logical option [as none is no option really].. :/
    thx for the quick reply, though!
    i'm running on Win 7 x64 [with x64 ableton] but i don't think that should influence the script, specially since i don't install my progs into the default messy c:\programs path..?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The text on the momentary/toggle buttons above is just a description I did with paint.

      Please check if the MPK mini folder is in the right "User Remote Scripts" folder (there is one for each install). In "Midi preferences" be sure to select the right script as Ableton provides their own since a few versions. Hope this helps.

      Delete
  113. AMAZING!! thank you very much! i actually didnt copy the whole MPK mini folder to the locations but backed up the original userconfig.txt and replaced it with the one provided.. restoring and copying the whle folder did the trick.. exactly following simple instructions! shame on me, and thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  114. Hi Mothergarage,

    I'm trying to extract the the file from above but im getting a "the compressed (zipped) folder is empty" message? Is it possible to get a re-up on the link ?

    Thanks!

    JR

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seems to work fine here. Could you please retry?!

      Delete
  115. You're a hero. big up

    ReplyDelete
  116. Thank you for all this info, I just have a question. I followed your steps and in Ableton I selected the script you provided. Are the knobs supposed to work at this point? I went into the mini editor and uploaded the presets, the knobs are still not working. Any thoughts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you followed all the steps it should work as expected. One common mistake is that people don't copy the whole MPK mini folder to the user remote scripts folder.

      Delete
  117. Ok i already map my pads and everything i just need to know if there is anyway to play the complete sound wav on the drum rack without it toggle in or out or pressing the sustain button just by pressing one time the pad and let the full wav play because when i touch i cant manage to make it play without cutting if i dont keep pressing

    ReplyDelete
  118. Hey ! Thanks for this, was looking for something like this for a while, but I have a problem, I uploaded the presets as asked, and copied the MPK mini folder in the user scripts, but when I select the control script in Live the blue hand does not appear... ;-(

    If I chose other control surfaces I get the blue hand but with this one it disapears ! Any idea ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Silly me, I copied the script in the Midi remote scripts and not User remote scripts... Works fine now, THANKS !! :)

      Delete
    2. just wondering which version of live are u using ?

      Delete
  119. firstly thank u very much for the SUPER SCRIPT

    any chance for a live 9.1 update as other functionality works but arp doesnt seem to work any more

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know of any changes in functionality in live 9.1, but be aware that the arp on the mpkmini is rather independent of live. And it only works if live is actually playing.

      Delete
  120. Hi! I agree your script is awesome! Only question: I tried to assign the pads to a different midi ch to use a different instrument than the keys, but the CC commands on the pads are not working anymore. I tried to reassign the functions via midi learn but now the pads are working in toggle mode i think (ie: rec only lits when the button is pressed but stops when is released). any idea on how to have the pads on a different midi channel and keeping the cc commands?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you would have to change the settings in the user remote script (see the parts in the script where "channel" is mentioned). other than that - no idea.

      Delete
  121. Any chance of updating the script for MPK mini MK2 compatibility?

    Great Work! Thanks! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just posted my Mods for the MK2 here: http://anthony-henry.com/2015/01/25/mpkminimk2/

      Delete
    2. The Mods you posted work great!! Thanks!

      Delete
  122. i've more or less got everything working except i can't seem to get programs to change using the prog change button and pressing the keyboard keys. i know the presets are loading into the keyboard correctly because when i "get" them from the keyboard all the settings are there in 1,2..etc. interestingly when i upload preset 2 settings to preset 2 (for example), preset 2 runs in ableton. I am able to switch presets using that uploading technique, but it is clumsy compared to just pressing the keyboard. is my prog change button broken or am i missing something?? thanks!! i am excited about your script :)

    ReplyDelete
  123. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  124. i figured it out its the program button not the prog change button, due to the placement i thought that was part of the arpeggiator settings. doh! thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
  125. I followed every single word of the readme and comments and I can't get it to work. I put it in the somewhat hidden ableton folder, opened up mpk editor, loaded scripts and uploaded them into their corresponding banks 1 by 1, opened ableton (mines version 9.1.5), went to preferences and select 'MPK mini' and enabled it for all 3 controll surface, input, and output. The only thing that wasn't exactly the same as the instructions was that the device showed up as 'MPK mini' instead of 'usb audiogaret', which leads me to believe that its not recognizing the script correctly. help!

    ReplyDelete
  126. Thank you man, that's an awesome work. I know it takes a lot of time to make it work as expected, and your documentation is also clear. For me it's the best solution for a mobile small MAO studio.

    ReplyDelete
  127. Thank you for the script! I've been working all the day to figure out how script would integrated to MPKmini mk2. This version is not responding to pad's play/stop/bank selection capability. And finally I found MC Cyclone's entry above. This is what you need if you have the new version of MKP mini. I was about to blow my cap until finding out the mk2 version of the script. Thanks anyway, it is really easy to work with that script.

    ReplyDelete
  128. ok guys just figured out the arp issue. You need to have it set to internal in the editor, then in live midi set to external, then upload and good to go. It will play/without transport playing with track armed, also tap tempo will work. Then if you want it to play with live tempo instead then just switch to preset 2 in editor, then set arp to internal. When your in Live just hit Program then program 2 on keyboard. was driving me ape shit for the longest time. And thanks for the Mpk Mini script mothergarage!

    ReplyDelete
  129. i have nothing to add other than this is pure gold and you turned a pretty mediocre midi controller into a goddamn powerhouse!! thanks a lot

    ReplyDelete
  130. Sooo glad to see this page still up in mid 2019!!
    THANKS A TON!

    ReplyDelete