Want to control the Drumbeam with Ableton Live and switch presets seamlessly during performances? The Drumbeam Preset Selector Max for Live device gives you instant preset control from within Ableton, including automation, MIDI mapping, and direct control from the Drumbeam controller itself. This device transforms how you work with the AFK Audio Drumbeam MIDI drum controller in your Ableton workflow. Make sure to check out the Drumbeam Review here!
What You Need to Control the Drumbeam with Ableton
Before you control the Drumbeam with Ableton using the preset selector, gather these requirements:
- Ableton Live (10, 11, or 12)
- Max for Live (included in Live Suite or available as an add-on for Live Standard)
- The Drumbeam Preset Selector device from AbletonDrummer.com
- AFK Audio Drumbeam MIDI drum controller
The Drumbeam Preset Selector device provides a dropdown menu that lets you select and automate preset changes directly within Ableton Live, eliminating the need to manually switch presets on the hardware.
Set Up MIDI Routing to Control the Drumbeam with Ableton
First, configure your MIDI preferences to establish communication between Ableton and your Drumbeam controller. Open Ableton’s Preferences, navigate to Link/Tempo/MIDI, and locate your Drumbeam in the lower MIDI Ports section.
Next, enable the Drumbeam “Track” Input port so Ableton can receive MIDI input from the controller. Additionally, activate the Drumbeam “Out” port so Ableton can send preset change messages to the controller. This bidirectional communication lets you control the Drumbeam with Ableton while simultaneously receiving performance data from the controller.
Load and Configure the Drumbeam Preset Selector Device
Drop the Drumbeam Preset Selector device onto any MIDI track in your Ableton set. Then set the track’s MIDI output to “Drumbeam” via the “MIDI To” menu. This routing ensures the M4L device sends preset change commands directly to your controller.
The device displays a dropdown menu containing all available Drumbeam presets—both the default factory presets and any custom presets you’ve created. Select any preset from the menu, and the device immediately sends the appropriate MIDI command to switch your Drumbeam controller to that preset.
Automate Preset Changes to Control Drumbeam with Ableton
One powerful advantage when you control the Drumbeam with Ableton using this device is full automation support. Create a MIDI clip on the track containing the Drumbeam Preset Selector device, then open the clip’s envelope editor.
Select the “Preset Selector” parameter from the device’s control list. Now draw automation that switches between different preset numbers throughout your clip. When the clip plays, you’ll see the preset selection change automatically, and your Drumbeam controller updates in real time to match.
This technique proves invaluable for performances where different song sections require different drum sounds or playing modes. Consequently, you can program complex preset sequences that unfold automatically without manual intervention.
MIDI Map Preset Selection for Live Control in Ableton
Beyond automation, you can control the Drumbeam with Ableton Live using MIDI mapping or key mapping for instant manual preset changes during performances. Enter MIDI Map Mode (Cmd/Ctrl + M), select the “+” or “-” button accordingly and then press/hit the button on your MIDI controller which is set up to send “Remote” IN control MIDI messages.
Furthermore, the device supports direct MIDI input from the Drumbeam itself. Set the track’s MIDI input to “Drumbeam” and enable Monitor to “In.” Now you can trigger preset changes by hitting specific pads on your Drumbeam controller—typically the bottom pad (C1 in default presets) serves as a preset change trigger.
This approach gives you hands-on control where physical drumming gestures can switch presets, creating an intuitive workflow that keeps your hands on the controller instead of reaching for your computer.
Make sure to check out the full video tutorial on the Drumbeam with Ableton Live below.
Practical Applications for Drumbeam Control
The ability to control the Drumbeam with Ableton opens several creative workflows:
Song Structure Preset Switching: Automate different presets for verses, choruses, and bridges. Your Drumbeam adapts its coloured and hitting pad design automatically as your track progresses.
Live Performance Flexibility: MIDI map presets to controller knobs for instant preset changes during improvisation. Moreover, you can prepare multiple preset variations and switch between them on the fly.
Live Performance guidance: Via different coloured presets you can follow along via colors changing automatically
For an in-depth dive into a ealier version of the Drumbeam check out the video below.
Get the Drumbeam Preset Selector
Download the Drumbeam Preset Selector device from to control the Drumbeam with Ableton efficiently. The device requires Max for Live, which comes included in Ableton Live Suite or is available as an add-on for Live Standard.
The device works with Ableton Live versions (10, 11, and 12) when using the SUITE version as this includes Max for Live. Ableton Live Standard would require Max for Live being installed as an add on. It integrates seamlessly with both factory and custom Drumbeam presets.
