Wouldn’t it be great to trigger clips or clip slots in Ableton Live’s Session View via a MIDI controller? This guide will show you how to set up a dynamic MIDI trigger in Ableton Live, overcoming the limitations of standard MIDI mapping. Launch CLIP Triggers and Launch CLIP SLOT in Ableton Live!
How to set up Dynamic MIDI MAP for Clip Slots in Ableton Live
To achieve flexible and dynamic MIDI mappings, we’ll use Max for Live. Max for Live is included in Ableton Live Suite or can be purchased as an add-on for Ableton Live Standard. This method works in Ableton Live versions 10, 11, and 12.
Step-by-Step Guide for Triggering CLIP SLOTS in Ableton Live
- Get and Install the CLIP+CLIPSLOT Trigger Pack Max for Live Devices :
- Ensure you have the Max for Live devices installed. These devices will help you set up dynamic mappings.
- Mapping Clip Slots:
- Navigate to the MIDI track with the Clip Slot Trigger Max for Live device.
- Click on “Map” on the device. The view selection will jump to the Master track
- First select the Track via mouse click in the top bar
- Then select the clip slot you want to map.
- Confirm and check Clip Slot Mapping:
- Return to the MIDI track with the device.
- You should see the track name and slot number displayed.
- Use the “Trigger” button to play a present clip or start a recording for the mapped clip slot.
Dynamic MIDI Trigger control for CLIPS in Ableton Live
The CLIP TRIGGER devices also allow you to trigger specific clips, not just slots. This feature is useful if you frequently move clips around.
How to MIDI Map Specific Clips in Ableton Live to MIDI controller:
- “Map” a Clip:
- Click on “Map” on the Max for Live device.
- Select the Clip:
- Directly select the clip you want to map.
- Trigger the Clip:
- Use the trigger button to play the mapped clip.
You are able to move and change the position of the clip and the MIDI binding will stay present.
How to overcome Ableton MIDI Map limitations
Standard Ableton MIDI mapping restricts each MIDI note mapping. With Max for Live, you can have dynamic mappings and use the same MIDI notes for multiple actions. You need to set up a direct MIDI NOTE IN mapping for the MIDI tracks and the M4L devices. Just route the MIDI Notes from your MIDI controller INTO the track.
How to set up direct MIDI IN control in Ableton Live:
- Select your MIDI Controller via the “MIDI From” menu
- Set the MIDI Track’s Monitor to “IN”
- Activate the toggle for the direct Note In
- Click “S” and then hit the button on your MIDI controller to set the right MIDI Note Pitch
Benefits of Max for Live MIDI Mapping via direct MIDI IN:
- Flexibility: Assign multiple actions to the same MIDI note.
- Dynamic Control: Easily change mappings without losing the original functions.
- Automation: Turn devices on and off to control different mappings.
- Preserve Notes for playing sounds: MIDI notes will be still available for playing sounds
Make sure to watch the in-depth video tutorial below.
How to set up Advanced MIDI Control in Ableton Live
Advanced MIDI control involves using devices like the Advanced MIDI Mapping Buttons. These devices allow you to map buttons to various functions and create presets for different actions. You can set up 128 different presets for one or several buttons.
Make sure to also check out the following devices for
By using these Max for Live devices, you can achieve a highly flexible and dynamic setup for launching clip triggers in Ableton Live. Enjoy the enhanced control for your live performances and productions!
