Select Tracks with SPD SX PRO in Ableton

If you’re using the Roland SPD SX PRO (affiliate link) with Ableton Live, you can easily switch between tracks by using the kit selection feature on the SPD SX. This integration allows you to trigger different songs or locators directly from your drum pad, making your live sets smoother and more organized. In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up your SPD SX PRO to efficiently select tracks in Ableton Live.

Setting Up Locators in Ableton Live

The first step in selecting tracks with the SPD SX PRO in Ableton is setting up locators. These are essential markers that help you jump between songs or sections within your Ableton session.

1. Start by loading your set in Ableton Live.
2. Create locators at the start of each song or important section.
3. Clearly name each locator so they’re easy to recognize, such as “Track 1” or “Intro.”
4. Save your project to secure your locators.

With these locators in place, you’re ready to link them to your SPD SX PRO, enabling quick and efficient track selection during your performance.

Mapping Locators to the SPD SX PRO

Once you’ve set up your locators, the next step is to map them to the SPD SX PRO. This will allow you to use your drum pad to trigger specific songs or sections in Ableton Live.

1. Add the Max for Live device that supports SPD SX PRO control to one of the MIDI tracks in Ableton.
2. Connect your SPD SX PRO to Ableton via USB or a MIDI cable.
3. In the Max for Live device, click Refresh to update the list of locators.
4. Assign each locator to a specific slot on the SPD SX PRO. For example, assign “Track 1” to Slot 1, “Track 2” to Slot 2, and so on.

Now, when you select a kit on your SPD SX PRO, it will automatically trigger the locator you’ve assigned, allowing for seamless transitions between songs or sections.

Activating Kit Change Messages on SPD SX PRO

To ensure your SPD SX PRO sends MIDI messages to Ableton when you change kits, you need to activate the program change feature. This step is essential for proper communication between the SPD SX PRO and Ableton.

1. On the SPD SX PRO, go to System > MIDI.
2. Find the Program Change TX setting and turn it on. This setting ensures that when you change a kit on the SPD SX PRO, a MIDI program change message is sent to Ableton Live.

By enabling this feature, you ensure that each kit change on the SPD SX PRO triggers the corresponding locator in Ableton, keeping your set running smoothly.

Using Setlists and Kit Chains on SPD SX PRO

To make your workflow even more efficient, you can set up a setlist or use kit chains on the SPD SX PRO. This feature lets you organize your kits in the order you need for your live performance.

1. Create a setlist on your SPD SX PRO by arranging your kits in the order you’ll need them.
2. Assign each kit to trigger a specific locator or track in Ableton.
3. As you step through your setlist on the SPD SX PRO, Ableton will automatically select the corresponding track, allowing for flawless transitions between songs.

This setup is ideal for live performances, where smooth transitions between tracks are crucial.

Setting Up MIDI Routing in Ableton Live

To ensure everything works properly, you’ll need to adjust the MIDI routing settings in Ableton Live. Follow these steps to set up your SPD SX PRO for track selection:

1. Open Ableton Live and go to Preferences > MIDI.
2. Under MIDI Input, enable the Track option for your SPD SX PRO connection.
3. Turn off any unused MIDI inputs to avoid conflicts and ensure smooth operation.

Once your MIDI routing is set up correctly, the SPD SX PRO will be ready to select tracks and control your Ableton session with ease. For further information check out the video tutorial below.

Select Tracks with SPD SX PRO in Ableton Live

Selecting tracks with SPD SX PRO in Ableton Live enhances your performance workflow by allowing you to trigger different songs or sections using your drum pad. With locators set up in Ableton, proper MIDI routing, and kit chains on your SPD SX PRO, you can smoothly transition between tracks during live shows. By following these steps, you’ll be able to take full control of your setlist and performance.

You can find more Max for Live devices for live looping, advanced MIDI Control, live performance, missing functions for Ableton Live HERE!