Ableton Live Quick Tip - Midi Instruments Not Playing or No Sound

[@ramoncordova3435]

This may be obvious for people with some experience but not for absolute beginners like myself. I've spent hours trying to make my midi controller sound until I found this easy and well-explained video. Thank you so much!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Hey thanks Ramon! I’m so glad I made this video. I tried to do the “talking head” KZbinr thing, and found it kinda isn’t for me. But I really do enjoy helping people and I and so happy people have found it!! It makes me want to make a few more. :) What are you planning to do with music? Thanks again!

[@tsunade_jnr1520]

WAS LITERALLY STRUGGLING FOR 4 HRS N IM GLAD I FOUND THIS CAUSE I WAS JUST ABOUT TO GIVE UP ON YT TUTORIALS 😂🤣 THANK U!!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Sweet! Don’t give up! Send me a link to some of your work once you get things figured out! KZbin (at) jonvaltmusic (dot) com.

[@kellysmith429]

Four hours? That's nothing. A good eight at least for me.

[@valeries9819]

For me it's 2 days haha xD But yes i'm very glad i came across this video. Thank you!

[@nehemiahraju]

Im struggling from days i have to do it tmro thank you sir😂

[@Dubby_B]

Same here my friend. Smh

[@bratsnax]

You're literally the ONLY channel that helped me with this. Rather than telling people what they require, you did a step by step walkthrough. I really appreciate it!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Heh so rad. Thank you for the comment. You know I only tried the “KZbinr” thing for a few videos. But I’d rather just goof around. Comments like this make me think there are more people who could use some help getting things working, and I should make some more videos like that.

[@Giovanni_Pesci]

As someone who just began using Ableton, this drove me absolutely crazy when I couldn't find out how to, and no tutorial gave me the answer I needed, this one totally helped, Thanks so much!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

So rad. I'm not trying to be a "youtuber" in that way, so I only answer questions that I hope are helpful (not just for the sake of making content). So if you have any other "weird" questions, let me know!

[@Berus7777]

So, for the SECOND TIME, this video solved my problem. I don't know why I can't remember to arm a track, but after going down a 20 minute rabbit-hole to troubleshoot, I remembered I had playlisted this video under my "Troubleshooting" playlist. Went there, found it, and solved my problem. Thank you!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Hahaha that is absolutely hilarious!

[@nehazadef2458]

I searched so long to find a solution for this problem and was ready to return my keyboard... thank you so much for this video! Amazing!!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Hey awesome! Love this feedback. What kind of music are you making, Neha?

[@teban_m_official]

Thanks for the video, I noticed what my problem was and also learnd about the exclusive option.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Totally. Exclusive being OFF used to mess me up because I’d record over things on accident. But I have a new rig for gigging, and I definitely have it turned off now on purpose. Because I have to sometimes arm an instrument to play it and I don’t want to UNarm everything! If you are using Session View, also check out “record on clip launch” if you want to have tracks armed but not always record into them every single time. Hope that helps! 😊

[@Magpie16music]

So simple but yet so frustrating when you don't know how! Thanks for the video!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

It's the tiny things that will frustrate you and take up all your time!

[@birdie399]

That video really helped. Like you said, nobody tells you these tips. Thanks very much.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

birdie399 I’m glad to hear it. I plan to post more tips soon, so keep an eye out!

[@lifeforce666]

omg...you saved my evening ! i always thought its a random error with my HW or something... Thanks for this !

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

haha heck yeah. :-) Glad you're back in business!

[@JorgeFranco89]

Hello, I have a problem with the keylab49, I'm using ablteon lite and when I press some key in the controller ("A4") it works as Crtl+Z, so weird. there are many scales where I can't use all the keys of it, so I have to increase or dicrease the scale.

[@JorgeFranco89]

just found it! need to select the input keylabessential port 2

[@vicn4059]

This is great for the beginners. I would also like to know why effects aren’t working while I playing my guitar.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Tell me more about your setup. Be really specific with what you’re trying to do, and what you have hooked up - describe the Ableton live setup as well as your cabling - and I’ll see if I can make a quick video!

[@picasso4705]

Thank you very much! As you started, it may be obvious to some but I've spent hours trying to resolve the 'no audio' problem. I really appreciate you taking the time to post such a simple and clear solution.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

No problem! I love your paintings!

[@xAngelLeigh]

I spent ages trying to work out why my MIDI keyboard was only playing drums and not a new instrument I assigned on a new clip Thank you so much

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Awesome! Be sure to share your music once you’ve got everything setup!

[@mitchimuus]

Thank you so much. Beyond frustrated trying to find this simple answer.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Absolutely! :) :) I’m glad you found it and that it helped.

[@myBadfish]

very helpful. thanks. hopefully tonight I'll get the keyboard fired up

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Do it! And when you make your first project you like, send it to me and I'll highlight you here. :-)

[@MamguSian]

Yay! I've been going spare following all the instrutions but getting no sound and you fixed it in 90 seconds. Wish I'd found this video weeks ago.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

I keep hearing this, so I’ve kept this video up! Awesome! I’m glad it helped!

[@madamez862]

I've watched a ton of videos on this and yours was the simplest and actually fixed my issue- THANK YOU!!!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Thank you so much!

[@wojciechsura]

Definitely not obvious thing. Thanks man.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Hey dude, I'm glad you found it! :-)

[@justincox1685]

Dude 28 year IT guy and i was losing mind. Had the Arturia midi controller app open and my controller was orange in preferences. You got me there i would hug you if i could. Thank you.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Hell yeah brother. Let’s hear those tunes!!

[@cybercab]

Thanks for the help! Might check your audio levels on the video.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Yeah you're right about that!

[@dongoodrich918]

IT WAS HELPFUL. I done this before but forget midi controller vs audio in to record a synth thanks

[@111Dark84]

on the audio how do u get the part where it says in auto off and the auto is yellow and the arm button is red sound button blue and the button with numbers is yellow but for me its all not colors jus grey or something what do u do get it all work ing i figured out the part with the midi tho thanks for the video hope u can answer my question cheers and be safe

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Are you seeing any colors? Like is your arm button actually red? If not, you need to go to Preferences and choose your correct audio interface for Input and Output.

[@111Dark84]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots when i go into Audio Input Device it says on top No Device be low is Built IN Microphone only option i have is built in output and for the Audio Output Device it says same thing only difference is that its saying No Device and below that it says Built In Output does this make since to u what do i do

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

AezoN The Electronic Musician This sounds right. Unless you have an audio interface. If you’re making electronic music, this is all you need (built in mic and built in output). Once you select those, you should be able to arm tracks etc. Sounds like you’re on a laptop. Like I said, if you’re only making midi music (I’m guessing this based on your user name), you do not need an audio interface. Don’t spend money on that until you’re recording real instruments. For example, Skrillex wrote all his music on a laptop and headphones. :)

[@111Dark84]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots actually im on a desk top i do not have a laptop yet any way

[@111Dark84]

but thanks for ur advice

[@DJCJ999]

Lifesaver! Everything was going well then...nothing was playing out.. V frustrating.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

You mean nothing is playing now, or did the video help? :)

[@DJCJ999]

The video helped.. I was trying to get a korg nanokey studio to work at the same time and I had no idea what was going on..

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

@@DJCJ999heck yeah. Awesome. Just FYI most of us (including people with lots of gear and videos on YT) have no idea what we are doing either. Lol. All that happened is that I ran up against this before you did - but we are all still figuring all this gear out. 😂

[@DJCJ999]

lol! We are all just winging it!!.. Incidently I have given up on the Korg.. the native mapping was f'ing up the program and closing out instruments :/ it just became a frustrating mess so i've got my eye on a Novation KB which also has built in arp and chord play back.. just a bummer it needs a power source (means another thing to travel with).@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Turn off “remote” on the korg’s midi OUT within the settings of Ableton live and the controls shouldn’t mess with you anymore. Then you can midi map whatever you want to control, as midi still works with Remote disabled (using Track)

[@BorisG13]

Thank you! It was part of the tutorial I watched but there's many tiny details like that, which are easy to forget. Especially since I'm used to Waveform 11 haha

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

So rad. Thank you for the comment as well! Let's hear some of that music!

[@alpsjon3844]

Hi can I monitor midi using my headphones only? Sorry im new in audio production injust bought launchkey mini and the bundle of scarlet atudio and I downloaded the ableton but it seems i cant use the launchkey mini. Can produce sound using my headphones

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

You can: - create and manipulate midi tracks as I’ve shown in the video - if on Windows, download and install the Focusrite ASIO drivers for your Scarlett. - in Settings or Preferences choose your Scarlett as your audio interface (recording and playback) - use headphones plugged into your Scarlett if you don’t have studio monitors (speakers) yet. Yes the launchkey products work perfectly well on Ableton. I’ve used a launchkey 25 for years.

[@davidogles8749]

I am laughing so hard right now! I appreciate the realism and human-figuring-things-out-in-the-moment authenticity

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Thank you! I’m just a regular dude, not a “KZbinr,” so this is the best I got! Haha.

[@asishkandathil8533]

Exact video I was looking for!!! Thanks man

[@iamjupitermay]

Why does your MIDI (orange block section) have a record circle at the bottom and I can only get mine with a music note? I can't get my piano roll to make sound even when I've drawn on the notes and they show up on the piano roll and in the session above.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

I'm not sure I 100% understand. Which channel number are you asking about? :-)

[@syal593]

hey wavetable instrument is creating sound but when i go back to 808 drum kit there is still no sound

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Are you triggering the correct notes associated with each drum in the 808 kit?

[@Ninjjadog]

Hi, what about if you have the midi programmed already and had sound, and now it has stopped making sound?

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Check to see if you have a VST / virtual instrument still loaded on the track, or that it's still activated. Also double check that the output is still going to the Master. Is Ableton making ANY sounds at all?

[@Ninjjadog]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots Hi, I worked it out thanks. It was the autofilter automation stopping my sound :)

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

@@Ninjjadog Haha, I've been there! Glad you found out what the problem was.

[@stormcadet777]

Thank you so much! I was convinced both my external midi and computer keyboards were broken just with Ableton

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

I’m glad I could help! Thank you!

[@biggs8860]

its my first time working Launchkey 25 and im looking to get more tips

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

One thing I’d recommend looking at on the Launchkey is the velocity sensitivity. There are a few settings, depending on whether you’re a gentle, hard, consistent, random type of key player you are. :) Also remember that MIDI has channels. It’s possible to use future launchkeys, or other inexpensive controllers to control multiple computer instruments, each being set to different channels. Launchkey is a great starter keyboard. Starter because it’s cheap, it has controls on it, and you’ll get 20 keyboards and still find a use for it.

[@goatation]

Jon, or anyone else reading, did everything in the video but still no sound out of my speakers. Arm is engaged, it’s showing it can see I’m hitting buttons on my mpd218, I put a drum instrument on Ableton 10, and still no sound. I went through preferences and selected everything from the tutorial but still... no sound. Literally about to just give up ha. Help?

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Hey man! This is a real person KZbin, not fake persona celebrity wannabe KZbin. 😃😃 Send me a message via Facebook Messenger. You can find that on the band’s fb page. Or Instagram.

[@goatation]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots don’t have either of those but fortunately I figured it out, I had the wrong driver selected. Which made it possible for my mpd to work within ableton, but now I have to switch drivers just to hear KZbin again. Haha thanks tho

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

@@goatation Good news! :-)

[@ojenibosnoyan6938]

Thank you for the video!!! It helped a lot.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Radical! Thank you so much.

[@zachanderson2589]

Thank you so much lol. I was so confused. I was in the middle of a new project and couldn't figure out what was going wrong. You're amazing man

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

I’m so glad to hear it. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@simonmay2776]

I have a weird problem. Maybe you could help me. Whenever I plug in my Akai mpk25 midi controller and arm a midi track, the track volume just drops all the way down to its lowest value. When I readjust it, it happens again after I have used for a few moments. I have tried resetting to factory settings but it didn't help. I have tried it with an arturia analog lab and the same thing happened but with the track panning. What could this be?

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Sounds like one of the buttons / controllers on the mpk25 is controlling Live. Look under the Control Surfaces section of the settings (under LINK TEMPO MIDI) and remove it for now. See is that helps. Totally sounds like you're touching an encoder (knob) while you're playing and it's sending the value to Ableton Live, hence the action happening "after awhile." Look at your mpk25 software and see if any knobs or buttons are using MIDI CC 7, 8, 10, or 11. Those will affect volume, pan, etc. If removing it as a control surface doesn't work, and none use the CC above, then we'll have to figure out something different.

[@simonmay2776]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots Yes, that is what I did. I removed the Akai from the chooser control surface and set it to none and that seems to help. Weird. In what way will leaving the control surface chooser set to none affect my recording/playing on the Akai?? Thank you for helping me!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

@@simonmay2776 not at all. It will only affect your ability to control the program, like say moving the cursor between tracks, volume control etc. (these can me MIDI mapped without using the control surface setting) Under MIDI settings, enable these as you need: INPUT TRACK - if you want to record (“track”) into Live from MPC SYNC - if you want MPC to control things like tempo, starting and stopping, etc. REMOTE - allows you to midi map your knobs and stuff to just about anything inside Ableton live. Take a peep at my videos lol I have stuff midi mapped like you wouldn’t believe.

[@simonmay2776]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots Thanks Jon, will do!

[@chaothao8853]

Man you saved my life. thank you

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Great news! Thanks for coming by and watching. Let me know if there are other ways you might need some help.

[@chrisspence5163]

I cant find the wave table in instruments??? Any tips. im so confused.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

I think Wavetable is only in the premium (top tier) version of Live.

[@FurkanTopal]

Dude I'm having the weirdest problem. Not because of automation or any other thing. Horizontally, same instrument, in the same track, but midi signal is cutting off after some point all of a sudden. Do you know its solution? It plays to until a point without problem, it doesn't play after that point. But it is only one lead. And also my previous saved projects also have the same problem now. Idk how that happened.

[@FurkanTopal]

Ok I solved it was because Kickstart was asking license again, once in a month it asks lol. I re-authorized and problem solved.

[@teecooper6634]

Thankyou so much. For a beginner this was so helpful. Was searching high and low for this fix!!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Wonderful! I’m so happy to hear it! What kind of music will you be making?

[@teecooper6634]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots Whatever comes out 😆. I recorded 20 years ago a few originals. I thought I might give it a bash again. Thanks for your interest 👍😊

[@toddzmuzic6691]

Great Video this was just the info I needed to get my Midi Novation LaunchKey 49Keyboard to come out of my monitor. Thank you.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Awesome! I have a launchkey 25 I’ve used with Ableton Live. Best of luck!

[@quinceyhall1276]

Very helpful can you make a video on what DUMP means in the preference screen to the right. Because mines says that and my MIDI MPD 32 doesn't work. I have to unplug it then restart my computer when in order for it work.

[@PalindromeAAF]

Instantly fixed it. Thank you.

[@MusicbyMaggie]

1:35 yeah, my midi keyboard works fine with standalone apps, but doesn't work with ableton. It can stop, record and control the daw, but not play the notes themselves. When i press a note, the only thing that happens is that little yellow square on the top right corner lights up, nothing else. With the computer keyboard the same thing happens, the little yellow square lights up, but nothing else happens, no sound, no nothing. The track is armed, i always make sure of that but the result is always the same. Any idea as to what the problem might be?

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Just making sure we are covering all the bases…. Do you have an instrument loaded? Are the notes you’re playing inside the range of the instrument / drum machine you’re triggering?

[@MusicbyMaggie]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots yes, the first time it stopped working, when I played a note to test it actually did produce sound, but as soon as I tried to play anything else in it, it stopped completely. Idk what to do, because this happened out of nowhere, and not only with the midi keyboard, but also as i mentioned, with the computer keyboard as well

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

@@MusicbyMaggie The computer keyboard won't always play music. There is a button for that that looks like a little piano keyboard. I can't show pics here or I'd include it. As for the midi one, I'll gladly help ya through it if we start at basics.... Make sure the VST is activated (not simply armed) but that it is toggled as active in the window below. Hitting 1 or 0 on your keyboard will enable / disable tracks, instruments... whatever you have selected at the moment. I'm wanting to make sure you didn't accidentally do that. After you make sure the instrument is enabled, if it still isn't working, can you try loading up a new instrument into the track? Something simple and built-in like Operator or Wavetable? Also, another fundamental.... does Ableton Live currently make ANY noise? Like enable the Metronome and hit Play. Do you hear the metronome? If not, then check your routing, master track volume (and make sure it's enabled - all your tracks' numbers should be colored, indicating they are active), ensure you don't have anything muted or soloed. Then let me know! :-) Feel free to send a full-sized screen shot of your entire session to youtube (at) jonvaltmusic.com and I can take a look. Picture's worth 1,000 words and all that.

[@MusicbyMaggie]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots I just posted a video of a screen recording, if you turn on the captions you can get a better idea of what has been happening. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fF7di3lrarZpZpo but in case KZbin deletes the link, it's my most recent video. Thank you in advance for your help!!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

I noticed that your controller (keyboard) is listed twice under the MIDI section. Can you try removing one and seeing if the double one is causing an issue? Also - do you have a different midi controller to test? I'm wondering if it's in some kind of "control" mode (ie remote controlling the DAW versus playing instruments. I know one of my Novation controllers does that. Looks like Nektar has some things to try. I'd recommend looking at this page and testing (using the utilities they link to) to see if your computer is receiving MIDI at all! nektartech.com/midi-communication-issues/

[@ionicxtonic]

Very helpful I completely forgot about this

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Awesome! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day.

[@nclark3rd]

This is what I needed, thanks!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Fantastic

[@FWAkiraa]

ty how do i get sound without picking an instrument i have seen people just cut theres on and it makes noice mine only makes noise if i pick instrument and the drums still dont show up on sound only piano

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Depends on other people’s setup, which I haven’t seen. If they are recording an instrument that makes its own sounds, then they wouldn’t use a midi track or a midi instrument in Ableton. It’s also possible that the other people who just sit and play, and setup a midi instrument as the default to automatically load when they start a new project.

[@cassiezhang8750]

Thank you so much for the tips! Very helpful for Ableton beginners. I spent almost one hour trying to figure out why there's no sound but MIDI signal was confirmed, until this video I just noticed the little red button and this really save my ass.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

When I can’t figure something out, my first thought is that it’s probably something “obvious and stupid” like the red Arm button. 🤣🤣

[@UthamMallikmusic]

Thankyou so much for this beautiful tutorial i was stuck at beginning with this now i am free from mind 🙏🏻

[@CtDawG77]

I was working in an old project testing external audio and midi configuration. Loaded new Ableton project and could not remember how to get sound out of Ableton run vsts or how to record tracks. I feel like I need to entirely relearn Ableton live the few times a year I try to use it.

[@shrimpshrubbery7664]

Thanks for the tip! Though I'm still having trouble getting the sound from the hardware synth to play.

[@DevotedtoTruth]

I’m not getting midi signal at all. However, the controller is getting power via cpu through the usb just no sound

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

In your settings, there's a page that shows MIDI Control devices. Ensure that your device is showing up there and that the boxes are checked. ALSO! USB power just means it's plugged into power, not that the computer recognizes it as a device. Double-check that the correct drivers or whatever are installed. :-)

[@ivonnecafena1907]

I’ve been 2 hours trying to figure out this shit, thank you so much!! You just made my day

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Awesome. This video has apparently helped so many people. I love it. Thank you!

[@hiramvh1]

Hi Jon, my launchkey mini is not working on ableton. I don't have the option to select launchkey mini for output and input as it should, it only appears Microsoft GS wavetable synth in the output. how can i fix it?

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Try unplugging it and plugging it back in. Do the lights on the launchkey light up?

[@philluvschips3787]

Thanks, this was driving me nuts :)

[@erniedlt1942]

You sir have helped me figure out this problem after i have been everywhere searching for an answer. thank you so much.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Awesome! Thank you for that! :)

[@Nate_swart]

my midi (akai mpk mk2) lights up and seems to be connected, but there is no signal being received by my computer/ableton, cant find how to fix it cuz everyone seems to show "plug and play" but i cant... there is no indication of signal coming in

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Check out the MIDI section of Preferences. Ensure that Sync and Track are enabled for the OUT port of your mpk. If it doesn’t show up in the list at all, there’s a separate problem. Mac or PC? Platform makes a huge difference. On a PC, different programs can’t share MIDI devices but on Mac they can. Let me know and we can try further steps. The questions I asked are to help me figure out exactly where in the chain you are having trouble.

[@PoundTownAve]

yo thank you so much this was really helpful 5 years later

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

So funny. This video is super popular on my channel because apparently a lot of folks needed the tip!

[@Tim-again]

thanks my dude, you out here saving lives

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Hahaha thanks for stopping by. I’ve come a long way since then lol and I’m glad this video is helping people. Good luck!

[@djbhe]

Great video! I had this same problem and couldn't find this video before I figured it out.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Awesome! Thank you for stopping by!

[@laurosilvestrejr.106]

I have an issue in which I have recorded electric drums (MIDI) in session mode in Ableton Live. The sound is being received through the DAW and picks up all the hits (sound). I can hear as I am recording, but I can't hear the playback. Need help.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

I’d check to make sure your master routings all go to the same place. Ableton Live has a cue function that sends some data like the metronome to a different place.

[@_Sublime_]

You are the real MVP! Thank you so much!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LaurenOliviArt]

You’re the best!!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Hey you know what? Kinda needed to hear that today. Thank you, and have a wonderful day! ❤️

[@Ruben-GG]

Thank you dude! I was super confused as everything was 'correctly' set up. Silliest thing, which is a good thing.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Awesome! Now you get to do the fun stuff - making music! :-)

[@Ruben-GG]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots Yes indeed :)

[@christoveli0322]

Hi! I bought a mpk mini and when I got in the Ableton Live, I want to use the drums but sometimes it has piano sound. What can I do? I tried to change the instrument too but nothing.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Hey Make Man! Your drums pads on an mpk, launchpad, Push, etc. are actually just MIDI notes. Depending on your controller, they'll be a different range. Go to a new MIDI track and navigate to Categories, Drums, and pull a drum kit over into the track. Voila, you'll have some drums! Now, these are generally made for 12+ button controllers. You may not have that many. But hit a pad and see which sound plays. If you don't like that sound, you can simply drag a sample into that tiny square, and it will be assigned to that pad. To start this completely from scratch, building your own custom drum kit, pull over the Instrument called Drum Rack. You'll find it under Drums... Drum Rack. Once you pull the drum rack over, you'll see a series of virtual pads on the bottom left of your screen. Hit some pads on your mpk, and you'll see one of the tiny squares light up. This is the square (let's say C0) for that pad. Click on that group of squares to change the octave (the 12 larger squares just to the right). Pull the sample you want and drop it onto the square associated with that pad. Build your drum kit one piece at a time. Once you're all done, click the little disk icon just above the D# note square, and you can save it as your own custom drum kit! Holler back if you get stuck, and thanks for viewing.

[@thatsrandom737]

This was so helpful. Thank you so much. Subscribed!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Thank you for taking the time to write that! :) Have a great day!

[@calvinstrapp3007]

What would the issue be if signal isn't hitting your DAW (Ableton) when you have your interface selected with its native ASIO driver but, when direct is selected then the signal enters fine and your hear whatever you're playing with delay that seems unfixable... it's baffling me! I've done all the troubleshooting I know and haven't found a resolve. You mentioned the issue is most likely in the PC's audio settings?

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

I don't have a ton of experience with ASIO, but from what I understand, after you select your ASIO driver, you're either presented with - or can go in and find - separate settings for ASIO specifically. Like sample rate, buffer size, etc. Check for that. Also remember that DirectX will send the (crappy, delayed, terrible) sound through your PC speakers, but your Interface ASIO will likely direct sound out through your Interface, which is a different output, different speaker jack, and most likely even different speakers!

[@calvinstrapp3007]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots thank you so much for your reply. Understood! it's strange, everything was working just fine and one day this problem came out. I have no idea what I could have done. I use a Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen with HS8's. Focusrite has its own ASIO drivers so, I wouldn't need ASIO4all as for as I know. I have ASIO selected as the driver type in Audio preferences with my 2i2 selected as the device, like it should. My sample is set to 256 or 512 depending and have troubleshooted with both, same with buffer the buffer size. I used direct to see if the signal comes through when I select it, which it does. I did this simply to figure out where the issue is coming from. When I have ASIO selected as the driver type in Audio preferences with my 2i2 selected as the device like is should be, no signal comes through Ableton. The little volume fader lights don't respond at all... It seems like you've experienced this before and was hoping you'd know what the hurl is going on... it's got me so confused man! I'm so, confused.....

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

@@calvinstrapp3007 You're right about Focusrite having their own ASIO. Now, a couple things. Did you go into your audio settings (in Ableton Live) and select your input and output channels? Like for a 2i2, you probably have 1&2 and also 1/2 as inputs / outputs. Is Ableton Live making ANY sounds? Like if you turn on the metronome and hit Play, do you see the tick-tick-tick in the VU meter on your Master channel? If not, you have some bigger problem. If so, Ableton Live thinks it's making sound, and it's a matter of sending that audio to the right place. Let me know on that last question, and we'll try to sort you out. Keep in mind I'm not an Ableton Live wizard or anything, but I've been good enough at it, and computers in general, to figure out some of this stuff!! :-)

[@calvinstrapp3007]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots Thank you so much for taking the time, I really appreciate it. It turns out there as a deeper issue that had something to do with file and driver registries. I found it was much easier simply reformatting things and starting from the ground up haha, well, now things are a lot less cluttered and more organized. The issue is fixed and I have no latency issues either. I am finally able to get back to work lol. Thanks so much again, you rock!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

@@calvinstrapp3007 Hey thanks for stopping by. Be sure to see: kzbin.infocommunity where I am trying to compile a video to celebrate my subscribers.

[@mikhailyakunkinakaslowmick1171]

Thank You. Your video was helpful.

[@dyaaong6030]

I have trouble with it its lights yellow but no sounds in serum or analog lab. So frustrating.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Did you figure it out? Possibly make sure that Serum / Analog Lab is set to receive MIDI input? BUT! I've been recommending first that people make sure Ableton Live is making ANY noise at all! Sometimes it's not a MIDI problem, but a sound output problem. 🙂 A good test is to start the metronome and hit play. If you can hear the metronome (and it's set to go out the same channel - look for the Cue output in your Master bus on the right) or if you can play any other sounds, you're good there, and can start debugging the MIDI.

[@dyaaong6030]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots Yes I figure it out. Thanks I'm just dumb and learning! Problems after problems. Now I get sylenth1 to figure out why my recordings done have sound when I play.

[@michaelbalsley6041]

Can you help maybe. I don’t see the metering lights on any channel. The computer sees the interface and I can adjust it in the software. But Ableton doesn’t see it. What can I check to make sure the setup is right? Thank you for your help!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Can you go into your Preferences / Settings, to Audio, and make sure you have your audio interface selected as the Input and Output devices?

[@rxn1x53]

THANKS SO MUCH BRO KNOW IM 4 YEARS LATE BUT THIS REALLY HELPED MY GOAT

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Dude I get comments on this video pretty often! I’m glad it’s helping people lol. :) Thank you for writing.

[@femia9928]

Wow!! Glad I found your video! So many other tutorials but they just don’t seem to deliver like you did!! This really helped. Thanks

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Hey, thank you so much! What kind of music are you making?

[@tuulikireintam5612]

Excellent, thank you so much, God bless you!

[@ZaberLord]

Hello i have launckey 61 the keys respond with battery vst but drumpads not responding to batteryvst..

[@whytie57]

I'm still having the issue, got any other fixes?

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Really depends on your issue! I talked a little bit about different problems a person could have in the whole chain of things that need to be setup correctly. Which part isn’t working? :)

[@whytie57]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots it works for awhile and then I have to close Ableton and reopen it. Then it works. It's a pain in the arse. I'm on lite tho, maybe that's the issue

[@kailotusmusic]

Thank you so much. I had this exact issue using Reaper rather than Ableton and this helped!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Sweet! Are you new to music or just new to Ableton Live?

[@Alex-wd8ix]

hi my issue is that the square where it shows (audio from ,channels, monitor , audio to ) that space is empty for me , nothing , how can i make it appear ?

[@DejaGruvBand]

Ableton is strange when it comes to this kind of thing. Thanks for the video

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Thank you for stopping by!

[@DejaGruvBand]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots NO problem are you familiar with band cue drum packs? I created my own but the samples are warped and I need them to not be warped do you know of a way to unwrap all samples without doing them individually?

[@lavrodem]

I am using Halion 6, my midi keyboard signal goes but does not sound: / md-audio keystation 49 midi keyboard .. my sound card steinberg..FL Studio also sounds on my Halion midi keyboard, but when I open it, the program does not sound from the keyboard, unfortunately: / so in other programs When you open Halion, there is a sound from the midi heart ..

[@Normandy_Mike]

Here's a rookie error that brought me here. My midi keyboard goes through a Roland MC-101 before it reaches my DAW. I keep forgetting to turn on the Roland and then spend 10 minutes looking at Ableton's MIDI preferences before I realise what I've done.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

haha, this is so true. And! It's always something simple! haha.

[@sofiafieni598]

thank you very useful tip for beginners like myself :)) Appreciated :))

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

I’m so glad it helped! Thank you! Are you new to music, or only new to Ableton Live?

[@alexseemusic]

I followed all the steps but it didn't work still ... would anyone have any ideas please?

[@DJ_BILLY]

hahahahahaa omg bro i love you, this solved my problem. I knew it was something super simple. :)

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

It's almost ALWAYS something simple, haha! 🙂

[@ejuku7901]

thanks just what i was looking for .... indeed the tips no one tells you

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

So great! Be sure to come back and share your music project!

[@darrylmoffitt715]

Hi I am working in Ableton live 10 , no when I choose to play an instrument I drop it on the track my keyboard is playing when I play the keyboard it’s playing some notes and some will not how can I fix this problem

[@thewedge8823]

trying to record guitar, but getting no signal. the signal is going into my interface, and I can hear it in my monitors, but there is no signal in the meters... I/O is configured correctly. what am I doing wrong? thanks

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Could be that your interface is feeding a live signal to your monitors, which you will always here, even if your computer is off. Are the tracks armed?

[@Randomdude-i8x]

for me, just restarting ableton after I connected the keyboard, it worked. The input of the keyboard was not registered despite ableton seeing the midi device

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

You can double check after you plug a keyboard in by going to midi setting. For midi INput INto Ableton, you want to make sure the OUTput from your midi device is set to Track. :)

[@ashchan30]

I need help! First day using Ableton. I recorded my vocals fine snd threw in a clap sample beat. I tried adding in another sample beat (drum) -new track-and it doesn't record or play! Please help!

[@yotamnissan5022]

Still doesn’t work, could it have something to do with my output settings?

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Go to your Settings - Audio - and choose your audio interface as the output. If you are playing an instrument and seeing the green bars showing that audio *should* be coming out, then it is definitely your audio settings. If no output bars show up, it's more likely the instrument isn't producing sound at all, because either your midi device isn't properly controlling it or a myriad of other reasons. Feel free to try it and ask a follow-up question - I like helping people figure it out.

[@RezaPratamaR]

when i record, after 2 bar.. theres no sound and i cant even hear and see my midi playing on screen.. can you help?

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

I can try! Are you in Session View (shown in video) or Arrangement View? Can you list the steps you're performing, and we'll try to get this sorted out!

[@RezaPratamaR]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots thanks for the help... But seema the problem solved

[@TheWarOnLove]

Perfect fixed it. God bless brother keep it up.

[@biancamacias7476]

Yay so helpful..i am a full noob so this was very very simple and useful! I haven't scrolled through your playlist so you may have made a vid on this but...now I want to fix the lag I hear when I push the keys on the midi. Thanks!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Bianca Macias What a great suggestion! I will do a video on that very soon! I have another question in the queue for a quick tip video and will do that next. Please subscribe and watch for the notification. :)

[@hibabekkal3927]

i am new to ableton and i only have one problem , i can't hear any sound after i opened a live session and all of the tracks' sound is in purple , what can i do to fix tem please . and btw this video really helped me thank you sm.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by all the tracks sound is in purple. Could you give more information?

[@balance6974]

my soundcraft signature 10 board input is not coming through but the output is lol

[@jessicarussell3253]

i am using ableton live 10 lite version i can get the roland octapad to connect to ableton and get it as far as ready like you did in this video but i can not get sound even though my monitors are working any help would be appreciated

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Does the Octapad put out its own sound? My quick Googling seems to say yes. If so, please see my video about recording MIDI and Audio at the same time. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpCZmZZ-i8x9gZo If not, or if you're using it as a midi controller only, be sure the MIDI track you're inputting into has a Drum Rack, Simpler, or Sampler (or any virtual instrument actually) and you have some drums loaded into the appropriate slots. By slots, I mean as a MIDI controller, the Octapad is going to play a different note for each pad (like C1, D1, E1, F1, etc.) and you'd assign a different drum / hit / sound effect to each note within your drum rack, simpler, sampler.

[@Noctuaem]

Sobbing, I’ve been trying to get this fixed for hours. As soon as I open the Ableton app all sound goes out besides my dubler vochlea

[@mattd3826]

Can someone please help me? Just got the mpk249 and followed all the steps to setup to my windows computer but no sound comes out at all. All the green bars go up when i press keys on it but no sound. Not even the test sound makes a sound

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Did you follow all the steps in this video? If so, which part of the process worked differently than what I showed? :)

[@mattd3826]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots hi, thanks yes I did! Still no sound at all

[@mattd3826]

There really seems to be no explanation as to why. After too many hours of trying, I think I will just need to return the equipment i bought. Really wish I could play music and record it but this technology stuff doesn't make any sense. Might just have to stick with piano

[@b34stmodz54]

how do I fix middle c going to a lower octave on 88 key keyboard.

[@danparso1381]

Hey Jon, This solved a MSSIVE problem for me being a complete novice. Thank you SOOOOO much!!!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

No problems dude! :-)