Launchkey Mini Performance Techniques

[@christuusgnosis]

it might be 7 yrs old but I have a mini mk2 and this is the first vid I found with the recording workflow explained. Thx! glad you didn't take it down.

[@BigZAM69]

I really appreciate videos like this. Those tips were awesome and concise and you really showed how intuitive and easy can be to produce music on something like this. Great video man

[@Taetro]

Thank you so much Delany! I'm going to keep them coming for sure. Thanks again for watching.

[@jancarsonweatherby1579]

Hi Taetro... Ableton noob here. At 2:20 you say, "I think it's important that every session has an instrument that you can improvise during, instead of creating another loop." HOW DO YOU DO THIS? :) This is my biggest question about Ableton; How do you play instruments live in Ableton LIVE (hello???), along with other samples/clips in your session, without having to arm the track and thus recording new loops? Thank you, you are the only person I've found so far who has even addressed this issue.

[@Taetro]

You do need to arm the track. That’s how you play instruments. You can always jam around without recording. I don’t use Live to simultaneously record and perform though I used to. When you use an external recording device you capture every sound you make

[@jancarsonweatherby1579]

I don't understand the difference. How do you jam around without recording? Say you produce a track in Ableton. Everything in the track is native to Ableton. So if you want to play any part of your song live, using a keyboard, using the instrument and sound/preset you used during the original recording - are you saying it can't be done without recording a new clip that could inadvertently be triggered during your performance? Say that answer is yes - it can't be done. How do you replicate your Ableton-native sound in a live instrument performance? Sorry for the confusion. This seems really weird to me. I want to use ableton to play backing tracks, but allow me to play along, live. I can do this with guitar and vocals, fine... those run outside Ableton. But what if the instrument/synth/plugin I want to use is in Ableton?

[@Taetro]

If a track is armed, you can just play it like a live instrument without recording. You can do this while other clips/tracks play.

[@jancarsonweatherby1579]

Yeah, stumbling around I've gotten some pretty confusing results. Thanks for your help!

[@Taetro]

Good luck! Let me know if you need any help

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

First tutorial? You wouldn't think it, this is clear and straight to the point, nice.

[@Taetro]

Haha yeah believe it or not that was my first tutorial. So Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching VimFuego!

[@blueleaftuber]

look, it's been 1 year now! looks like you've come a long ways. I just got a Mini myself, learning a lot from you

[@Taetro]

woooo! thanks so much for sticking around and stupporting. so stoked you got one, congrats!

[@dominicdoyle2895]

This is a great video Taetro. Thank you for the insight

[@Chr0mePisto1a]

Great video and very informative. Just bought myself a Launchkey Mini MK2 and look forward to testing it out !!!

[@Taetro]

✌🏻 thanks for watching

[@PokerGuts]

This video is gonna be pretty big best tutorial for the launchkey I've seen. Please make more subscribed.

[@Taetro]

thanks a lot MatticusNicholas for your support! share around to anyone you think this may help

[@reed7910]

This video is really well made man, lots of good info. I dig it keep it up. Also I found this through reddit haha

[@Taetro]

+Reed Thanks Reed! Spread the knowledgeeee

[@Nani-qh8cc]

thx u i needed this just got my first launchkey mini

[@Taetro]

awesome! let me know how it goes.

[@yh.productions]

ahh the rain was interesting, never thought about using that. i use fl studio so my launchkey doesnt have as many options. also octave tip was helpful. ima have to try and record a song this way. thanks for posting man. ill post this on reddit edmproduction for you

[@Taetro]

I am so grateful for your support thank you so much. Perhaps we can chat at some point, I think we could learn from each other, maybe even collaborate.

[@pocketniroman]

What's a riser and why do we need it?

[@chriss1152]

I like your videos I like how you explain everything thank you for sharing your experience and what's the difference between this and the impulse midi controller

[@mrjimbo8250]

Very nice Taetro

[@Taetro]

thanks Jim!

[@jatniel117]

Hey!!! Thank you so much. I had always knew it was possible to use the pads as drums, but I never knew how until this video. Thanks you very much!!!! Life Changing

[@Taetro]

Glad you found it helpful Jantiel! Jam on!

[@Riiinzo.mp3]

Can you pls make a beginners guide video? :/ saw your Rain arrangement and was blown away!

[@Taetro]

This is actually not the first request for this so I'm going to make it a priority. Keep an eye on the channel! Thanks for your support.

[@Riiinzo.mp3]

Love your work man!

[@sashakovacs5914]

Thank you so much for this video. Your music is very inspirational. I've been waiting for a tutorial from you since I saw your video called Rain. You are very talented, I'm a big fan. Please, keep doing tutorials like this. Take care :)

[@Taetro]

That means a lot Sasha, thank you. I will keep the videos coming, keep in touch!

[@skettismyname]

This was an amazing tutorial. Thank you so much, holy cow.

[@SeansYTEntertainment]

Great video! Is it possible to do a video like this for FL Studio?

[@tillmannbrodbeck2430]

You should do some more Tutorials like this :)

[@Taetro]

for sure! can do!

[@gonzalor.2967]

Very inspiring! Gracias!

[@Taetro]

+gonstock loop De Nada! Thank YOU for watching :)

[@ThaFacka]

Great tut! Would love to hear how you got savvy (and productive) in finger drumming!

[@Taetro]

Alex Hirner perhaps I can do a video on that soon! Thanks for watching Alex

[@sangie4891]

Taetro i thought 8 knob made some cue or beat repeat on the 2:58 min, isn't it? How did you did it?

[@Taetro]

that is correct - triggers a beat repeat!

[@DavsToast]

Thank you soo much was really helpful !! 😊

[@Taetro]

glad you enjoyed it Davs! thanks for the request

[@adhytcross]

very nice tutorial !! i Help me a lot , start to learn actually cause of your video i bought my launchkey mini hahaha

[@Taetro]

Great! If you have questions as you are learning feel free to ask. Hope to hear your music soon!

[@mollymccann791]

Love how you answer everyone's questions in detail and your music is sick. I'm a complete novice at this and really want to learn. Do you think it's best to teach yourself via book/youtube? Also which program do you recommend getting for my laptop (mac air currently but might get a pro soon don't know if that affects anything)?

[@Taetro]

I highly recommend Ableton, they have lite and standard versions for people just getting into it. There are so many resources online for beginners so I highly suggest getting as much education for free as possible (because there's a lot out there!) I've been very successful with self educating but you've gotta assess if it will work for you. Thanks for coming to the channel and I'm happy to help you along your musical journey!

[@sammatthews419]

Great video, I am new to your channel and music making. Do you have any Abelton beginner videos? Thanks! Keep the videos coming.

[@Taetro]

Hey Sam, welcome to the channel. I'll be putting together some Ableton beginner videos soon! Make sure you are subbed and keep an eye out!

[@na27der]

Nice remix of "wicked game"! ;)

[@Taetro]

I'm unfamiliar with "wicked game" but thanks!

[@edgarhernandez4107]

This is a great video, keep it up man. I recently bought a mini launckey but i'm having trouble with playing my clips on my midi. Can you help me with this?

[@Taetro]

Thanks Edgar! Check in your Preferences and make sure under control surfaces you have Launchkey Mini (MIDI) AND Launchkey Mini (In Control) selected - you need both, in control is the key here.

[@edgarhernandez4107]

Thank you for replying Taetro I mean it works, but when i press the drum to play a clip it wont let me use another clip simultaneous. if i press a clip to play, it makes me hold on to the drum for a few seconds. But, before it didn't do that. If you have any knowledge of what you might think the problem is can you get back at me?

[@noahdurbin]

Hey, I've really been enjoying your videos since I found them the other day, keep it up! I was wondering if now is a good time to buy a launchkey mini, is there something coming out soon that I should wait for? You mentioned in one of your videos that you think abelton might be coming out with a smaller version, would that be something I should wait for? I'm just getting into this sort of stuff and I'm more interested into the launchkey type stuff rather than the mpk mini. Anyways, thanks for what you do

[@Taetro]

Hey Noah! Glad you found the channel, thanks so much for the support! I think it is a great time to buy a launchkey mini. I wouldn't wait based on my 'predictions' - though I stand by them...the launchkey mini is at an awesome price right now and it's the kind of thing that will be of great use for a long time I think. I say...go for it. and again, thank YOU for supporting this channel. :)

[@buckleyismyhero]

Awesome vid, man. I'm looking to get my first controller, and was hoping to get your opinion btw the Launchkey Mini & the Launchpad. I'm looking for the most versatile controller, and do have experience playing guitar and sax. I'm leaning towards the launchkey mini but not totally dead set. Wanted to get an expert's opinion.

[@Taetro]

buckleyismyhero I would say go with a Launchkey to start as you can both launch clips and play notes with velocity sensitive keys and pads. Eventually you might want a launchpad as well to dedicate the Launchkey to just playing, but to start the Launchkey is the way to go in my opinion. Thanks for stopping by the channel - fun fact...my grandfathers last name was Buckley!

[@JuanPisula]

hey taetro nice performance, i have some questions: do you use launchkey's default ableton mapping? do you play live shows or you are limited to the internet? do you play with other people? how do you engage with them? like, what is your role? i think that the issue with people who make music like you is that you play some keys, but arent a keyboardist, you make drums but are no drummer, you make electronic music but are no dj. Dont get me wrong, im not saying thats bad. I would like to read what you have to say about this and how do you engage with other musicians or with your audience if you play live. thanks!

[@Taetro]

+Juan Ignacio this is a very deep question...I'm going to do a q&a vid next week and I'm going to include this question!

[@JuanPisula]

Cool, thank you!

[@sangie4891]

Hello from Russia, Taetro! What the 8 knob is doing? What function in your live set?)

[@Taetro]

knob 8 usually dials in some noise to create a riser effect for me.

[@sangie4891]

Taetro i thought 8 knob made some cue on the 2:58 min, isn't it?

[@yed4680]

@Taetro When i watch this, its like i listen to a rap song :o Thx for the video bro.

[@Taetro]

+Yedu lol awesome. Who's gonna spit bars???

[@PokerGuts]

how did you go from arming the intro riff to the solo on the keys without recording?

[@Taetro]

+MatticusNicholas Hmm...I'm not exactly sure what you mean but: 1. This whole live session was being recorded in arrangement view while I was creating it in session view. 2. I'm arming different instruments by using the top row of pads when MIDI Channel is switched off, that is a custom mapping. Let me know if that answers your questions!

[@PokerGuts]

+Taetro I figured it out. pads and keys are on diff channels (1, 10)

[@Taetro]

MatticusNicholas ah yes. I've found that utilizing different MIDI channels can be super helpful when trying to use 1 controller for multiple purposes. Right now I'm messing with the Numark Orbit. It's super cheap and wireless!

[@KonradZyczynski]

More Tutorials !

[@Taetro]

absolutely! let me know if there's anything you'd like me to cover specifically

[@AndreWakaMel]

Nice!

[@Taetro]

Awndre Mkcinle thanks Awndre!

[@jdiogooliveira]

Hey! thanks a lot for the video, I bought mk2 and i'm a bit lost with Ableton! How can I make a loop with the Mk2? Do you I need to change any settings? Can you explain it?

[@Taetro]

Make sure your controller is set up under Preferences - MIDI. Live should automatically recognize it. The top row of pads will launch clips when the "InControl" light is illuminated. On an armed track, pressing a pad will start recording a clip. Press the pad again to loop it. *Live loops to its own tempo, session view doesn't work like a looping pedal. In order to create a proper loop, you'll need to have another clip playing that gives you rhythmic time OR have the metronome ON. Hope this helps!

[@Taetro]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4SrZZpqe62Nftk You can learn a lot about Live just from this video! This video really helped me understand live when I first started.

[@jdiogooliveira]

Thank you a lot! That really help me!

[@c4pt1n54no]

Is there a trick to getting the MIDI map to function? I've been enjoying my new little guy as a small keyboard so far.. When I highlight a knob and turn a pot for example, it doesn't recognize and remap (in MIDI map mode). Ableton is setup to recognize it as an input/output. I'm brand new to the software as well, I know I'd be having an excellent time making music if not for learning the interface..... Awesome video, great pace, my kind of style. Thanks!

[@Taetro]

Make sure you click the MIDI button in the top right of the screen which will highlight everything blue. THEN click a knob on screen and turn the knob you want to control it. If you're already doing that, make sure in the midi options (under preferences where you select the Launchkey) the REMOTE option is turned on. Thanks for watching!

[@c4pt1n54no]

That was it, the Launchkey auto-configured on the first input/output and I never looked at the remote box, not that I knew what to look for :P makes sense. thanks!

[@Taetro]

yup and that goes for any MIDI controllers you want to custom map as well. you're good to go!

[@Vloww]

Hello ! So i have a question for you : I know that with in control button lit up you play loops and with it turned off u play single notes. But, how do you record a loop ? How come when you press a loop button it doesnt start a loop but it records one ? Idk if this was clear tho, hope you understand :)

[@Taetro]

Hey WLOGZ thanks for watching. So if an armed track has empty slots in Session view, you'll notice that the symbol in these empty slots is a circle, the symbol for record. This means that when you 'launch' that clip slot on the launchkey, it will start recording a new clip. Hitting that same clip again will cause the clip to stop recording, and loop what you've just recorded. You'll notice on the launchkey that loops that are recording flash red, and then solid red while recording, but turn green once they are just playing/looping. Hope that is clear! Let me know if you have more questions or if another video would be helpful.

[@Vloww]

+Taetro thanks so much ! I understand now :)

[@dragonod]

hey taetro, just subscribe, thanks very informative video, now just a quick question. Im looking to start trying to make music, I have no music background, any tips or advice? I'm currently reading/watching stuff about music theory to help jump start my knowledge. I'm thinking about getting a launchkey mini as you stated on your controller video.

[@Taetro]

thanks so much for the sub!! you're doing the right thing in studying theory. as you do that, start analyzing your favorite music, figure out why you love it, and totally dissect how it was made

[@dragonod]

thanks for the fast reply, could you elaborate on how to dissect how its made? Maybe make a video for beginners like me who want to dive into music but don't know where to start?

[@TheRealPostpunker]

Got another maybe not so interesting question. But which pc are you using in this vid? It looks like a macbook but its clearly a windows pc.

[@Taetro]

In this video I'm using a Lenovo Ultrabook Ideapad U410 - recently switched to a macbook pro. Thanks for watching!

[@РоманЛеухин-й2ы]

Greetings from Russia, Taetro! May i get some advice - if i am going to write ambient music and beats in FL studio, should i buy akai mpk mini mk2, novation launchkey mini mk2 or novation launchpad mini mk2? Thanks

[@Taetro]

+Роман Леухин greetings! Akai mpk 2 is for you

[@payday3568]

i have a question, i use ableton live 9 lite and how do i play drums with the pads while thne keyboard play's other stuff?

[@Taetro]

This requires that you change the preferences so that two channels can be armed simultaneously. The pads and the keys are separate MIDI channels, I'm not sure what they specifically are but you can find out by looking on a tracks MIDI I/O, and check which channel (drop down from 'All Channels') lights up when you use the pads, and which channel lights up when you use the keys. Once you know which channel is for the keys, and which is for the pads, set the MIDI From to that specific channel number on the two tracks (one with drums, and one with a melodic instrument I assume). Don't forget to turn INCONTROL off so the pads work as drums. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@payday3568]

Taetro Thank you very much!

[@daelnieaa]

Hey Boss I just bought a Launchkey Mini Mk2 and there are a couple of things that I'd like to ask you. First when you explained the pads recording technique even if the inControl mode was off it still showed that track 2 was being recorded. Second when you explained the rain thing (Beautiful Performance) the light on the bottom row of track 4 was flashing or being of another colour. Why? Can you help me? Btw, I love your videos. Cheers

[@Taetro]

+Daniele hey Daniele thanks for the kind words! I can't explain why this happens - idk of there's a step in mapping that I'm missing but it always ends up that when I switch between the modes, light info gets crossed over. It's weird but I mostly just ignore it.

[@daelnieaa]

Taetro Thanks for replying. The launchkey mini does strange things sometimes... Keep it up!!!

[@MusicLovers-sd7uz]

Hey friend,what laptop do you use? do you know any laptop under 800$ for music production?

[@Taetro]

right now I'm using a MacBook Pro - in this video I was using a Lenovo Ultrabook! You're looking for an i5 or i7 with as much RAM as possible.

[@JulienF]

So cool men. Really pedagogic !

[@Taetro]

thank you julien!

[@95djloli]

Hi !! I have a problem, how i put the audio track record in Midi track ? because i want record something with guitar and save in pad, in my lauchkey mini mk2

[@Taetro]

Unfortunately you cannot record audio into midi, however you can set up an audio track to work with the launchkey pads - same as a midi track. You'll just need to be quick to launch the clip!

[@bonedface]

wait, how can the light still lit while you're in drumpad mode. How can you do that?

[@Taetro]

by setting up a MIDI track that receives MIDI info from your the midi track containing the instrument, and then sending that MIDI info back to the launchpad!

[@bonedface]

do you use custom firmware or anything else besides the default driver that Novation sent. Since I can't do whatever to send midi info onto the Launchkey mini.

[@Taetro]

nope! not custom firmware here, be sure you are set to the right MIDI channel.

[@akashsonawane6968]

❤️❤️❤️