Using MPC Live II midi with Ableton plugins

In this video, I will essential be turning my Ableton Live as a huge sound module for my Akai MPC Live II. This allows me so many options for sounds and triggering, combining my Ableton workflow with my LIVE II workflow. All you need is a midi interface and an audio interface/ mixer to hear sounds from both sources.
Midi USB Interface:
amzn.to/3gAiBku
AKAI MPC LIVEII:
amzn.to/3ChBbHf
Samsung Solid State Drive:
amzn.to/3A8CVkf
Click Here for Free MPC Expansion: freempcsounds.com
Click Here for Free MPC Jump Start Guide: mpcjumpstart.com
Social Media
Instagram: / dablackmic
Twitter: / dablackmic
Facebook: / dablackmicmusic
Bandcamp: DaBlackMic.bandcamp.com/
Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

[@MentPlus]

Beat is crazy!

[@DaBlackMicTV]

Thanks man 🙏🏿

[@dandelissandri6146]

Really helpful thanks, subscribed

[@DaBlackMicTV]

Much appreciated 🙏🏿

[@BlacKeysMusic1]

Dope. I’m gonna do the same for my MPC One. Thanks for this video

[@DaBlackMicTV]

I’m telling you, you won’t regret it man 🎹

[@BlacKeysMusic1]

MIDI cables already ordered!! What about if I want to take the midi and from the daw and turn into audio?

[@TheNimaVibe]

Is it work with mic one ? Because I’m trying but it’s not possible ☹️

[@artinsidethebus]

@@TheNimaVibe it works for me

[@ea5e95]

excellent content, thank you

[@DaBlackMicTV]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video & hopeful you got some value out of it. Thanks 🙏🏿

[@bboymac84]

You can also use auto sampler to simply get the plug-ins on the MPC live without relying on the computer the whole time. Real handy feature

[@DaBlackMicTV]

Auto Sampler is a life saver, especially from how I was using it lol. But I really have grown to love, my 3rd party plug-ins. They add more to my production value than Akai’s built in plugs

[@bboymac84]

@@DaBlackMicTV for sure! Akai real wants us to create and not have to use the computer the whole time but we all have our version of the paintbrush 🖌 🎨 😁👍🏽

[@DaBlackMicTV]

@@bboymac84 it’s really whatever gets the job done by any means for me… I can get it started in the MPC but when I’m in my studio & have full access I’m take full advantage. But yes, we all have our own workflow

[@bboymac84]

@@DaBlackMicTV that’s what makes music beautiful is our natural approach to it. 😁👍🏽

[@SergioMartinez-el8kg]

yo midi dj man wassup !!! remember me! hahaha

[@artinsidethebus]

nice tutorial bro thx, im trying to meld the 2 but mpc one and ableton

[@DaBlackMicTV]

Thanks man, I’m glad it was helpful for you. You got a winning combo still

[@bobbyjigglesalot]

Hey bro! This is incredible I love this video and this is really what I’ve been looking for since I got my mpc live 2! Do you know if I could do this with a Volt 276 it has midi in/out on it or would I need that same midi interface you mentioned?? Thanks again!

[@DaBlackMicTV]

Thank you… I appreciate the love. If your interface has a MIDI in/out wouldn’t need the cable I have (usb to MIDI) but u can use a midi to midi cable and the same fundamental should work after that.

[@bobbyjigglesalot]

Yes through some tinkering I used Midi Time Clock on the MPC and on Logic so Start/Stop is synced and so this is amazing. Thanks again man!

[@ssooott]

Great and detailed tutorial! ill beat as well! Question, would this work with using simpler like triggering chops?

[@DaBlackMicTV]

I’m glad you got value from this video… As far as just bypassing, any external sampler and using Ableton simpler; I don’t see why you can’t use the same principles

[@hidingod]

Excellent video man! Thank you! I’m getting to know the abilities of my MPC live 2. So basically, whatever I create in midi format, in my MPC, I can go ahead and use Ableton’s midi sounds triggered wit the MPC in controller mode? Can I do both midi with ableton, and audio coming from my MPC unit expansion packs to ableton at the same time, with the proper connections?

[@DaBlackMicTV]

That is correct! 💪🏿

[@hidingod]

@@DaBlackMicTV Thank you for your knowledge man 🙌🏼

[@DaBlackMicTV]

@@hidingod I’ll be here if you need more lol

[@marclemar]

So I’m thinking of something similar. I’m thinking about loading all sounds in Abelton including drums and use the MPC simply as a controller and sequencer. This will accomplish two things 1. I’m coming from Maschine and I’m trying to get to know the MPC Live & Abelton much more this will help both 2. The end result is all of your Audio will be in Abelton. I’ve had Abelton for years and i have already have most of my Maschine sounds in Abelton so this works for me.

[@DaBlackMicTV]

Fair enough. It’s truly about how you use your tools to maximize ur productivity, and keep those creative juices flowing. Welcome to MPC Life 🙏🏿

[@marclemar]

@@DaBlackMicTV It’s kinda like a homecoming that’s well over due. I started on an MPC 2000xl and a Roland XP-60 back in 2000-2001

[@DaBlackMicTV]

@@marclemar same bro… that around the time I 1st started rocking wit the MPC

[@BEASTBEATS700]

Hey bro tell me why when I press record I don’t hear the mpc count off nor the metronome while I’m recording

[@DaBlackMicTV]

@Larry Vallot I'm not sure, try troubling shooting by unplugging the midi cable to see if you hear the sound again. If not restart the MPC, if you hear it then... reconnect the cables and begin your midi controlling process with the MPC and Ableton.

[@staypth3195]

Dope Video Bro. Are you using the MPC as a plugin to route the sound packs back from the MPC to Ableton? Thanx in advance. New sub, Keep up the good work.

[@DaBlackMicTV]

Thanks for the Sub, I’m moreso using the plugins from Ableton controlling it all in the MPC & when I’ve completed the song I’ll track and save/ mix everything in Ableton

[@staypth3195]

@@DaBlackMicTV copy. thanx again, you phukkin rock bro. Keep up the good work.

[@paulgillaspie4376]

Are you just exporting the drums out of the live 2 when you ready to mix in Ableton? Would you recommend just sending the audio out of MPC directly into Ableton using the quarter inch jacks?

[@DaBlackMicTV]

Yeah when I’ll done with the song, I’d export the drums in Ableton via USB and the MPC plug-in rather than use the analog outs because there aren’t usually enough for me by comparison and I rather do everything at once (export). This just works better for me and I see no significant benefit to doing it analog

[@BeatsByGemsmiff]

Out of curiosity wat camera do u use…its the clearest i’ve seen for an mpc screen.

[@DaBlackMicTV]

Sony A7iii

[@johnviviani286]

Great video. Is it possible to send midi output over the MPC USB cable in standalone mode on the MPC Live2? I've been able to get it to work in Controller mode, did some custom note maps for Addictive Drums in Ableton and it works great. But for the life of me I can't seem to get it to trigger VST sounds in standalone. I've messed with mad Ableton settings and watched/read lots of stuff. Feel like I'm missing something. I know it's not a big deal to buy a midi to USB cable like you are using but I can't understand why it won't work. Starting to wonder if it's my Big Sur imac...

[@jhordanmarks3650]

havin the same issue brotha

[@DaBlackMicTV]

It is my understanding that midi can ONLY be sent via the midi ports hence the Midi interface in the video (although it seems sensible to trigger midi using the supplied USB cable). Trust me, I feel your pain lol. I wrecked my brain to tried to get it to work before I click purchase on Amazon. The midi interface sense to be the only I've been able to get it work smoothly and without any custom mapping. BUT if you do manage to figure it out like me with your source, I love a good work around. 🙏🏿

[@johnviviani286]

@@DaBlackMicTV Thanks - I'll def let you know. In Controller mode I have the MPC plug in running in Ableton and I can definitely trigger Addictive Drums VST via the MPC pads. I'm only hooked up via the USB cable so either it is able to send MIDI in controller mode - or - because the plug in is running it's telling the plug in to send the data to the vst. At least I think lol

[@tedoatwood]

I'm in the same boat, can't seem to get midi notes to go out direct to track on USB in controller mode. I'd really like to be able to send midi while playing in standalone, is it possible to do this with the MIDI to USB? Do you have to use the MPC plugin if you want to record midi while listening to MPC sounds?

[@quietizkept]

Great stuff, but how do you record all this? How do you get audio, not midi from the MPC into Ableton? I used to rock a similar setup with my 1k & Sonar, but I literally had to have another pc to record them both.

[@quietizkept]

I’m on the X btw

[@DaBlackMicTV]

I record the midi in Ableton 1st as seen in the video, then afterwards I add midi track with the MPC 2 software loaded, restart the Live 2 in controller mode, open the project I was working on in standalone mode, then begin to tracks the audio from the session into Ableton to be mixed. One computer, a few steps... seems more complicated than it really is. I should probably make a video about it

[@BEASTBEATS700]

How is u doing tht without having the metronome on while recording, and I noticed I didnt hear a count in

[@marvin469]

@@DaBlackMicTV why u didn't show that part

[@SclimBeats]

hi, what cables i need to connect mpc live to my audio interface, so i can print my audio in to ableton for example. and for focusrite 3gen solo is not possible, right? needs to be at least 2 in 2 ? thx in advance. : >

[@DaBlackMicTV]

You would need a stereo 1/4” to 1/4” (stereo TRS) cables and an interface that can accommodate 2 inputs

[@eltripps9684]

Hey man, have you discovered a way to get Ableton midi clips to trigger any of the mpc vst instruments. I prefer to compose and sequence in ableton, so I'm trying to figure out how to use the mpc as an external sound module. I tried using a midi track with an external instrument on it, but I've had no luck so far.

[@DaBlackMicTV]

That’s like the opposite way of using it; interesting 🤔. I wouldn’t think to use the MPC as a sound module (the sounds are decent just not nearly as good as what I have installed on my computer but “to each is own”). The MPC is more of a controller than the controllee lol. If you ever figure it out it would be interesting to know just how you did it. 🙏🏿

[@eltripps9684]

@@DaBlackMicTV I know it doesn't make sense, but I make a lot of my own samples in Ableton, where my comp has far more juice than the mpc. I just wanted to be able to run some of the fabric xl presets through some analog gear and record into my ableton projects. This makes my composition and arrangement worklow far easier. I use the MPC in traditional ways when working with vinyl and chopping in boom bap ways. It all depends on what mood I'm in and I just wanted to make sure I could squeeze everything out of each piece of gear when necessary.

[@FLEXSON_007]

hey thanks for your smooth ass video :) so when i disconect from the mpc. the sounds are not longer in the project right? greets

[@DaBlackMicTV]

The only thing that saves in the MPC is the midi information and not the sounds unless you sample them back into the MPC… as I said in the video is like using ur computer as a sound module, where the MPC simply triggers the sounds that are in the computer via midi… so in short, yes u disconnect, no more sounds

[@FLEXSON_007]

@@DaBlackMicTV much thanks man ! :)

[@DaBlackMicTV]

@@FLEXSON_007 my pleasure

[@BEASTBEATS700]

He bro best video of this topic I’ve seen so far , I got a question ain’t u gotta download the MPC drivers first into Ableton for this to even work right? If so can u tell me how to do tht bro I’ll really appreciate tht

[@BEASTBEATS700]

And will this work on a MacBook Pro Monteary?

[@DaBlackMicTV]

Im positive this will work with the new OS as it’s simply midi. No driver needed outside of the midi cable which the recognizes when u plug in.

[@BEASTBEATS700]

@@DaBlackMicTV thanks bro

[@DaBlackMicTV]

@@BEASTBEATS700 be great my G… lemme know if it works out

[@BEASTBEATS700]

@@DaBlackMicTV man I appreciate u even reaching out man Thts some real G shit dog

[@WVandellHarris]

Are there synth plugins available for the MPC Live 2 ?

[@DaBlackMicTV]

Yes Wit the 2.0 update u get Bassline, Hype, Melltron, Odyssey, Solina, TubeSynth & Drumsynth.

[@Rocco_Renzetti]

Can the MPC control Ableton drum rack? You never put the midi control on anything for drums in this video. I have an MPC one. Can’t the 16 pads control all 16 pads of drum rack as well?

[@DaBlackMicTV]

If you choose to use the MPC as a midi control Im sure that you will be able to use the Drum Rack. Haven’t tried it, as i i prefer to link Ableton and the MPC together cuz I like how the drums sound out of the MPC better… but in theory it may work

[@jositom100]

THAAAAANKSS!!

[@DaBlackMicTV]

You are sooo welcome

[@Jplazanyc]

Will this method also work for Mpc 3000?

[@DaBlackMicTV]

To be honest, I do not have any experience with the MPC 3000 but its my theory that the midi cable (to usb) should do the trick 🤞🏿. The cable is so cheap it’s worth a try

[@kreativetechnologistsaka882]

I have push 2 and new mpclive 2 and mpk261 how do I work them together?

[@DaBlackMicTV]

Although I’m not sure what a MOM 261 is… I would use the push2 as the dedicated controller to use within Ableton while use the MPC LIve II as the primary machine with Ableton as a plug-in like I used in the video. It’s makes for bouncing back and forth to be easier

[@kreativetechnologistsaka882]

@@DaBlackMicTV mpk261

[@marvin469]

How u save it ? On mpc ? Ableton ? Both ? Other than that great vid

[@DaBlackMicTV]

Thank you 🙏🏿 I tend to save both file separately titling them the same but with indication that It was created or needs the other for example; “_MPC” on the Ableton file & “-LIVE VST” on my MPC…

[@marvin469]

@@DaBlackMicTV thanks for responding bruh, I got it hooked out via MiO cable now I got to get my homie to put my mpc beats in Ableton as a vst and down load a "script" so I can't use my drums from the mpc lol, shhhh crazy

[@ryannbakerbeats]

aren't you just using it as a controller doing this? how is audio being routed back into Mpc? very interested in this...

[@DaBlackMicTV]

The audio is coming from both the MPC (which is in stand alone mode) + Ableton which is allowing the MPC to controller it’s sounds via midi thanks to the midi cable. My MPC audio is being input into my interface and Ableton is routed thru my interface as well so i can hear the audio simultaneously

[@mobeleen]

@@DaBlackMicTV The midi set up is different in the 2.11. MPC Software. Any suggestions?

[@shugawaterjay]

i dont know why but when i trigger notes on my mpc live the notes are not clean. very long slow distorted sounds. like when i hit a pad the note will get stuck and hold with no release. idk man.

[@DaBlackMicTV]

It’s quite possible to you NEED to contact InMusic to determine what might to the issue with your Live. If restarting your unit isn’t a fix, u may need an expert technician to troubleshoot it. But I can’t say that I’ve ever had that issue.

[@daffycarter8390]

How do you print or make it audio?

[@DaBlackMicTV]

When I was ready I ended up track the MPC LIVE audio into the Ableton video the MPC 2.0 software which I loaded up as a plug-in in ableton.

[@kalimaa999]

🤟🏾

[@daffycarter8390]

Is this a latency also?

[@DaBlackMicTV]

No latency

[@renaldurosier9327]

JUST LOCKED IN

[@DaBlackMicTV]

Thanks for locking in my guy 🙏🏿