Recently a customer sent an email asking how to use our MIDI loops in Ableton Live. This is really easy to do but there are a few things you should know. In this post, I'll briefly cover the basics on loading and playing MIDI files, the Session and Arrangement windows, loading a kit and the Live Browser.
The computer keyboard can be used for generating MIDI notes from computer keyboard strokes. To turn the computer MIDI keyboard on, use the Control Bar's Computer MIDI Keyboard button, or the M shortcut to the Options menu entry. Activating the Computer MIDI Keyboard.
Ableton makes Push and Live, hardware and software for music production, creation and performance. Ableton´s products are made to inspire creative music-making. Firstly, using only basic MIDI devices and some well thought-out signal routing in Live, Thomas is able to generate an endless stream of chord, bass and melody ideas – with total control over the rhythm and harmony. Sit back, and watch the musical ideas take shape. Track, Sync and Remote switches are dedicated switches found in Live's MIDI Ports Preferences. They allow some of the following functionality: Playing MIDI devices in Live using a MIDI keyboard. Recording notes into MIDI clips.
For an in-depth discussion by a certified Live trainer, please watch the video below. We used version 9 for the video but the current version operates much the same way.
Using MIDI Files In Ableton Live
Importing and playing MIDI files or 'clips' into Ableton only requires 2 steps. Those steps are:
1. Drag a file from the Live 'Browser' Window into either the Session or Arrangement window. To view the Session or Arrangement windows, select your choice from the 'View' menu.
The image below shows the Session view with some MIDI files loaded.
2. Add a drum kit to play the files. To do this, you can simply drag a kit onto the track and you're ready to go!
The image below shows the Arrangement view with a kit loaded.
Playing a File
To play a MIDI file in Session view, press the triangle shaped icon on the left side of the clip.
The image below shows the location of the Session view 'play' button for a clip.
Ableton Midi Controller
In the Arrangement window, you'll find controls for play, stop and record near the top of the screen. Play is the triangle-shaped button and stop is shaped like a square.
Using the Live Browser
You can store MIDI files in your Live User Library 'Clips' or 'Grooves' folders. Then you can access them through the Browser window. You can quickly access thousands of files and drag them into your Live project.
For example, you could store our entire Mega Pack in the 'User LibraryGrooves' folder giving you access to all the files from one location. We include MIDI loops mapped for Live Session drummer in each pack.
To view the Browser, select 'Show Browser' from the View menu.
That's all there is to it. Again, for an in depth look at using MIDI in Live, please watch the video above. It covers drum racks, our file naming, MIDI editing, the Arrangement and Session windows and more.
Ableton Midi Track Not Making Sound
As always please contact us if you have additional questions.
Please make sure you have a Live Lite serial. Build a powerful pc for photoshop. Need help getting started?
Please note: Live 11 Lite will be released later in 2021.
End User License Agreement
Included with a number of apps and hardware products, Live 10 Lite is a lightweight version of Ableton Live 10. It comes with all of Live's essential workflows, instruments and effects – everything you need to record songs, create hands-on with your controller, take music made in your apps further and so much more.
Record songs
Both for writing solo or recording a band, Live Lite is fast and flexible software. It has all of Live's intuitive features and workflows for recording audio and improvising with ideas. And all the instruments, sounds and effects you need are there to start songs, shape your sound and finish off your music.
Produce music hands-on
We create bespoke, intuitive integration for your favorite controllers – so Live's devices, sounds and creative features are at your fingertips for hands-on production and performance.
Take your app ideas further
Take your sketches from music-making apps further in Live Lite. Save your project as a Live Set, then transfer onto your laptop and arrange and mix your songs. Or change your idea's MIDI parts, slice up the audio, and remix and reinvent your track in any way you want.
1. Make sure you have a Live Lite serial
Live Lite serial numbers are included with various hardware devices and apps – find out more here.
2. Download Live Lite
Please note: Live 11 Lite will be released later in 2021.
3. Install and register
Check out this article if you need help with installing Live. Once installed, you need to authorize your Live Lite copy using a valid serial and an Ableton account. You can create an account during the registration process if you don't have one.
4. Start making music
Check out our online help resources including FAQs, the Live 10 manual, and our Learn Live video series.
System Requirements
For an in-depth discussion by a certified Live trainer, please watch the video below. We used version 9 for the video but the current version operates much the same way.
Using MIDI Files In Ableton Live
Importing and playing MIDI files or 'clips' into Ableton only requires 2 steps. Those steps are:
1. Drag a file from the Live 'Browser' Window into either the Session or Arrangement window. To view the Session or Arrangement windows, select your choice from the 'View' menu.
The image below shows the Session view with some MIDI files loaded.
2. Add a drum kit to play the files. To do this, you can simply drag a kit onto the track and you're ready to go!
The image below shows the Arrangement view with a kit loaded.
Playing a File
To play a MIDI file in Session view, press the triangle shaped icon on the left side of the clip.
The image below shows the location of the Session view 'play' button for a clip.
Ableton Midi Controller
In the Arrangement window, you'll find controls for play, stop and record near the top of the screen. Play is the triangle-shaped button and stop is shaped like a square.
Using the Live Browser
You can store MIDI files in your Live User Library 'Clips' or 'Grooves' folders. Then you can access them through the Browser window. You can quickly access thousands of files and drag them into your Live project.
For example, you could store our entire Mega Pack in the 'User LibraryGrooves' folder giving you access to all the files from one location. We include MIDI loops mapped for Live Session drummer in each pack.
To view the Browser, select 'Show Browser' from the View menu.
That's all there is to it. Again, for an in depth look at using MIDI in Live, please watch the video above. It covers drum racks, our file naming, MIDI editing, the Arrangement and Session windows and more.
Ableton Midi Track Not Making Sound
As always please contact us if you have additional questions.
Please make sure you have a Live Lite serial. Build a powerful pc for photoshop. Need help getting started?
Please note: Live 11 Lite will be released later in 2021.
End User License Agreement
Included with a number of apps and hardware products, Live 10 Lite is a lightweight version of Ableton Live 10. It comes with all of Live's essential workflows, instruments and effects – everything you need to record songs, create hands-on with your controller, take music made in your apps further and so much more.
Record songs
Both for writing solo or recording a band, Live Lite is fast and flexible software. It has all of Live's intuitive features and workflows for recording audio and improvising with ideas. And all the instruments, sounds and effects you need are there to start songs, shape your sound and finish off your music.
Produce music hands-on
We create bespoke, intuitive integration for your favorite controllers – so Live's devices, sounds and creative features are at your fingertips for hands-on production and performance.
Take your app ideas further
Take your sketches from music-making apps further in Live Lite. Save your project as a Live Set, then transfer onto your laptop and arrange and mix your songs. Or change your idea's MIDI parts, slice up the audio, and remix and reinvent your track in any way you want.
1. Make sure you have a Live Lite serial
Live Lite serial numbers are included with various hardware devices and apps – find out more here.
2. Download Live Lite
Please note: Live 11 Lite will be released later in 2021.
3. Install and register
Check out this article if you need help with installing Live. Once installed, you need to authorize your Live Lite copy using a valid serial and an Ableton account. You can create an account during the registration process if you don't have one.
4. Start making music
Check out our online help resources including FAQs, the Live 10 manual, and our Learn Live video series.
System Requirements
PC
- Windows 7 (SP1), Windows 8 or Windows 10 (64-bit)
- 64-bit Intel® Core™ or AMD multi-core processor (Intel® Core™ processor or faster recommended)
- 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
Mac
- OS X 10.11.6 or later
- Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor (Intel® Core™ i5 processor or faster recommended)
- 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
Electronic Drum Set Ableton Midi
Note: Live 10 is 64-bit only and is not supported on Linux.
