Support and discussion for all of Akai’s modern standalone MPCs including the MPC X / X SE, MPC Live 1, 2 & 3, MPC One / One+, MPC Key 37/61.
By Michael Porthouse Thu Nov 07, 2019 5:44 pm
I'm struggling to get Ableton to trigger the start of a sequence on my Live when I hit record. On my MPC2k this is real easy to do. I want to be able to hit record in Ableton and the Live will automatically play start, or vice versa.

My Live is connected via a mixer to my interface (Focusrite Scarlet 4i4). I'm also using Midi 1 in on Live to Midi out in my interface, and Midi B out on Live to Midi in interface. (Midi A is being used to sequence external kit).

I've got midi clock sync selected on my Live. In Ableton 'start stop sync' is on, my interface is selected as the input and output, and 'track' 'sync' and 'remote' are on for both.

Any pointers would be appreciated.
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By Fanu Thu Nov 07, 2019 8:26 pm
Do I understand you correctly that MPC is giving sync to Ableton Live?
Never tried that, but if you have Ableton Live give midi sync to MPC, that should work at least (I've done this quite a few times to start my drummachines and track out to Ableton Live).
By Michael Porthouse Fri Nov 08, 2019 8:12 am
@Fanu - how do you give Ableton Live midi sync to MPC? That would be ideal if you could share the setup? If I follow correctly, you'd have your sequence / song ready on the Live and then upon pressing record in Ableton the sequence would start playing on the MPC? That would be perfect and exactly the setup that I have on my 2kxl.
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By Fanu Fri Nov 08, 2019 10:32 am
Michael Porthouse wrote:@Fanu - how do you give Ableton Live midi sync to MPC? That would be ideal if you could share the setup? If I follow correctly, you'd have your sequence / song ready on the Live and then upon pressing record in Ableton the sequence would start playing on the MPC? That would be perfect and exactly the setup that I have on my 2kxl.


Connect a midi cable from your audio interface out to the midi in of the MPC.
Activate midi sync in Ableton Live to the outgoing midi.
This should do it!

Also, yes, Link means Ableton Live can act as the master clock there.
By Michael Porthouse Sat Nov 09, 2019 11:08 am
Fanu wrote:
Connect a midi cable from your audio interface out to the midi in of the MPC.
Activate midi sync in Ableton Live to the outgoing midi.
This should do it!

Also, yes, Link means Ableton Live can act as the master clock there.


I’ve tried all that previously and it doesn't work, that’s why I’m reaching out in case there’s something specific I have missed.
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By Smackdee Sat Nov 09, 2019 11:44 pm
Why not use the software and avoid that hole headache!!!!
I don't like the Mpc software myself but times like this I'll use it....
Save session to your HDD, then open Abelton select Mpc for any track, recall that session and off you go with perfect sync and no midi madness!!!!