MPC Live 2 - Ableton sync issue

Hi All,

I’ve recently bought an MPC Live 2, and am absolutely loving it (first time Akai user).

However, I’m having major issues trying to sync it with Ableton - I’ve read a fair few threads on the forum but can’t seem to find an answer so hoping you guys can help me out.

All I want to do, is that when I press play on my MPC, Ableton plays as well (ie transport controls sync), in standalone mode. It works fine with my Elektron analog Rytm but I’m really struggling with the MPC.

This is what I’ve tried so far:

- have connected via link over WiFi
- have downloaded akai network drivers and set sync to on in ableton preferences
- am connected to my computers usb hub (have tried through both the usb a and USB ports)
- if I go out of stand-alone mode I can launch clips from the mpc (although not in time), so it feels like the usb connection is working?
- when I press play on the mpc it launches the Elektron figurine sequencer just fine (connected via midi cable), but has no impact on ableton?

All my other gear with in-built sequencers, syncs fine with ableton, but I’m really struggling with the mpc? If anyone can provide any advice I’d really appreciate it-sure it’s just a simple setting I’ve missed so sorry for the noob question!

Thanks

Are you just using USB to connect directly? I don't think it will work that way. You'll need either a MIDI to USB cable or some sort of MIDI interface. Someone correct if I'm wrong because I tried doing the same but in the opposite direction (using Ableton as the master and having the MPC as the slave just through a USB cable) and it didn't work.

I've also never been able to get start/stop working via the wireless Ableton Link, although I could get the two tempo synced. Again, would love to be corrected here as well because it would be super handy and cuts out and extra cable.

Hey, thanks for the reply - yes I’m just connecting directly with USB.

So just to check I’m understanding correctly, I need to connect a midi cable from the MPC midi out to the midi in of my audio interface? I haven’t tried that yet so will give it a go.

My only question, then is, what exactly is the point of the WiFi link?!

Thanks again for the response - appreciate it.

I don't use Ableton so I can't say what the point of the WiFi link is but I found at least a dozen videos on YouTube about this exact combination. At least one of them should have an explanation in it.

If you want to use MIDI over USB then you have to do more than just plug cables into your hub and assume that some magical wizard inside the computer is going to know how anything should be routed. There should also be loads of free how-to videos for any operating system you happen to be using if you look.

Thanks for the reply - I have watched a number of YouTube videos on the subject and none solved the problem, hence why I reached out to the community.

With Elektron gear, the magical computer wizard seemed to work fine, so was assuming it would be the same with Akai, but apparently not.

Thanks

JohnClodVanDarn wrote:I don't use Ableton so I can't say what the point of the WiFi link is

Just to clarify, there is only "Ableton Link", which syncs devices in time with Ableton Live's transport (or any other DAW or app that supports "Ableton Link") as well as the timing/transport of compatible apps. There are two ways to use it: Ableton Link over WiFi (so you can use it wirelessly), or via a wired NIC port. You can use them in a mixed setting for wired and wireless devices as well.

Using Link over Wifi does introduce a slight bit of latency, but in most cases this isn't noticeable (that said, YMMV). Using Link over wired NIC ports tends to be more stable, and you can run lengths of CAT5 via a studio or venue without worrying about spotty WiFi. There's use case scenarios for both, for sure. Got a cool app on your phone or tablet and just want to be able to show up and "Link" up over Wifi for a jam? That's your game. Have a wired studio with loads of CAT5 already setup and devices that have Link-enabled NIC ports? For instruments that are rarely moved out of a studio, that would be a better choice.

Cheers for that, that’s a helpful overview.

Plus, in order to use either Wi-Fi or ethernet, you have to open the Network MIDI app and set the thing up otherwise your computer just has another network device on it, it has no clue what to do with that device.