Applies to Launchkey [MK3]
First, update your firmware using Components.
By default, the Launchkey [MK3] should be autodetected by Ableton Live 10.1.15 and later.
Please select the set of instructions for your version and operating system.
Live 12
Windows
When setting up your Launchkey [MK3] with Ableton Live, you will want to make sure to install the latest Novation USB Driver from the Launchkey [MK3] Downloads page for your device.
Go to the Preferences (Options > Preferences) and go to the Link/Tempo & MIDI tab:
Ensure to select “Launchkey MK3” for the Control Surface:
and for the Input & Output select LK MK3 DAW In port:
Your settings should match those shown here:
You'll know that the Launchkey is working with Live correctly when you see Session + Device/Volume/Pan/Sends pads light up when you hold down 'Shift'.
Note that enabling MPE for the input port means that all MIDI channels are in use, so it's not possible to set a track to discretely respond to one MIDI channel. For this reason, we've disabled it in these settings, but you may wish to enable it if using Polyphonic Aftertouch data from the pads.
Mac
Go to the Preferences (Ableton Live > Preferences/Settings) on macOS and go to the Link/Tempo & MIDI tab:
Ensure to select “Launchkey MK3” for the Control Surface:
and for the Input & Output select LK MK3 DAW In port:
Your settings should match those shown here:
You'll know that the Launchkey is working with Live correctly when you see Session + Device/Volume/Pan/Sends pads light up when you hold down 'Shift'.
Note that enabling MPE for the input port means that all MIDI channels are in use, so it's not possible to set a track to discretely respond to one MIDI channel. For this reason, we've disabled it in these settings, but you may wish to enable it if using Polyphonic Aftertouch data from the pads.
Live 11
Windows
When setting up your Launchkey Mk3 with Ableton Live, you will want to make sure to install the latest Novation USB Driver from the Launchkey Mk3 Downloads page for your device.
Go to the Preferences (Options > Preferences) and go to the Link/Tempo/MIDI tab:
Ensure to select “Launchkey MK3” for the Control Surface:
and for the Input and Output, select the second port listed (MIDIOUT 2, or similar):
You'll know that the Launchkey is working with Live correctly when you see Session + Device/Volume/Pan/Sends pads light up when you hold down 'Shift'.
Your settings should match those shown here:
Note that enabling MPE for the input port means that all MIDI channels are in use, so it's not possible to set a track to discretely respond to one MIDI channel. For this reason, we've disabled it in these settings, but you may wish to enable it if using Polyphonic Aftertouch data from the pads.
Mac
Go to the Preferences (Ableton Live > Preferences/Settings) on macOS and go to the Link/Tempo/MIDI tab:
Ensure to select “Launchkey MK3” for the Control Surface:
and for the Input & Output select LK MK3 DAW In port:
Your settings should match those shown here:
You'll know that the Launchkey is working with Live correctly when you see Session + Device/Volume/Pan/Sends pads light up when you hold down 'Shift'.
Note that enabling MPE for the input port means that all MIDI channels are in use, so it's not possible to set a track to discretely respond to one MIDI channel. For this reason, we've disabled it in these settings, but you may wish to enable it if using Polyphonic Aftertouch data from the pads.
Live 10
The Launchkey MK3 is compatible with Ableton Live 10.1.15 and later.
Windows
Go to the Preferences (Options > Preferences) and go to the Link/MIDI tab:
Ensure to select “Launchkey MK3” for the Control Surface:
and for the Input and Output, select the second port listed (MIDIOUT 2, or similar):
Your settings should match those shown here:
Mac
Go to the Preferences (Ableton Live > Preferences/Settings) on macOS and go to the Link/MIDI tab:
Ensure to select “Launchkey MK3” for the Control Surface:
and for the Input & Output select LK MK3 DAW In port:
Your settings should match those shown here:
Ensure to select “Launchkey MK3” for the Control Surface and for the Input & Output select the second port listed.
Note that on Windows systems the DAW port will appear as “LKMK3 MIDI (Port 2)”.
You'll know that the Launchkey is working with Live correctly when you see Session + Device/Volume/Pan/Sends pads light up when you hold down 'Shift'.
Incorrect settings may cause issues like certain notes not sending MIDI.
If you'd like more assistance using your Launchkey MK3 with Ableton Live please see the Getting Started video here: