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LK - Ableton Live And MIDI Controller - User Manual

LK Help


Thank you for your interest in LK - Ableton Live and Midi Controller.


LK provides touchscreen interaction with any MIDI enabled software/hardware, offering a wide range of creative possibilities for both live performance and studio environments.


Featuring tight integration with Ableton Live, LK gives you simple and effective remote control via a clean, minimalist interface, suitable for any screen size. LK has extensive MIDI capabilities too, allowing for communication and control of any MIDI compliant software or hardware, even apps running on the same device thanks to virtual MIDI support and AUv3 integration too.


For detailed information about each module, please see the relevant section in this guide.


Contents



Overview


LK features a modular system for both content and pricing. All modules can be trialled with time-limitations, with the option to unlock any module via in-app purchase, for continued usage. This means that you only need to pay for the modules containing the functions and features that you want to use, providing a flexible way to get great value. You can try any module as many times as you wish, by restarting the app to start a new test session.


Each module is accessible via its own icon/button down the left hand side of the screen, making it easy to switch between them in an instant.



Available modules:


  • MATRIX - Ableton Session view controller and powerful MIDI clip sequencer and editor.
  • MIDI PADS - MPC style pads with arpeggiator and chorder.
  • MIDI CONTROLLER - Faders, knobs, switches and pads.
  • XY PAD - KAOSS style X/Y MIDI controller.
  • CHORDER - One-touch chord generator.
  • KEYBOARD - MIDI piano keyboard.


Above and below the module icons are two buttons which open LK’s in-app menu, which contains the following sections:


  • PROFILE - Login to your Imaginando account.
  • CONNECTION - Display available UBRIDGE connections and select active connection.
  • STORE - Purchase and activate LK modules.
  • MIDI - Show available MIDI connectivity.
  • CONTROLLERS - Show list of officially supported USB MIDI controller devices, and enable/disable each one.
  • SETTINGS
    • Knobs Sensitivity - Change the knobs' interaction sensitivity.
    • Notifications - Toggle app notifications.
    • Work in background - Allow the app to keep running when placed in the background.
  • ABOUT - Show version number and info.
  • HELP - Opens LK's help page in your browser.


Supported MIDI Controllers


The Matrix module supports native integration with a variety of MIDI controllers. This allows bi-directional communication between the controller and the Matrix session, giving you instant control over clip and scene triggering, track selection, and track parameters such as volume, pan, mute and solo. Controllers with pads will also light up to display your Matrix clips.


List of supported controllers:


  • AKAI APC Mini
  • AKAI APC Key 25
  • AKAI APC Key 25 MK2
  • AKAI APC40 MK2
  • Novation Launchpad X
  • Novation Launchpad MK2
  • Novation Launchpad Pro MK3
  • Novation Launchpad Mini
  • Novation Launchpad Mini MK3
  • Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
  • Novation Launch Control XL
  • KORG nanoKONTROL Studio




Setup


LK communicates with Ableton Live and any MIDI compliant software via our custom bridging tool, ‘UBRIDGE’, which needs to be installed on the PC or Mac that you wish to control.


You can connect LK to UBRIDGE wirelessly over a local WIFI network, or via USB cable from device to computer. A wired connection offers the lowest latency and best stability, whereas wireless latency will depend on network conditions such as distance to router, interference, etc.


Note: Network security software such as firewalls can block wireless connections between UBRIDGE and LK - you may need to define custom rules to specify that the connection should be allowed.


Start by downloading and installing UBRIDGE.


The first time you open UBRIDGE, Windows Firewall will ask you to allow it to use the network connection. Ensure both private and public are ticked, then click 'Allow access'.




The UBRIDGE application window consists of three sections:


  • MIDI settings - MIDI input/output ports.
  • Control Surface - Ableton Live installations with LK Control Surface script installed.
  • Devices - Mobile devices currently connected to UBRIDGE.


Configuring UBRIDGE to use LK


To configure UBRIDGE to use LK we need to perform the following steps while the LK tab is selected (green):


  • Configure MIDI Input and Output ports.
  • Install the LK control surface onto Ableton Live.


Configure MIDI Input and Output ports


On Mac, simply select ‘UBRIDGE Virtual Input’ and ‘UBRIDGE Virtual Output’- these virtual MIDI ports are automatically created for you by macOS.


If you are on Windows, you need to install a virtual MIDI driver. We recommend Tobias Erichsen's loopMIDI. After installing and opening loopMIDI, create a new virtual MIDI port by typing ‘UBRIDGE Virtual’ into the port-name field and then click the + icon.



Note: If you have installed loopMIDI after opening UBRIDGE, you will need to restart UBRIDGE in order for the virtual MIDI ports to be listed.


Once you have configured UBRIDGE input and output MIDI ports, open Ableton Live where the ports should now be listed:



Turn on ‘Track’ and ‘Remote’ for both virtual MIDI ports as shown above.


Installing the LK control surface


This section refers to the installation of the LK control surface which enables LK to work in LIVE mode, controlling the session view of Ableton Live. This lets you use LK to do clip launching and editing, device racks, mixer control and more, just like a hardware controller.


To install the control surface we need to tell UBRIDGE where Ableton Live is installed. Drag the Ableton Live application onto the Control Surface section of the UBRIDGE window. This procedure varies slightly depending on whether you are on Mac or Windows.


Close Ableton Live before performing the following steps:


Mac: Open a Finder window and click on Applications. Find Ableton Live on your applications list, drag it over UBRIDGE Control Surface section. Attention: dragging from the Dock will not work.


Windows: To locate your Ableton Live .exe file, open Windows start menu, find the shortcut for Ableton Live, then right click and select ‘More>’ and ‘Open file location’. This will open the Windows explorer and show the shortcut. Right click the shortcut and select ‘Open file location’. Drag the Live .exe onto UBRIDGE Control Surface section.

Attention: You must use the Live .exe file, using a shortcut will not work.


As an alternative you can click the + sign on UBRIDGE's Control Surface section to open a file dialog and manually navigate to the Ableton Live program file.


If you have more than one version of Ableton Live installed, you will need to install the LK control surface for each version that you wish to use LK with.



Each entry will state the version number of Ableton Live followed by the version of the control surface that has been installed. If the installation was successful the text colour should be green. If the installation fails, the text will be red and the control surface version will be N/A.


To the right of each entry, the three buttons from left to right, allow you to open Ableton Live log, reinstall/update the control surface and uninstall the control surface.


After successful installation, open Ableton Live and setup LK as a control surface:



Connecting LK to UBRIDGE


LK can be connected via USB cable or wirelessly using a standard WIFI network.


Connect using USB cable


Connect the USB cable and you should see the device’s name (in case of iOS devices) or the device’s model name (in case of Android devices) listed:



For devices connected via USB cable to be detected you must ensure the following:


  • iOS - iTunes is installed on your computer and is up to date. Additionally, you must open iTunes with your mobile device connected at least once.
  • Android - USB debugging is enabled on your mobile device. For details on enabling USB debugging, check the Troubleshooting page.
  • Accept any device notifications asking you to allow/trust the connection.


Connect using WiFi


Connect the mobile device and computer to the same wireless network. LK app must be open for UBRIDGE to list the mobile device as a connected device. Devices connected via WiFi are listed by their local IP address.


Establishing a connection with LK


You can view available connections from LK’s in-app menu under the Connection section:



When only one connection is available, LK will automatically connect to it. If more than one connection is available, you can tap each connection name to switch to that connection. If the connection is successfully established, the text will be green.


To connect LK to your running Ableton Live instance, you must select LIVE mode in the status bar. If Ableton Live is not open, the Matrix module will display the message "Waiting for Ableton Live".


In MIDI mode, LK will behave as an independent MIDI controller, sending MIDI through UBRIDGE and to any subsequent application listening to its MIDI messages.


After opening Ableton Live with LK control surface set up, the full connection will be established and the round trip latency will appear in the connection entry:



If you want to mark a connection as favorite, tap the star. Next time LK finds that connection it will automatically connect to it.

If you are having trouble connecting LK, UBRIDGE and Ableton Live, please take a look at our troubleshooting section before contacting us for support.



Matrix Module


The Matrix module is a controller for Ableton Live and other MIDI software/hardware, carefully designed to give you access to the most common functions and operations for Ableton Live’s Session View (LIVE Mode), or for use as a MIDI mobile workstation (MIDI Mode). Tap LIVE or MIDI in the status bar to toggle between modes.


Ableton Live users please note: using the Matrix module requires the installation of the LK control surface. For more information on how to install the LK control surface please visit the Setup section.



The Matrix module is composed of several subsections and hidden menus. At the top of the screen, in the status bar, you will find the following fields:


  • MODE - Toggle between LIVE and MIDI mode. For use with Ableton Live, this must be set to LIVE.


Live Mode


  • POSITION - Shows the current arrangement position.
  • TEMPO - Displays current session tempo and allows BPM adjustments. Use Tap to set tempo by tapping.
  • METRONOME - Enables Live's metronome.
  • PITCH - Show/hide the tempo nudge buttons and pitch slider.
  • OPTIONS - Opens the Matrix Settings panel.


MIDI Mode


  • MIDI LEARN - Enabled MIDI Learn mode for mapping incoming MIDI to LK's controls.
  • CLOCK SOURCE - Toggle between Internal, MIDI clock, and Ableton Link.
  • TEMPO - Displays current session tempo and allows BPM adjustments. Use Tap to set tempo by tapping, enable the Metronome and adjust its volume, and enable MIDI clock output.
  • PROJECT - Opens the patch browser.
  • SAVE ICON - Saves the current patch.
  • REVERT - Reverts unsaved changes.
  • OPTIONS - Opens the Matrix Settings panel.


Matrix Settings


General


  • Song Model (LIVE MODE) - When Include chain (slower loading) is enabled, all chain devices inside each Ableton Live Rack will be loaded and available for edit. Otherwise, only the main device will be loaded and available.
  • Signature - Project time signature.
  • Trigger Quantization - Adjust the clip triggering quantization.
  • Recording Quantization - Adjust the clip recording quantization.
  • Recording Countdown (MIDI MODE) - Add a countdown before recording starts.
  • Recording Fixed length (MIDI MODE) - Default clip size for clips created by starting a recording.
  • Default clip length (MIDI MODE) - Default clip size for manually created clips.


Performance


  • Gate launch mode support (LIVE MODE) - When enabled, Matrix clips are triggered using Ableton's 'Gate' launch mode. (Press and hold to play the clip, then release to stop.)
  • Sync controllers at startup (MIDI MODE) - On opening LK, if a supported controller is connected, sync the controller to the project.
  • Start recording on scene launch (MIDI MODE) - Create and record clips for armed tracks when launching a scene.
  • Select slot on fire - Triggering a slot also selects it.
  • Arm track when selected - Selecting a track also arms it.
  • Auto scroll grid to selected scene - When a scene is selected, the viewport scrolls to display it.
  • Allow program change messages to switch project - Select a MIDI input device and MIDI channel. Program change messages from this device and in this channel can be used to change projects.


User Interface


  • Show viewport navigator - Show a floating viewport scroll aid.
  • Cell Width - Display width of the tracks (and clip slots).
  • Cell Height - Display height of the scenes (and clip slots).


Transport Controls Menu Bar


Across the bottom of the screen you will find the transport bar with the following icons/buttons (left to right):


  • SHIFT - Modifies the function of certain buttons on the Matrix module. You can either hold shift, or double tap it to toggle on and off. Shift can be used to duplicate clips and notes via drag and drop. You’ll also be able to select clips without triggering them, and arm/solo multiple tracks.
  • PLAY - Start playback.
  • STOP - Stop playback.
  • RECORD - Start recording. In LIVE mode it also starts playback.
  • LOOP (LIVE MODE) - Enable region loop.
  • OVERDUB - Recording notes are added to the clip rather than replacing existing notes.
  • JUMP BACK
  • MIDI MODE - Select previous track. When shift is pressed, select previous scene.
  • LIVE MODE - Rewind the song position back by one beat.
  • JUMP FORWARD - forwards the song position by one beat.
  • MIDI MODE - Select next track. When shift is pressed, select next scene.
  • LIVE MODE - Move the song position forward by one beat.
  • UNDO - Undo the most recent change/action.
  • REDO - Redo the most recent undone change.
  • MIXER - Show the mixer section, featuring volume, pan, solo and mute controls.
  • RETURNS (LIVE MODE) - Show return tracks.
  • CROSSFADE (LIVE MODE) - Show crossfader control.
  • MIDI ROUTING (MIDI MODE) - Show MIDI input and output channels and devices in the tracks.
  • FULLSCREEN - Show the status and module selection bars.
  • COMPOSER - Show the composer for the selected clip.
  • SHIFT


Clip Grid


Occupying most of the screen is the clip grid. In LIVE MODE, this view reflects your Ableton Live session view.


It consists of tracks, scenes, clips, a transport bar across the bottom and an inspector zone that can be opened using the bar on the top of the transport zone. The inspector zone holds the devices and sends sections (in LIVE MODE) and the composer section.


You can change the size of the clip grid by going to the Matrix Settings menu on the Main Menu and adjusting the "Cell Width” and "Cell Height" settings.


Tracks


Tracks are displayed vertically, from left to right, each track occupying a single Matrix column, with the Master track on the right. The clip grid can be scrolled/navigated by dragging anywhere within the clip grip.


Each track consists of, from bottom to top, the following:


  • Name - Press to select the track.
  • Monitoring (LIVE MODE) - Select monitoring mode for the track.
  • Arm - Arm track for recording.
  • Stop - When pressed, sends a stop message to that track’s active clip. It will stop accordingly to trigger quantization, so everything stays in sync.


Toggling the Mixer button in the bottom bar displays additional controls.


  • Solo/Mute (WITH MIXER OPEN) - Solo and mute track.
  • Pan
  • Volume


Long-pressing the track name opens the context menu:


  • Add Track - Add a new track one position ahead of the selected track.
  • Delete
  • Duplicate
  • Rename
  • Move Right (MIDI MODE) - Moves track forward one position.
  • Move Left (MIDI MODE) - Moves track backward one position.
  • Properties - Show side bar for editing track name and color. Changing the track color changes the color of all its clips.


When using MIDI mode, you can choose the other LK modules as track inputs. This way you can record clips using the MIDI output of your desired modules.

If you’re using LK as an AUv3 unit, you can receive and send MIDI information in your tracks by using the “LK Input” and “LK Output” as your track’s input and output respectively.


Master Track


The master track features additional controls that affect all tracks.


  • Name
  • Trigger previous scene
  • Trigger next scene
  • Cue volume
  • Pan (WITH MIXER OPEN) - Display pan controls for all tracks.
  • Volume (WITH MIXER OPEN) - Display volume controls for all tracks.
  • Stop - Stop all active clips in all tracks.


Scenes


The Master track, on the right side of the interface, contains the scene launch buttons.


Tapping on a scene launch button triggers all the clips in that row.


Long-pressing the scene button opens the context menu:


  • Add Scene - Add a new scene one position ahead of the selected scene.
  • Duplicate
  • Move Up (MIDI MODE) - Moves scene backward one position.
  • Move Down (MIDI MODE) - Moves scene forward one position.
  • Delete
  • Rename
  • Properties - Show side bar for editing scene properties such as name, color, and follow action along with time and probability controls.


Clips


To create a new clip simply double tap an empty grid cell (any cell containing a stop button). The created clip will have the selected Default clip length. You can also create one using the composer section.


Tapping a clip will trigger it, and it will start to play accordingly to the sessions trigger quantisation, keeping sync.

To select a clip without triggering it, use the shift modifier button. The selected clip shows a thin, white border.


Long-pressing a clip will open the context menu:


  • Copy - Copy the clip, letting you paste it onto other slots. You can also copy and paste clips by dragging and dropping while shift is pressed.
  • Cut
  • Paste
  • Mute
  • Delete
  • Set as background clip - Display this clip's notes dimly while editing other clips.
  • Import MIDI (MIDI MODE) - Create a new clip from an external MIDI file.
  • Export MIDI (MIDI MODE)
  • Properties - Open the Clip Tools menu.
  • Clip Actions (MIDI MODE) - Open the Clip Actions menu. When a clip has actions, an icon is displayed in its top right corner.


When a clip is playing, a solid rectangle along the bottom edge of the clip displays the playing position of the clip, from left to right.


Playing and recording clips


The clips in the Matrix have the same behavior as the session clips in Ableton Live, meaning that tapping on an existing clip will play it, while tapping again on the clip will relaunch it. Similarly, tapping on the scene launch will trigger the corresponding row of clips and tapping it again will relaunch the exact same row.


The stop button for the clips or scenes can be found at the clips zone in the corresponding track, represented by a black square on a grey background.


If a track is armed in the Mixer section (either if it is a MIDI or an audio track), tapping on a blank clip will automatically create a new clip and start a recording. If Recording Fixed Length is enabled, the recording stops when the clip reaches that length.


Inspector panel


Right above the transport bar there is a split view bar; tap to minimize/maximize the Inspector panel. You can also press and drag the == icon to adjust its size.


The Inspector panel consists of:


  • COMPOSER - View and edit the selected clip contents.
  • DEVICES (LIVE MODE) - Browse and edit the selected track devices.
  • SENDS (LIVE MODE) - Edit the selected track's send volumes.


COMPOSER



The Composer view displays a Piano Roll environment which allows you to edit the contents of the MIDI clips. Composer will always reflect the selected clip on the clip grid - except when selecting a return track or the master track, in which case you keep seeing the previous clip. The selected clip is the intersection between the selected track and select scene.


Piano Roll


The Piano roll is where you can view and edit the contents of the clip. All the basic actions, such as creating/deleting notes, zooming and moving notes, are available through gestures or by using a connected mouse.


Zooming and Panning


To zoom, pinch two fingers inwards (to zoom in) or outwards (to zoom out). To pan the clip area, drag two fingers in the direction you wish to pan. Pressing and dragging the keyboard scrolls up and down, and you can also use the scrollbar to the left of the piano roll to zoom (drag left and right).


Clip Loop Zone



At the top of the composer, aligning with the beat markers, is the loop marker, indicating the loop region. You can change its start and end by dragging the left or the right loop handles (the thicker edges on each side of the blue line). To move the loop region, drag the centre of the loop marker left or right.


Drawing notes


To draw notes, tap on the desired note location within the grid. Note length will be dependent on the grid snap resolution. If you press and slide to the right when adding a note, you can set a custom note size.


Selecting Notes


To select notes, simply press and drag inside the composer area. This will create a blue selection area, and all the notes inside that bounding box will be selected. When a group of notes is selected, the actions made to any selected note will affect all the other selected notes.


Deleting notes


To delete a single note simply tap it. To delete a group of notes just select the notes you want to delete, then tap any note from the selection to delete them all.


Changing note lengths


To change the size of a note, press and drag the right edge of the note (the end zone is marked with a darker color). When snap to grid is on, its length will be always snapped to the grid resolution.

If a group of notes is selected, changing the length of one note will change the length of all selected notes by the same increment.


Moving notes


To move a note just drag the note to the desired location. The note will always snap to the grid resolution if the snap to grid option is active. To move a group of notes, make a selection, then drag any selected note to move them all simultaneously.


If a note is moved and dropped on top of an existing note, the existing note will be truncated where the note was dropped.


Toolbar


The composer features a toolbar on the top with the following functions:


  • DELETE - Delete the currently selected clip. (If there is no clip, this icon changes to a plus sign which, when pressed, will create a blank clip).
  • LISTEN - When enabled, pressing the piano roll plays notes.
  • GRID RESOLUTION - Define the resolution of the grid.
  • SNAP ON/OFF - Toggle grid snap, snapping notes to the grid divisions.
  • CLIP PLAY - Trigger the clip for playback.
  • CLIP STOP - Stop the clip.
  • CLIP LOOPING - Toggle clip loop.
  • ZOOM FIT - Automatically adjusts the viewport display to show all the notes in the clip. If the clip is empty, this button sets a predefined viewport.
  • CROP TO SELECTION - Crops and resizes the clip to the current selection.
  • SHOW BACKGROUND CLIP - Shows/hides the currently selected background clip.
  • SWAP WITH BACKGROUND CLIP - Swaps this clip with the background clip. (This clip becomes the new background clip.)
  • AUTOMATIONS - Show the Automations panel.
  • TOOLS - Open the Clip Tools panel.
  • VIEWPORT NAVIGATOR - Miniature display of the clip. Drag left and right to scroll horizontally, and vertically to zoom in and out.


Clip Tools



Located on the right, this menu consists of several panels which can be selected by tapping each respective icon. Here you can access the clip's properties plus a range of creative tools to help generate and edit MIDI notes in a variety of useful and interesting ways.


Clip Properties


Here you can access the clip's general properties.


  • NAME (MIDI MODE) - Edit the clip’s name.
  • SIGNATURE - Edit the clip's time signature.
  • LOOP START/END - Select the start and the end of the loop.
  • LENGTH - Set the clip length using 1 bar increments.
  • X2 - Double the clip’s length, duplicating the current clip content.
  • /2 - Halve the clip’s length, truncating the current clip content.
  • PLAY MODE (MIDI MODE)
  • FROM START - Playback starts from the loop start.
  • CONTINUE - Playback resumes from the latest point.
  • COLOR (MIDI MODE) - Change the clip’s background color.


Keyboard


This provides the option to set a scale for the current clip and mark all piano roll keys for that scale with a red square. This serves as a visual aid to help you stay in key when composing.


  • PRESET - Select from a variety of presets that fold the keyboard to fit different apps. Useful for playing other music applications using LK.
  • SCALE - Select from a variety of scales.
  • ROOT KEY
  • LAYOUT - Set a custom scale.
  • FOLD - Fold the keyboard in several ways for convenience.
  • NOTES - Show currently used notes.
  • SCALE - Show notes belonging to the selected scale.
  • NOTES TO SCALE - Similar to Notes, but displaying them across all octaves.


Rhythm


Allows making subtle timing adjustments to the notes.


  • SWING - Add swing to your rhythm. This gives your groove a more "jazzy" feel by lenghtening the notes on the downbeat and shortening the others. You can change the amount of swing to apply, and your desired swing division.
  • HUMANIZE - Add a slight random variation to the note timings to give your composition a more "human" feel. Like swing, you can change the amount being applied and also its division.


Note Tools


LK provides a range of custom note actions from basic time-saving tools to musical operations, allowing you to make creative changes to your created lines.


If no "all" command is available for a certain operation, the operation applies to selected notes. If no notes are selected, it applies to all notes.


  • ACTIONS
  • SELECT ALL - Select all notes of the clip.
  • DESELECT ALL - Deselect all notes.
  • DELETE ALL - Delete all notes.
  • DELETE SELECTED - Delete selected notes.
  • DUPLICATE - Duplicate notes.
  • QUANTIZE - Snap the notes to the grid.
  • MIRROR - Mirrors the note positions horizontally or vertically.
  • TIME SHIFT - Shift the notes left or right according to the composer grid division. Notes shifted outside the clip wrap around.
  • PITCH SWAP - Swap each note's pitch with the adjacent one.
  • TRANSPOSE - Transpose notes by the selected semitones.


Generate


Here you can generate or change notes in a musical manner. This action will take the clip's scale into account. If you want some friendly results, please select a scale (or make a custom one) so that the generated notes remain in tune with your song.


  • CHORDS - Generate random chords.
  • MELODY - Generate random note sequences.
  • RANGE - Define the minimum and maximum pitches for the generated/mutated notes.
  • MUTATION - Changes your composition slightly in two ways:
  • Chords - Generate chords with your written melody serving as root notes.
  • Melody - Slightly change the pitches of your current melody maintaining the note timings.


Follow Actions


Here you can choose what will happen to the clip/notes when the current clip reaches its end.


  • FOLLOW ACTIONS - Select action to perform when the designated loop count is fulfilled.
  • LOOPS/PROBABILITY - Number of loops before the follow action is performed. Probability determines the chance of the follow action to apply. If it does not, another attempt will be made after the number of loops is fulfilled.
  • TRANSFORM ACTION - Select transform action to perform when the designated loop count is fulfilled.
  • LOOPS/PROBABILITY - Number of loops before the transform action is performed, and its probability.


Velocity, Probability and Automations


When the Automations icon is toggled, an editor is overlaid on top of the composer, letting you change notes' velocities and probabilities, and create MIDI automation lanes.


Automation's icon


In LIVE MODE, only velocity editing is available.



Velocity and Probability


When the automations editor is enabled, a bottom bar is displayed. VELOCITY is selected at first, displaying note velocities.


The note velocities are represented by red rectangles. Velocities are displayed only for the selected notes. You can select all notes in a key by double pressing it in the keyboard. A note's velocity is also reflected in the note's drawn color.


You can change the velocity of the notes by pressing and dragging the velocity bars. If shift is pressed, the velocity change will apply to all selected notes and will be relative to their current values, rather than absolute.



To edit note probabilities, select PROBABILITY in the bottom bar. Note probabilities work similarly to velocities; they're represented by red rectangles and can be edited by pressing and dragging. A note's probability is reflected in the black rectangle drawn in the bottom of the note.


Automations


To create an automation lane, press the "plus" icon in the bottom bar. The following dialog will pop up:



You can select which MIDI CC to automate. Additionally, you can send pitch bend, pressure and program change messages.


Once a new lane is added, you can perform the following actions:


  • CREATE - Tap any empty space in the automations zone to create a node.
  • DELETE - Tap any existing node to delete it.
  • DRAG - Drag a node to change its value (vertical) and position (horizontal/time). Drag a line to change the vertical value of the connecting nodes at the same time. When shift is pressed, dragging vertically changes the curve between the two nodes.


The bottom bar has the following controls on the left side:


  • AUTOMATION SELECTION
  • PLUS - Add a new automation lane.
  • PENCIL - Rename the automation lane.
  • DELETE - Delete the automation lane.


On the right side:


  • PENCIL - Enable draw mode. Pressing and dragging creates nodes with their positions snapped to the current grid division.
  • ERASER - Enable eraser. Pressing and dragging deletes nodes.
  • COPY - Copy this automation lane for pasting in other clips.
  • PASTE - Paste automation lane.


Devices


The Devices tab lets you browse and tweak the selected Ableton Live track devices. Start by selecting a track with devices (if there are no devices available on the track, the tab will display a message). ALl devices appear collapsed by default.



When open, the first device will fill the whole tab, while the next devices will break to the next line. Drag up to scroll down and view the other devices.



Each device container is scrollable, allowing horizontal navigation of all parameters and subdevices. If the device has only a small set of parameters then the rest of the tab will show empty space, except when the device has a device chain (i.e. a Drum Rack or Instrument Rack).


The option to ‘include chain’ must be enabled in LK settings. Let’s look at this example:



A 909 Core Kit has a device chain for each drumpad. The first parameters correspond to the chain instrument's parameters, followed by the list of devices in the chain.


When you select a different device in the chain, the selected device will be loaded to its right. Drag left to display the device's parameter.


In rare occasions, a long device chain may strain your mobile device's resources and force LK to shut down.


Sends


The Sends tab lists the selected track sends. To change the send value, touch the slider and drag vertically.




MIDI Pads Module


The MIDI Pads module consists of a 4x4 grid of MIDI Pads, velocity controls, arpeggiator, chorder and a note range selector.


The MIDI Pads section has two modes: the MIDI mode, that can be used to control MIDI (external hardware, iOS apps, etc), and the LIVE mode, which can be used to play instruments on Ableton Live.


In MIDI mode, the MIDI Pads can also be routed to the Matrix module as an input source.



Depending on the selected mode, you will find different fields in the status bar at the top of the MIDI Pads module screen:


  • MODE - Toggle between LIVE and MIDI modes.
  • TEMPO - Adjust tempo. This affects the arpeggiator. In LIVE MODE, this also changes your Ableton Live session tempo.
  • DEVICE (MIDI MODE) - Select MIDI output device.
  • CHANNEL (MIDI MODE) - Select MIDI output channel.
  • CLIP TRANSPORT - Displays the beat time of the select clip.
  • SELECTED TRACK - Set selected track.
  • TRACK ARMED - Arm the selected track.
  • REC. QUANT. - Set recording quantization. Quantizes the recorded notes to the designated beat division.
  • EDIT - Set pad editing mode. In this mode, you can press a pad to edit its name and color.



In the lower part of the interface, there is a split view bar for opening the Inspector panel. Drag the == icon or tap anywhere else in the bar to maximize/minimize. This allows access to MIDI Pads settings.


Pads


The Pads are laid out from C-2 to G8.You can select the visible Pads range by dragging up and down the region slider to the right of the Pads.


The HOLD switch under the region slider turns the pads into switches, making them hold their notes until they're pressed again.


Expressiveness


In the Expressiveness section, you can adjust the velocity response for the MIDI Pads. The note velocity can be programmed to change according to the pressed position within the pad.


When the expressiveness mode is set to RADIAL, the two controls are CENTRE and BOUNDS. When set to LINEAR, the controls are TOP and BOTTOM.


Arpeggiator


The MIDI Pads module is equipped with an arpeggiator, enhancing creativity. The arpeggiator unit has the following parameters:


  • ON - Toggles the arpeggiator on/off.
  • MODE - Order in which the arpeggio notes will be played.
  • UP - Notes are played from low to high.
  • DOWN - Notes are played from high to low.
  • UP/DOWN I - Notes are played from low to high and then from high to low.
  • UP/DOWN II - Notes are played from low to high and then from high to low but repeating the highest and lowest notes.
  • RANDOM - Notes are played at random.
  • SYNC - Synchronises the arpeggiator to the tempo.
  • STEPS - Number of octaves the arpeggio will go up to.
  • RATE - Arpeggiator rate.
  • GATE - Length of each note event (time on vs time off).


When sync is off, arpeggiator rate units are in milliseconds. Turning sync on synchronises the arpeggiator to beat divisions, ranging from 2/1 to 1/128 including dotted and triplet values.


Chorder


The chorder function allows you to play chords by pressing a single MIDI pad. Start by choosing one of the many available chord types.


Changing the chord type while pressing a pad will retrigger the pad, playing the new chord. This will allow you to play different chords of the same root, without the need to press the pad again.


Use the chorder along with the arpeggiator to get some really interesting musical results.



Midi Controller Module



This module allows building custom MIDI controllers with knobs, faders, switches and pads. Each control element can be customized to have its own size, color, name and MIDI information.


The layout list stores custom layouts, and each of the eight available banks can be assigned a layout for quickly recalling your layouts.


In MIDI mode, the Controller will output MIDI to the selected DEVICE. This mode may be used to control external hardware and apps. In LIVE mode, the controls can be assigned to Ableton Live parameters in your session.


Depending on the selected mode, you will find different options in the status bar at the top of the screen:


  • MODE - Toggle between MIDI and LIVE modes.
  • DEVICE (MIDI MODE) - Select output MIDI device.
  • CHANNEL (MIDI MODE) - Select output MIDI channel.
  • CC (MIDI MODE) - Shows the CC number assigned to the last touched control.
  • PARAMETER (LIVE MODE) - Shows the Ableton Live parameter assigned to the last touched control.
  • VALUE - Shows the value sent by the last touched control.
  • BANK - Switch between the four different banks of controls.
  • IMPORT - Import the layout list from a JSON file. New layouts are added to your current list.
  • EXPORT - Export the layout list as a JSON file.
  • HELP - Opens help tooltips.


The first bank comes loaded with the Default layout, containing eight rows. Each row has a button, knob, slider and pad. All the other banks are loaded with the Empty layout, a blank slate to start building your own controller.


Under status bar is the Controller's toolbar, with the following functions:


  • BANK SELECTION - Select between the eight available banks. When you change a layout from the list you'll be mapping it to the current select bank.
  • LAYOUT LIST - A list containing the Default and Empty layouts, as well as your created custom layouts.
  • ADD NEW - Saves the currently visible layout as a new layout.
  • SAVE - Overwrites the layout with the current changes. Note that the layout changes in every bank they’re assigned to.
  • DELETE - Deletes the layout that is currently selected in the layout list. Note that the layout is removed from any banks they’re assigned to.
  • REVERT - Reverts current layout changes.
  • EDIT MODE - Toggles the Edit mode.


Edit mode



Edit mode lets you customize the current layout. In this mode, the toolbar changes to a control selection with four options: pad, knob, slider and button. Select the control element you wish to create, and press a free position in the grid to create it. Drag it while pressing to change its size.


You can move the control by pressing and dragging it around, delete it by pressing the bin icon, and change its size by pressing and dragging its bottom right corner.

Double press the control to open the MIDI Assign panel in MIDI MODE or the Live Assign in LIVE MODE.


Assigning a custom MIDI CC


To customize the MIDI mapping (MIDI mode), tap ASSIGN, then tap the control you wish to change. This will open a pop-up for editing the name, color, MIDI channel, CC number, min and max values, and snap options. RESET resets the mapping to its default state.


SNAP enables snapping knobs and faders to a designated SNAP VALUE once the control is released.



Assigning an Ableton Live Parameter


To control parameters in Live mode, press ASSIGN and select the LK control you want to map. Change the parameter you want to assign in Ableton Live; the name of the parameter will be displayed on the screen. Press SAVE to confirm.




X/Y Pad Module



This module features an X/Y Pad with additional modulation tools, including four banks, three mappable axis per bank, one ASR envelope generator for the Z axis with configurable release mode and an LFO for automated X/Y position modulation.


The X/Y Pad section has two modes: MIDI mode, used to send MIDI to external hardware or other apps/software, and Live mode, used to control different parameters in Ableton Live. The mode can be toggled by tapping MODE in the Status Bar.


Depending on the selected mode, you will find different fields in the Status Var, located at the top of the screen:


  • MODE - Toggle between LIVE and MIDI modes.
  • TEMPO - Tempo adjustment. This affects the LFO and the ASR envelope's synched timings. In LIVE MODE this also sets the Ableton Live session tempo.
  • DEVICE (MIDI MODE) - Select MIDI output device.
  • CHANNEL (MIDI MODE) - Select MIDI output channel.
  • BANK - Switch between the four different banks of controls.
  • IMPORT - Import banks from a JSON file.
  • EXPORT - Export all banks as a JSON file.


The ASR envelope generator


The Z axis (touch on/touch off) triggers an ASR (Attack, Sustain, Release) envelope generator, with controls located on the right.


Attack defines how long it takes Z to grow from 0 to the Sustain level, while Release defines how long it takes Z to decrease from the Sustain level back to 0.


Two additional control functions are available: SYNC and HOLD. Sync allows the release time to be synced with the tempo while Hold lets you to release the pad without triggering the release of the ASR.


Settings


Dragging the == icon or tapping anywhere else inside the bottom bar will open the Inspector panel. Inside are three columns of settings for the X/Y Pad:


  • AXIS
  • LFO
  • RELEASE MODE


Axis


The X/Y PAD has two modes: CC and NOTE.


In CC mode, you can choose different CC values for each of the axis. Each axis's value will be sent as a MIDI CC message for the selected MIDI output device and channel.


In NOTE mode, you’ll be able to send note on/off information. The X axis determines the note’s pitch, while the Y axis determines the note’s velocity, with the Z axis (press/release) triggering the note on/off events.


Assigning a custom MIDI CC (MIDI MODE)


Select the axis you want to map by tapping the corresponding button; this will open the MIDI Assign panel. You can select the MIDI channel and CC, as well as the range. Changes to the axis's values will output MIDI CC messages ranging between minimum and maximum.



Assigning an Ableton Live Parameter (LIVE MODE)


Select the axis you want to map by tapping its button and change the parameter you want to assign in Ableton Live.



LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator)


The integrated LFO unit provides you with additional modulation control on the X and Y axis. This unit has the following parameters:


  • WAVEFORM - Toggle between three different kinds of waveforms: Sine, Square and Saw.
  • SYNC - Synchronizes the oscillator frequency with tempo.
  • BEHAVIOUR - Determines how the LFO modulates the X/Y position in Pad.
    • HORIZONTAL - Modulate the X axis value.
    • VERTICAL - Modulate the Y axis value.
    • LINEAR - Modulate both the X and Y axes simultaneously.
  • AMOUNT - Qmount of modulation.
  • RATE - Frequency of the oscillator.
  • DELAY - Define the time the LFO will take to start.


Release Mode


Release Mode determines the default position to which the X/Y cursor returns once the pad is released. The ASR envelope's release time also determines how long it takes for the X/Y position to travel to this point.


  • OFF - The cursor remains where it was released.
  • ZERO - The cursor travels to the bottom left corner (0, 0).
  • CENTER - The cursor travels to the center of the pad.



Chorder Module



The Chorder module lets you play from a huge variety of chords with a single tap, as well as strumming notes of a selected chord.


Depending on the selected mode, you will find different fields in the status bar, located at the top of the screen:


  • MODE - Toggle between MIDI and LIVE modes.
  • TEMPO - Adjust tempo. This affects the arpeggiator. In LIVE MODE, this also sets the Ableton Live session tempo.
  • DEVICE (MIDI MODE) - Select output MIDI device.
  • CHANNEL (MIDI MODE) - Select output MIDI output channel.
  • SELECTED TRACK - In MIDI MODE, select the Matrix track. In LIVE MODE, change the selected Ableton Live track.
  • TRACK ARMED - Arm the select track.
  • REC. QUANT. - Set recording quantization. Quantizes the recorded notes to the designated beat division.


The playing section of the Chorder is divided in two parts, the keys and the strummer. In the middle section of the Chorder is where the hexagon cells are layed out, each cell representing either a note, or a chord.


Each row represents a preset, which in turn consists of a group of chords. Rows may be added and removed by toggling the presets under PRESETS. A Layout consists of a group of presets; selecting from the available layouts will toggle different selections of presets.


On each side of the screen are small horizontal lines stacked vertically for strumming, or playing like one would do on a string instrument. Each line represents a note from the selected chord across different octaves.


Like all other LK modules, the Chorder module has an Inspector panel that you can open by dragging the == icon in the bottom, or tapping anywhere else inside the bar to maximize/minimize.


Layouts


A layout is a set of presets. Layouts can be recalled by pressing the corresponding name. To create a new layout, ensure that the desired presets are active and press the + button. This will pop up a dialog box to fill in the name for the intended layout. Any user defined layout can be deleted. Ensure that the layout is selected and then press the - button.


Presets


Presets are groups of chords. This section allows the stacking of factory bundled or custom user presets.


To insert a preset in the playing section just press the corresponding preset. The chords will appear in the playing section. Selecting and de-selecting presets will add and remove them from the playing section, letting you have as many rows of chords as you need.


Preset Creation


To create a new set of chords, press the + button in the upper right corner of this section. A new screen will appear with the controls for scale and chord customization.


This screen is divided into three rows:



The first row represents the scale: here the 12 notes of a chromatic scale are displayed, and known scales can be selected on the right side of the row. The scale determines the root notes of the displayed chords. For each key selected, a pad will be available.


Customization is also possible by pressing to select or remove keys from the scale, as well as changing the octave of the respective key by pressing the + and - buttons above and below the key.


The second row represents the chord intervals: use this row to build your chord. Pressing the interval name adds or removes the interval from the chord, and pressing the - button under it places it one octave lower. Each pad will play this chord (with its key serving as root note).


The third row is a preview of the preset: use this row to test your preset.


Arpeggiator


The arpeggiator has the following parameters:


  • ON - Toggles the arpeggiator on/off.
  • SYNC - Synchronises the arpeggiator to the tempo.
  • MODE - Order in which the arpeggio notes will be played.
  • UP - Notes are played from low to high.
  • DOWN - Notes are played from high to low.
  • UP/DOWN I - Notes are played from low to high and then from high to low.
  • UP/DOWN II - Notes are played from low to high and then from high to low but repeating the highest and lowest notes.
  • RANDOM - Notes are played at random.
  • STEPS - Number of octaves the arpeggio will go up to.
  • RATE - Arpeggiator rate.
  • GATE - Length of each note event (time on vs time off).


When sync is off, arpeggiator rate units are in milliseconds. Turning sync on synchronises the arpeggiator to beat divisions, ranging from 2/1 to 1/128 including dotted and triplet values.


Tools


These settings allow you to change the Chorder viewport to your needs. Use the -/+ buttons to zoom out/in the viewport.


Use the buttons labeled with -12 and +12 for a full octave transpose of all the keys simultaneously.


To pan, hold the pan button down (the bottom right button with 4 way arrows on) and then drag within the viewport.


The mode key (top right button) toggles between a play icon and a stop icon. When the play icon is displayed, tapping a chord will play it. When the stop button is displayed, tapping a chord will select it without playing it. Useful for selecting which notes appear in the strumming zones.



Keyboard Module



The Keyboard module features two individual keyboards with 3-axis expression capabilities and, in MIDI MODE, MPE expression. It is fully customisable to scale and keyboard range. You can also map Ableton Live or MIDI CC parameters to the X/Y position touched within the key, providing additional expression opportunities.


Depending on the selected mode, you will find different fields in the status bar, located at the top of the screen:


  • MODE - Toggle between MIDI and LIVE modes.
  • TEMPO - Adjust tempo. This affects the arpeggiator. In LIVE MODE, this also sets the Ableton Live session tempo.
  • DEVICE (MIDI MODE) - Select output MIDI device.
  • CHANNEL (MIDI MODE) - Select output MIDI output channel.
  • SELECTED TRACK - In MIDI MODE, select the Matrix track. In LIVE MODE, change the selected Ableton Live track.
  • TRACK ARMED - Arm the select track.
  • REC. QUANT. - Set recording quantization. Quantizes the recorded notes to the designated beat division.
  • MPE (MIDI MODE) - Turns the keyboard into an MPE controller.


The interface features an adjustable view-port, pitch bend and modulation wheel controls and a HOLD function for holding pressed notes.


The view-port adjustment controls are located across the top of the keyboards, consisting of a solid green line with two draggable circle handles at each end, which represent the visible range of keyboard notes.



Drag either circle to adjust the visible range; the larger the range, the greater the number of notes that are displayed, with all notes resized accordingly.


Drag the centre of the green line to scroll/move up and down the visible octaves.


The Keyboard has an Inspector panel that you can open by dragging the == icon, or tapping anywhere else inside the bar to maximize/minimize.


Scale


A root key can be chosen to serve as the tonic note of a selected scale. There are many musical scales available to choose from, which will automatically adapt the keyboard to its corresponding intervals. You can also build your own custom scale.


When a scale other than the Chromatic scale is selected, the keyboard folds to display the scale notes.


Arpeggiator


The arpeggiator has the following parameters:


  • ON - Toggles the arpeggiator on/off.
  • SYNC - Synchronises the arpeggiator to the tempo.
  • MODE - Order in which the arpeggio notes will be played.
  • UP - Notes are played from low to high.
  • DOWN - Notes are played from high to low.
  • UP/DOWN I - Notes are played from low to high and then from high to low.
  • UP/DOWN II - Notes are played from low to high and then from high to low but repeating the highest and lowest notes.
  • RANDOM - Notes are played at random.
  • STEPS - Number of octaves the arpeggio will go up to.
  • RATE - Arpeggiator rate.
  • GATE - Length of each note event (time on vs time off).


When sync is off, arpeggiator rate units are in milliseconds. Turning sync on synchronises the arpeggiator to beat divisions, ranging from 2/1 to 1/128 including dotted and triplet values.


Modulation


This section allows the mapping of Ableton Live parameters or MIDI CCs to the relative position pressed within the key. X, Y and Z axes may be mapped, with Z acting as a MIDI trigger (on on press, off on release).


This means, for instance, if we map the velocity of a MIDI channel to the Y axis, the key will play with more velocity when touched near the top of the note.


To map a parameter to the Keyboard, press the corresponding axis. In LIVE MODE, change the parameter in Ableton Live to map it. In MIDI mode, a screen will display, allowing changing the name, MIDI channel and CC output, as well as minimum and maximum output values.



Troubleshooting


We will continuously populate this section with relevant information, as it heavily depends on user input and on the nature of the problem.


LK says there are no connections available


This is one of the most common problems. The solution varies from case to case and it will greatly depend on your system and configuration:


  1. Are both devices connected to the same network? Your computer and mobile device must be connected to the same WIFI network.
  2. Is Bonjour service running (Windows only)? UBRIDGE uses Bonjour to announce a service on the network. In order for this to happen, Bonjour service must be running. To confirm if Bonjour is running, open Services on Windows, look for “Bonjour” service and ensure that it is enabled and running.
  3. Is your firewall enabled? Usually, when a program starts, the operating systems asks you permission for it to access the network. Open your firewall preferences and check if you have blocked UBRIDGE or Ableton Live from accessing network.
  4. Do you use anti-virus software? Sometimes, anti-virus software can block network traffic. Try to temporaly disable your anti virus software or check its settings.


When I connect my Android device via USB cable, my device doesn't get listed on UBRIDGE. What should I do?


In order to connect to your mobile device via USB it’s mandatory that you enable USB debugging. This is an advanced Android feature that is usually hidden but pretty simple to access:


  1. Open "Settings" on your device.
  2. Scroll down to the bottom and choose About phone or About tablet option.
  3. Scroll down to the bottom and locate the build number field.
  4. Tap the Build number field seven times to enable Developer Options. Tapping a few times will unlock a countdown that reads "You are now 3 steps away from being a developer."
  5. When you are done, you'll see the message "You are now a developer!".
  6. Tap the Back button and you'll see the Developer options menu under System on your Settings screen.
  7. Now choose the "Developer options" item and find the "USB debugging" option. Tapping will enable it and Android will prompt you with a confirmation: press accept.
  8. With UBRIDGE open, replug your device. You should see it's model name listed under "Connected Devices" section


You are not receiving MIDI input on LK (Windows)


You probably need to restart UBRIDGE with administrator rights.


LK is telling me I need to purchase the software, but I have already purchased it (mobile only).


  1. Try to restore purchase - Ensure that you have your device configured with the same account you have made the purchase with. Open LK, open the menu, choose Store, tap Restore Purchases.
  2. Restore purchases doesn't do nothing (Android only) - Sometimes, in some devices, Restore Purchases is not working. If this happens, choose to purchase the same item. Ensure that you have your device configured with the same Google Play account you have made the purchase with.
  3. I have purchased modules on Android and I can't seem to restore them on iOS (vice-versa) - Purchases are made on an OS basis, this means they are only valid for the OS they were purchased for.


api-ms-win-crt-runtime-11-1-0.dll is missing when opening UBRIDGE


The problem is that the KB2999226 (Universal CRT) - which is part of the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015 - failed to install.


  1. Install Windows Updates - Go to Start - Control Panel - Windows Update. Check for updates. Install all available updates. After the updates are installed, restart your computer. After the restart, repeat the above steps until no more updates are available.
  2. Download the Visual C Redistributable - For Windows 64-bit: Visual C Redistributable for Visual Studio 2017 (64-bit). For Windows 32-bit: Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2017 (32-bit). Run vcredist_x64.exe (64-bit) or vcredist_x86.exe (32-bit) and select Uninstall.
  3. Run the .exe again and select Install.


If the problem you are having is not listed here, contact us for personalised help.












Updated on: 12/03/2026

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