LK Setup Guide

LK – Setup Guide


Overview


LK is a mobile MIDI controller (iOS / Android) that can control any MIDI-compliant software or hardware. It also integrates tightly with Ableton Live via UBRIDGE, letting your mobile device act as a remote control surface.


You can connect LK to your computer either:


  • Wired (USB cable) — lowest latency, most stable.
  • Wirelessly (WIFI network) — more flexible, though latency depends on network conditions and may be affected by firewalls.


⚠️ Note: Firewalls or network-security software may block wireless connections. You may need to allow UBRIDGE explicitly.



1. Install UBRIDGE


  • Download and install UBRIDGE on the PC or Mac that runs Ableton Live.
  • On first launch (Windows), the firewall prompt appears. Make sure to allow access (both private and public).
  • UBRIDGE window is divided into three sections:
  • MIDI settings — for MIDI input/output ports.
  • Control Surface — where you register Ableton Live installations.
  • Devices — lists connected mobile devices (running LK).



2. Configure MIDI Ports


Depending on OS:


  • macOS: select “UBRIDGE Virtual Input” and “UBRIDGE Virtual Output” — these ports are automatically created by macOS.
  • Windows: install a virtual MIDI driver (we recommend loopMIDI). Create a port named e.g. UBRIDGE Virtual. Then restart UBRIDGE so it detects the new port.{index=14}


Once configured, open Ableton Live and enable both Track and Remote for the virtual MIDI ports in Live’s MIDI preferences.



3. Install the LK Control Surface in Ableton Live


This step is needed only if you want full Live-mode integration (clip launching, mixer control, etc.).


  1. Close Ableton Live first.
  2. In UBRIDGE → Control Surface:
  • On macOS: open Finder → Applications → locate Ableton Live → drag it onto the UBRIDGE Control Surface area. (Dragging from the macOS Dock will NOT work.) :
  • On Windows: locate the Ableton Live .exe (not a shortcut) via Windows Explorer → drag the .exe onto the UBRIDGE Control Surface area.
  • Alternatively, use the + button to browse manually.
  1. If you have multiple Ableton Live versions installed, repeat for each version you wish to use.
  2. After a successful install, the entry will turn green. If it's red and version shows N/A, installation failed.
  3. Launch Ableton Live, then go to Preferences → Control Surfaces to ensure LK is correctly detected.



4. Connect Your Mobile Device (Running LK) to UBRIDGE


You have two options:


USB (wired)


  • Connect your iOS or Android device via USB. In UBRIDGE → Devices, the device name (iOS) or model (Android) should appear.
  • Requirements:
  • iOS: iTunes must be installed and up to date. You must open iTunes at least once with the device connected.
  • Android: USB debugging must be enabled. Accept any device dialogs to trust/allow the connection.


WiFi (wireless)


  • Connect both device and computer to the same local network.
  • Open LK on mobile — UBRIDGE should list the device by its local IP address.


5. Establish Connection & Choose Mode


  • In LK’s in-app menu → Connection, select the available connection. If only one, it'll auto-connect; otherwise tap to choose. Green text = connected.
  • At the top status bar in LK, set mode:
  • LIVE — for Ableton Live integration (uses control surface).
  • MIDI — for generic MIDI output (to any software or hardware).
  • If Ableton Live isn’t open and you’re in LIVE mode, LK may show “Waiting for Ableton Live”. Once Live is open and control surface is set, the connection finalizes and latency is shown.


Optionally, tap the ⭐ star to mark a connection as favorite — LK will auto-reconnect next time.


🛠 Troubleshooting & Tips


  • Firewall / Network: make sure UBRIDGE is allowed through firewall (private + public).
  • On Windows, if you install loopMIDI after launching UBRIDGE, restart UBRIDGE so it detects the new virtual port.
  • Always close Ableton Live before installing/uninstalling the LK control surface.
  • For multiple Ableton versions, each needs its own control surface entry.
  • Prefer USB connection when performance, latency, and stability matter (e.g. live shows). WiFi is more flexible but depends on network quality.


Summary


  1. Install and run UBRIDGE on your computer (allow firewall access).
  2. Configure virtual MIDI ports (macOS: automatic; Windows: install loopMIDI).
  3. Install the LK control surface in Ableton Live (drag Live app/exe to UBRIDGE).
  4. Connect your mobile device (USB or WiFi) to UBRIDGE.
  5. Open LK on tablet/phone, establish connection, choose mode (LIVE or MIDI), and start controlling.



Updated on: 08/03/2026

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