# Ableton Live Setup

This guide covers sending MIDI notes from Ableton Live to the MVP to trigger video and lighting clips.

> *This guide assumes basic familiarity with Ableton Live. For general instruction, see the* [*Official Ableton Live Manual*](https://www.ableton.com/en/manual/welcome-to-live/)*.*

***

## 1. Configure MIDI Preferences

1. Connect the MVP's **HOST** port to your computer via USB-C.
2. Open Ableton Live.
3. Open **Preferences** (macOS: `Live > Settings...` | Windows: `Options > Preferences`).
4. Navigate to the **Link Tempo MIDI** tab.
5. Scroll down to the **MIDI Ports** section.
6. Locate Output: **MVP**.
7. Enable the **Track** checkbox (this allows MIDI notes from your tracks to reach the MVP).

<figure><img src="/files/AC3wrQXsJ9fVoeon9RJh" alt="" width="459"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> **For timecode sync**: Also enable the **Sync** checkbox to send MTC from Ableton. See [MTC Setup](/4.-timecode-setup/mtc-midi-timecode-setup.md) for details.

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## 2. Create a MIDI Track

1. Create a new MIDI Track (`Shift + Cmd + T` / `Shift + Ctrl + T`).
2. Rename the track (e.g., "MVP VIDEO" or "MVP LIGHTING").

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## 3. Route the Output

1. Open the I/O section on the track (if hidden, press `Cmd/Ctrl + Option + I`).
2. **MIDI From**: Select **No Input**.
3. **MIDI To**: Select **MVP**.
4. **Channel**: Set to the channel configured in the MVP UI:
   * Video channel (check your MVP Video Configuration -- default: Channel 1)
   * Lighting channel (check your MVP Lighting Configuration -- default: Channel 3)

<figure><img src="/files/Lj5o9YHlFiGQcMDZwENH" alt="" width="133"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

For both video and lighting, create **two separate tracks** -- one per channel.

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## 4. Program Your Cues

1. **Insert a MIDI Clip**: Double-click a slot (Session View) or highlight an area and press `Shift + Cmd + M` (Arrangement View).
2. **Draw Notes**: Open the clip's Piano Roll. Draw notes that match your MVP file assignments:
   * Note 1-99 = trigger the assigned clip
   * Note 0 (C-2) = blackout
3. **Play**: Press Play in Ableton. The MVP triggers instantly.

<figure><img src="/files/SBUKpFSvVMns9EYU8TaJ" alt="" width="267"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> **Tip**: Disable the **Loop** toggle next to the piano roll.

***

## 5. Stopping Playback (Blackout)

Stopping Ableton does **not** stop the MVP. The last triggered clip continues playing.

To program a stop cue:

* Draw a note at **C-2 (Note 0)** at any point in your arrangement
* This triggers blackout (video goes black / DMX channels go to 0)

***

## Related Pages

* [Triggering Overview](/5.-triggering/triggering-overview.md) -- All trigger methods
* [Pro Tools Configuration](/5.-triggering/daw-computer-triggering/pro-tools-setup.md) -- Alternative DAW guide
* [Logic Pro Configuration](/5.-triggering/daw-computer-triggering/logic-pro-setup.md) -- Alternative DAW guide
* [MTC (MIDI Timecode) Setup](/4.-timecode-setup/mtc-midi-timecode-setup.md) -- Timecode sync from Ableton
* [MIDI Reference](/8.-reference/midi-reference.md) -- Complete note and CC reference


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