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How to Install the MASCHINE Ableton Live Template

Note: MASCHINE controller integration with Ableton Live 11 is not yet supported. Official integration scripts will be released with a future update.

Important Note: for instructions on setting up the new MASCHINE MK3 Integration for Ableton Live, please read this article instead.

This article explains step-by-step how to install the MIDI Remote Script for the MASCHINE controller for Ableton Live 9 and 10. Once installed, you will be able to use your MASCHINE controller for advanced control of Ableton Live.

This article applies to the following MASCHINE templates:

  • MASCHINE MK1
  • MASCHINE MK2
  • MASCHINE MIKRO MK2
  • MASCHINE STUDIO
  • MASCHINE JAM
  • MASCHINE MK3 Legacy
  • MASCHINE JAM for Ableton 10

Installing the Remote Script

Copying the MIDI Remote Script

  1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
  2. Navigate to the following folder:
    • OS X: Macintosh HD > Applications > Native Instruments > Controller Editor > Template Support Files > Ableton Live 9/10
    • Win: C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > Controller Editor > Template Support Files > Ableton Live 9/10
  3. If you are using one of the following controllers, locate the respective MIDI Remote Script folder :
  • MASCHINE (MK1): "Maschine"
  • MASCHINE MIKRO MK2: "Maschine_Mikro_Mk2"
  • MASCHINE MK2: Maschine_Mk2
  • MASCHINE STUDIO: "Maschine_Studio"
  • MASCHINE JAM: "Maschine_Jam"
  • MASCHINE MK3: "Maschine Mk3 Legacy"
  • MASCHINE JAM in Ableton 10: Maschine_JAM
    Controller_Editor_Templates_Folder.png
  • Copy the folder that matches your controller to your clipboard by right-clicking on it and choosing Copy. You will have to paste it into Ableton Live's MIDI Remote Scripts folder, as described below. In our example, we copy the "Maschine_Studio" folder.
    Copy_Maschine_Studio_folder.png

Pasting the MIDI Remote Script Folder into the Ableton Live Application Package

Mac OS X

  1. Open your Applications folder and right-click the Live application symbol. In the context menu, click on Show Package Contents.
  2. In the Ableton Live package, navigate to Contents > App-Resources > MIDI Remote Scripts.
  3. Delete any installed MASCHINE folders from "MIDI Remote Scripts".
  4. Paste the folder you have copied to your clipboard into the "MIDI Remote Scripts" folder:
    KB2241_MaschineStudioinMIDIRemote.png

Windows

  1. Go to Ableton Live's installation directory. By default, it is located here: C: > Program Data > Ableton > Live 9/10 > Resources > MIDI Remote Scripts.

    Note: The Program Data folder may be hidden. This article explains how to display hidden files and folders in Windows.

  2. Delete any installed "Maschine" folders from "MIDI Remote Scripts".
  3. Paste the folder you have copied to your clipboard into the "MIDI Remote Scripts" folder:
    KB2241_MaschineStudioinMIDIRemotePC.png

Loading the Ableton Live Template in Controller Editor

  1. Connect the MASCHINE controller to your computer.
  2. Start the Controller Editor application from Applications > Native Instruments > Controller Editor. Controller Editor will automatically recognize your controller.
  3. In Controller Editor, click the Templates tab.
  4. Select the Ableton Live 9 template in the Templates list. If not present, open the Factory Templates drop-down menu and choose Ableton Live 9 to add it.

Setting Up Ableton Live for the MASCHINE MIDI Template

  1. Start Ableton Live.
  2. Open Ableton Live's Preferences and go to the Link / MIDI Tab.
  3. Assign a free Control Surface slot to your MASCHINE controller by selecting it from the drop-down list.
    ControlSurfaceNew.png
  4. On Mac, choose the Virtual Input corresponding to your controller, e.g. Maschine Studio Virtual Input. On Windows, select the In entry corresponding to your controller, e.g. Maschine Studio In. If you are using a MASCHINE JAM on Windows choose Maschine Jam - 1.
    MacInput.png
  5. On Mac, choose the Virtual Output corresponding to your controller, e.g. Maschine Studio Virtual Output. On Windows, select the first Out entry corresponding to your controller, e.g. Maschine Studio Out 1. If you are using a MASCHINE JAM on Windows choose Maschine Jam - 1.
    MacOutput.png

Setting up the MASCHINE Controller

  1. Switch your MASCHINE controller to MIDI mode by pressing SHIFT and CONTROL / CHANNEL (press this key combination again to switch back to MASCHINE mode).
  2. Select the Ableton Live 9 Template from your MASCHINE controller:
    • If you are using a MASCHINE STUDIO controller, load the Ableton Live 9 Template by keeping the SHIFT button pressed and navigating with the left and right arrows (next to the left display) until you see the Ableton Live 9 Template.
    • If you are using a MASCHINE MK1 or MK2 controller, enter TEMPLATE mode by pressing SHIFT+TEMPLATE (rightmost button of the right display). Then scroll down to the Ableton Live 9 template using the encoder and press LOAD.
    • If you are using a MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 controller, keep the SHIFT button pressed and scroll down to the Ableton Live 9 template using the encoder.

Your MASCHINE controller is now configured to control Ableton Live. For detailed instructions about the functions of the MASCHINE MIDI Template for Ableton, please refer to the Ableton Live 9 MASCHINE Template Manual English.pdf. You can also find this manual under Documentation in your Controller Editor application folder.

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