Extended Computer MIDI Keyboard for Ableton Live by Ableton Drummer
EVER WANTED TO USE YOUR KEYBOARD AS A CONTROLLER?!
The Extended Computer MIDI Keyboard for Ableton Live by Ableton Drummer is a Max for Live device that transforms your computer keyboard into a customizable MIDI controller. It allows you to assign MIDI notes to specific keys, offering expanded control and flexibility when creating music in Ableton Live without the need for an external MIDI controller. This tool is perfect for on-the-go music production, giving users more ways to input melodies, rhythms, and chords directly from their computer keyboard.Extended Computer MIDI Keyboard for Ableton Live by Ableton Drummer
EVER WANTED TO USE YOUR KEYBOARD AS A CONTROLLER?!
The Extended Computer MIDI Keyboard for Ableton Live by Ableton Drummer is a Max for Live device that transforms your computer keyboard into a customizable MIDI controller. It allows you to assign MIDI notes to specific keys, offering expanded control and flexibility when creating music in Ableton Live without the need for an external MIDI controller. This tool is perfect for on-the-go music production, giving users more ways to input melodies, rhythms, and chords directly from their computer keyboard.Additional information
| MaxforLive | Control Devices, MIDI Devices |
|---|---|
| Ableton Live Compatibility | Ableton Live 10 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 10 Suite, Ableton Live 11 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 11 Suite, Ableton Live 12 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 12 Suite |
| Min. Requirements | Ableton Live 10 Standard with MaxforLive Installed or Ableton Live 10 Suite |
Product reviews
5 out of 5
4 reviews
How item rating is calculated
We show the average based on reviews. Only genuine reviews are displayed.
Sort by
February 17, 2025
This reviewer bought this product from our store.
I really like this tool, very handy when I don't have my midi keyboard.
January 22, 2025
This reviewer bought this product from our store.
This little utility is just what I have been wishing for. When I'm just using Live on my laptop, and I don't have my portable midi keyboard handy I have to resort to using the pc keyboard instead. Which kind of works, but I have always found the limited range irritating. Having this little device giving me that extended range is a great relief. Tobi is a genius.
January 16, 2025
This reviewer bought this product from our store.
Love the concept of this tool, simple but very powerfull, it s definitely making my workflow faster and smoother!!!
January 13, 2025
This reviewer bought this product from our store.
I am not a on the go producer but I still can use it or have a practical need for it. I don't want every time setup my MIDI keyboard to play some notes. This is just more. Very convinient.
Extended Computer MIDI Keyboard for Ableton Live by Ableton Drummer
You are able to use your computer keyboard as a MIDI keyboard in Ableton Live. Unfortunately this computer MIDI keyboard is not very flexible and limited. You are not able to set up different scales and starting note pitch. To overcome those limitations I created a Max for Live device which lets you customise your computer keyboard. Please read the guide below. You will find out more about how using your computer keys for playing MIDI notes in Ableton Live.
Mapping Your Keys: Tailoring Your MIDI Keyboard
After you opened the Extended MIDI keys plugin you can click on the open + close button. A user-friendly pop-up window appears, allowing you to effortlessly map keys. You can click on “S” and then hit a key to “sync” and learn a ‘key box’ to a computer key. You are able to change each MIDI note pitch for each key. If you want to delete a certain MAPing you can hit “X” on the bottom left of a key cell. The plugin puts you in complete control of your MIDI keyboard experience.
Chromatic and Scale Freedom: Going Beyond the Octave
One of the standout features of this plugin is chromatic freedom. Want to shift up four semitones? No problem. You can dynamically adjust the pitch range for your entire keyboard, offering creative possibilities beyond the standard octave. You are able to adjust and edit the velocity for the the MIDI notes.
Navigating Limitations: Shortcuts and Workarounds
Despite its versatility, the Extended MIDI Keyboard M4L device does have a couple of limitations. Be mindful of keyboard shortcuts in Ableton Live, as some may conflict. Additionally, Max for Live needs to be the foremost application for seamless operation:
Foremost Pop-Up Window Limitation with Max for Live
The foremost application limitation in Max for Live is worth noting. If you click away from Max for Live to another part of Ableton Live, you key commands won’t trigger MIDI notes. Max for Live / the Extended Keyboard PlugIn needs to be the foremost application to receive the computer keys! To address this, consider key or MIDI mapping the “O” (“Open”) button for quick access, re-opening and having the M4L device as the foremost application.
Advanced Customization: Shift Tabs and More
Delve deeper into customization with features like shift tabs. The MIDI key plugin allows you to map specific keys to uppercase or lowercase, adding another layer of versatility to your MIDI keyboard setup. However, keep in mind that extensive customization may lead to conflicts with Ableton Live shortcut. Especially in versions like Ableton Live 12 you will get more short cuts.
In conclusion, the Extended MIDI Keyboard plugin is a powerful tool for musicians seeking flexibility and creativity. Whether you’re on a train or in a scenario without a physical MIDI keyboard, this device allows you to quickly lay down ideas and experiment with your sound. The M4L Device is available as a “pay what you like” download. You can always download the device to test to out first. IF you want to make a donation you can re-buy the device. (THX!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Ableton’s native computer MIDI keyboard is quite limited in terms of flexibility. This Max for Live device lets you customise which keys trigger which MIDI notes, set different scales, and choose your starting pitch, giving you far greater control over how your keyboard behaves as a controller.
No external hardware is required at all. The device works entirely with your standard computer keyboard, making it ideal for producing on the go or in situations where you don’t have a MIDI controller to hand.
You need a version of Ableton Live that supports Max for Live, which means Ableton Live Suite or a Live Standard or Intro licence with Max for Live purchased separately. It is always worth checking the product page for any specific version requirements.
Once you load the device, click the open/close button to bring up the pop-up window. From there you can click ‘S’ to enter sync mode and then press any computer key to assign it to a note slot, making the mapping process quick and straightforward.
Yes, configuring different scales and adjusting the starting note pitch is one of the core features that sets this apart from Ableton’s built-in keyboard. You can tailor the layout to suit the key and scale of whatever you’re working on.
Max for Live is not included with this device. You will need either Ableton Live Suite, which includes Max for Live, or a separate Max for Live licence added to your existing Live installation.
It is particularly useful for producers who want to sketch out melodic ideas quickly without reaching for a MIDI keyboard, for live performance on a laptop, or for anyone working in a compact setup where desk space or portability is a priority.
Important Information
Initial Release – January 2025
Our Products are generally provided as Zip file downloads which in all cases will need to be extracted and saved to your hard drive prior to installation. Details on the different file type provided and what to do with them are below.
.alp Files – These are Ableton Live Packs and will either install directly into the Packs Section of the browser of Ableton Live or ask you to save them to your hard drive. For packs that install to the library, when you double click on them you will see a pop up window asking you to confirm that installation is ok as the files are described as “Legacy”. This is fine and you are ok to proceed, the packs are created using the format for an earlier version of Live and so remain compatible with the current version.
.amxd files – These are individual MaxforLive Devices and can be stored anywhere on your hard drive. We’d advise creating a folder for them and then adding that folder as a location within the Places section of Lives Browser.
END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR ISOTONIK STUDIOS SOFTWARE PRODUCTS.
PLEASE READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE CONTINUING WITH THIS PROGRAM INSTALL.
This End-User License Agreement (referred to as “EULA”) is a legal agreement between an individual or a single entity (referred to as “LICENSEE”) and Isotonik Studios for the Isotonik Studios software product(s) which may include associated software components, media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentation (referred to as “SOFTWARE PRODUCT”). By installing, copying, or otherwise using the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, the LICENSEE agrees to be bound by the terms of this EULA.
This EULA represents the entire agreement concerning the program between the LICENSEE and Isotonik Studios and it supersedes any prior proposal, representation, or understanding between the parties. If the LICENSEE does not agree to the terms of this EULA, the LICENSEE should not install or use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed, not sold.
- GRANT OF LICENSE.
The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed as follows:
(a) Installation and Use. Providing that the LICENSEE has paid any applicable license fees, Isotonik Studios grants the LICENSEE the right to install and use copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT on up to two computers in the LICENSEE’s possession that are running a validly licensed copy of the operating system for which the SOFTWARE PRODUCT was designed [e.g., Windows 10, macOS]. The computer(s) must be owned by the LICENSEE.
(b) Backup Copies. The LICENSEE may also make copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT as may be necessary for backup and archival purposes.
- DESCRIPTION OF OTHER RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS.
(a) Maintenance of Copyright Notices. The LICENSEE must not remove or alter any copyright notices on any and all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
(b) Distribution. The LICENSEE may not distribute registered copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to third parties.
(c) Prohibition on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation, and Disassembly. The LICENSEE may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, except and only to the extent that such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding this limitation.
(d) Rental. The LICENSEE may not rent, lease, or lend the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
(e) License transfer The LICENSEE may not transfer their license to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to any third party. Any attempt to do so will be considered a violation of this EULA.
(f) Support Services. Isotonik Studios may provide the LICENSEE with support services related to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT for a period of 12 months following the date of purchase. Any supplemental software code provided to the LICENSEE as part of the Support Services shall be considered part of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and subject to the terms and conditions of this EULA.
(g) Compliance with Applicable Laws. The LICENSEE must comply with all applicable laws regarding use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
- TERMINATION Without prejudice to any other rights, Isotonik Studios may terminate this EULA if the LICENSEE fails to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA. In such event, the LICENSEE must destroy all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT in the LICENSEE’s possession.
- COPYRIGHT All title, including but not limited to copyrights, in and to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and any copies thereof are owned by Isotonik Studios or its suppliers. All title and intellectual property rights in and to the content which may be accessed through use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is the property of the respective content owner and may be protected by applicable copyright or other intellectual property laws and treaties. This EULA grants the LICENSEE no rights to use such content. All rights not expressly granted are reserved by Isotonik Studios.
- NO WARRANTIES Isotonik Studios expressly disclaims any warranty for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is provided ‘As Is’ without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including but not limited to any warranties of merchantability, noninfringement, or fitness of a particular purpose. Isotonik Studios does not warrant or assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. Isotonik Studios makes no warranties respecting any harm that may be caused by the transmission of a computer virus, worm, time bomb, logic bomb, or other such computer program. Isotonik Studios further expressly disclaims any warranty or representation to the LICENSEE or to any third party.
- LIMITATION OF LIABILITY In no event shall Isotonik Studios be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, lost profits, business interruption, or lost information) arising out of the LICENSEE’s use of or inability to use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, even if Isotonik Studios has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event will Isotonik Studios be liable for loss of data or for indirect, special, incidental, consequential (including lost profit), or other damages based in contract, tort or otherwise. Isotonik Studios shall have no liability with respect to the content of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT or any part thereof, including but not limited to errors or omissions contained therein, libel, infringements of rights of publicity, privacy, trademark rights, business interruption, personal injury, loss of privacy, moral rights or the disclosure of confidential information.
