If you aren’t using
Now of course there are simple options like assigning tempos to a master scene, or using a tap tempo.
However…
In my experience using Ableton with a live band in a real performance, being able to push the tempo a few clicks up and down is absolutely priceless.
Unfortunately, It’s not quite as simple as mapping a button and calling it an afternoon.
You can use any controller, but for more reasons than I can count, I highly recommend you get your hands on a Novation Launch Control XL.
I can give you quite a few reasons that this is my controller of choice, but in this case, the software that comes with the novation launch control makes it really easy to set up controls of live tempo.
You can buy your own here.
If you do, I will receive a small commission, but it is at absolutely no extra charge to you. And I am happy to help you get set up and on your way with your Novation Launch Control XL.
The Rules
Ableton has some guidelines for how to get this done.
Rule One
You must use two buttons. Each button must be sending the same MIDI message.
Rule Two
The difference between the highest possible tempo and lowest possible tempo must be in powers of 128
Rule Three
A value of 1 increases tempo while a value of 127 decreases tempo.
Rule Four
The midi mode must be set to “relative two’s”
In your Midi Contoller Software
Head over to your Midi editing software and choose the buttons you would like to use.
In my case, I use the button left two buttons to control increasgin and decreasing tempo
Step 1.
Set Each button To the same CC value
Step 2
Set your desired decrease tempo button to send a minimum and maximum of 127
Step 3
Set your desired increase tempo button to a minimum and maximum value of 1
Pro Tip: Ableton recommends you use a value of 0 to increase tempo. I have found that using a value of zero actually doesn’t work, but using a value of one does. Go figure. So we’ll continue on using a value of 1
Step 4.
Save the new values to your controller
In Ableton
Step 1.
Enter Midi Mapping Mode.
You can do this quickly by pressing Command + M on your keyboard
Step 2
Map one button to the tempo box
Note that mapping one button will technically map them both since they are both sending the same MIDI message.
Step 3
Set the Mapping value to Relative 2’s
Step 4
Set the Minimum to 60 and the maximum to either 188, or 316
Remember the difference between the lowest number and the highest number must be set to powers of 128
Step 5
Exit Midi Mapping mode
What To do Now?
Test it! If you set everything up correctly on your controller you should have a working increase and decrease tempo button
Grab a free copy of my awesome Diatonic Chord Trigger and become a part of the Mainstage To Ableton Community.
Until Next Time, Happy Creating
-Brett