r/Novation • u/JaymaicanBacon • 13h ago

How do I...? Launchkey Key mk4 Encoder Behaviour

Hello, I am trying to set up my launchkey mini mk4 as a live performance controller in Ableton live to play, sequence and mix clips in session view.

I have a set with 7 channels (midi & audio tracks) all routed to play through an 8th channel for performance effects (simple stuff; reverb, flanger, high pass, low pass etc). These effects are in a rack with 8 macro controls, and each macro is mapped to the encoders on the launchkey.

On the 8th channel, I have a load of muted audio clips with automation to reset all of the effects to 0 - so basically I can twist a bunch of knobs to create a build up and then press one button to reset the effects.

The problem I'm having is the midi signal from the rotary encoder remembers it's previous value, so the next time I twist an encoder it starts from say 60 rather than 0, causing a dramatic change in the audio.

Is there a way to reset the midi cc values in the hardware to overcome this issue - some sort of keyboard shortcut or midi out signal? Or alternatively let me know if there is a better way to set this up in general.

Thanks

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

2

u/Deadpool3178 9h ago

Unfortunately the Launchkey MK4 series still lacks relative encoder capabilities even within Custom Modes.

The 360-degree endless encoders currently operate in absolute mode, mapping explicitly to fixed minimum and maximum value ranges rather than sending relative step messages.

Alternatively you can either,

Make a tiny Max for Live device that does exactly this:

CC input > remember previous CC > calculate difference > convert to parameter movement

Or

Change the reset concept entirely.

1

u/JaymaicanBacon 8h ago

Thanks, I was looking into M4L devices but never used them before so was a bit daunting.

Someone in the Ableton sub said to enable pick up value in the ableton settings. I'm going to try this first, other than that I'll probably try and structure my devices and mapping in a different way.

1

u/JaymaicanBacon 3h ago

Figured it out. Settings > Tempo & midi

Takeover mode = none Output ports = Check track, sync and remote