Ableton/Live/UG/17 Routing and IO/03 External MIDI In-Out/01 MIDI Port Inputs and Outputs
- Settings → Link, Tempo & MIDI lists every MIDI input and output port. Each can be used by any number of tracks.
17.3.1.1 Track
- Sends or receives notes and CC messages.
- Turn it on for an input to play or record notes, or to record CC from a hardware synth into clips.
- Turn it on for an output to play external hardware, send notes to another app through a virtual MIDI bus, or send CC automation out.
- A controller's output port needs Track only if the controller makes its own sound.
17.3.1.2 Sync
- Sends or receives MIDI Clock, or receives MIDI Timecode. A controller needs it only if it has a sequencer or arpeggiator.
- Input: to follow an external sequencer, drum machine, groovebox or another DAW. Output: to drive those from Live, or to sync an external synth's LFO and arpeggiator.
- Expanding an output port with Sync on shows more options:
- MIDI Clock Sync Delay — delays outgoing sync in milliseconds to fix timing offsets.
- MIDI Clock Type — Song sends Song Position Pointer and Continue whenever the play position changes; Pattern sends only Start, at the next bar, for devices that ignore SPP.
- Hardware Resync — what the Control Bar's Resync External Hardware button sends to bring synced gear that has fallen out of time back in line: Stop and Start (default), Start Only, or Don't Resync.
17.3.1.3 Remote
- Lets a controller map to Live's parameters, and sends feedback back to it.
- Input: for custom MIDI mappings, or to launch clips from a keyboard. Launchpad/Custom/Mode/1 Arrangement needs Remote on for the Launchpad's input.
- Output: for controllers whose LEDs or motorised faders show the state of mapped parameters.
