Ableton Live Troubleshooting

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If something isn't working between the Auriteq controller and Ableton Live, check the common issues below - each one includes a step-by-step solution.

Issue 1: Controller not responding or not connected

Problem

The Auriteq controller is connected to your computer, but Ableton Live does not respond. You may notice:

  • The controller does not control Ableton
  • Play, stop, mute, solo, or track controls do not work
  • Plugin control does not work
  • The controller works in the Auriteq app, but not inside Ableton
  • The controller seems like it is not routed to Ableton

Cause

This usually means the Auriteq controller has not been fully connected to Ableton Live yet. Ableton needs to see Auriteq as a Control Surface — this is different from a normal MIDI keyboard or controller input. If Auriteq is not selected in Ableton's Control Surface settings, the controller cannot communicate properly.

Solution

Step 1: Open the Auriteq app

Open the Auriteq app on your computer.

Step 2: Select Ableton Live

Go to the settings section and select Ableton Live as your DAW.

Step 3: Click Connect

Click the Connect button in the Auriteq app. This installs or updates the required Ableton integration.

Step 4: Restart Ableton Live

Close Ableton Live completely, then open it again.

Step 5: Open Ableton's MIDI settings

In Ableton Live, go to: Settings / Preferences → Link, Tempo & MIDI

Step 6: Set Auriteq as a Control Surface

In the Control Surface section, select Auriteq. Then set the correct input and output ports for Auriteq. Both input and output need to be assigned.

Step 7: Test basic controls

Try basic controls: Play, Stop, Track selection, Mute, Solo. If these work, the controller is connected correctly.

⚠ Auriteq may not appear as a normal MIDI input in the lower MIDI ports section. This is normal. The important part is that Auriteq is selected as a Control Surface.

Still not working?

  1. Close Ableton Live
  2. Close the Auriteq app
  3. Reopen the Auriteq app
  4. Select Ableton Live and click Connect again
  5. Reopen Ableton Live
  6. Check Link, Tempo & MIDI again

If it still does not work, contact support and include: your operating system, Ableton Live version, Auriteq app version, and a screenshot of Ableton's Link, Tempo & MIDI settings.

Issue 2: Toggle plugin view button does not work

Problem

The Auriteq controller is connected to Ableton Live and most functions work, but the Toggle Plugin View button does not open or close the plugin window. You may notice:

  • Plugin control works, but the plugin window does not open
  • Pressing the Toggle Plugin View button does nothing
  • The button works sometimes but not reliably
  • Other Ableton functions work, but this specific button does not

Cause

The Toggle Plugin View button uses Ableton Live's own shortcut: Cmd + Option + P. Because this action is triggered through a keyboard shortcut, macOS needs to allow the Auriteq app to control your computer using Accessibility permissions. Without this permission, macOS may block Auriteq from sending the shortcut.

Solution

Step 1: Open macOS System Settings

Open System Settings.

Step 2: Go to Accessibility permissions

Go to Privacy & Security → Accessibility.

Step 3: Add the Auriteq app

Make sure the Auriteq app is listed and enabled. If it is not listed:

  1. Click the + button
  2. Add the Auriteq app from your Applications folder
  3. Enable the switch next to Auriteq

Step 4: Add Ableton Live as well

Also make sure Ableton Live is listed and enabled in the same Accessibility section. If not listed, add it the same way.

Step 5: Restart everything

  1. Quit Ableton Live
  2. Quit the Auriteq app
  3. Open the Auriteq app again
  4. Open Ableton Live again

Step 6: Test the button

Select a track with a plugin, then press the Toggle Plugin View button on the controller. The plugin window should now open or close.

Why this permission is needed: Ableton does not currently provide a direct API function for opening/closing plugin windows. Auriteq uses Ableton's own shortcut for this specific action, which requires Accessibility permission.

Still not working?

Check that the shortcut works manually in Ableton: Cmd + Option + P. If it doesn't work manually either, Ableton may be using a different keyboard layout or shortcut configuration.

If the shortcut works manually but not from the controller, contact support and include: your macOS version, Ableton Live version, Auriteq app version, and a screenshot of System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility showing Auriteq and Ableton enabled.

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Still need help?

If you’re still experiencing issues, please contact us at support@auriteq.com and tell us your problem. Please include in your email:

  • What DAW and version you’re using
  • What OS you have (Mac or Windows) and which version
  • If you’re on a Mac, whether you have an Intel or Apple Silicon processor