Ableton Forum

Are there alternatives to automap out there? i.e. automatically mapping controllers with little screens that tell you what the controls are mapped to. And have a keyboard on?

I know about mackie control but they just make mixer-type controllers, not keyboards.

What controller are you using?

I have avoided automap l because I find it interferes with my ability to map controllers.

Live's own mapping facility, plus scripts like SelectedTrackControl, give me all the mapping ability I need.

But, different strokes for different folks - if automap works for you, why abandon it?

I haven't used automap yet, I'm considering buying a remote sl mk2. Previously I have used bcr2000 and emu x board (including with mackie control emulation which I found unsatisfying). I still use the BCR for live gigs. But I'd like to add something that gives me a bit more hands on control over vsts when producing, ideally without having to map things manually. Automap sounds cool but a lot of people seem to have problems with it, hence I'd like to know what alternatives are out there before charging ahead with it. Does that help?

edit (looking at your sig) I just got rid of an access virus ti, because I like the portability/integration/flexibility of softsynths better. But, in an ideal world I'd like a controller that gives me that level of control over my softsynths.

Personally I found Automap hellishly frustrating. I had the impression that some of that was because of interference between automap and Live's own MIDI mapping. It was not a fun experience, and on two occasions I returned a Novation controller to the shop becuase it was such a pain.

At present I use SelectedTrackControl (http://stc.wiffbi.com/), which gives me very nice and direct control over a whole range of Live functions including almost everything in the selected track, plus direct control over a rack / drum-rack macro controls. STC can work with almost any controller, particularly if you are able to edit the codes your controller is sending to Live. In addition to my Push, I have an Akai LD8 (a fabulous little piece of kit) and an MPD32 (also good, but clunkier).