How to sync external hardware

Sync external MIDI hardware and drum machines with Ableton Live using MIDI clock and transport controls.

Getting Started · intermediate level

Steps

  1. Connect your hardware

    Connect your external hardware to your computer via USB or a MIDI interface. Make sure the device appears in Live's MIDI Preferences.

  2. Enable MIDI sync output

    Go to Preferences > Link, Tempo & MIDI. Find your device in the MIDI Ports list and enable Sync for the Output port.

  3. Configure sync settings

    Click the Sync button next to your device to open sync settings. Ensure MIDI Clock is enabled and set any needed MIDI Clock Offset.

  4. Start playback

    Press Play in Ableton — your external hardware should now follow Ableton's tempo and transport. The external device will start and stop with Live.

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