How to MIDI Map UJAM Plugin Controls to Your MIDI Keyboard in Ableton Live

Step 1: Verify UJAM Plugin Installation and Detection in Ableton Live ✅ 1.1 Confirm Plugin Installation ✅ 1.2 Rescan Plugins in Ableton Live Step 2: Load the UJAM Plugin Onto a MIDI Track Step 3: Reveal and Configure Parameters for MIDI Mapping ✅ 3.1 Access Device Parameters ✅ 3.2 Add Parameters Using the Configure Button Step 4: Enter MIDI Mapping Mode in Ableton Live Step 5: Test the MIDI Mappings Step 6: Save Your Mappings as a User Preset (Optional but Recommended) Advanced Tips & Considerations 🎛 Using External MIDI Controllers 🎚 Dealing with UJAM Plugins that Don’t Support MIDI Learn Natively 💡 Maximizing Performance 🎼 Automating UJAM Plugin Parameters in Arrangement View Troubleshooting Common Issues Conclusion

 

Integrating UJAM plugins with your favorite MIDI keyboard in Ableton Live is a straightforward yet powerful way to enhance your workflow and bring intuitive, hands-on control to your music production. Whether you're working with UJAM’s virtual instruments or effects like Virtual Guitarist, Beatmaker, or Finisher FX, MIDI mapping lets you manipulate key parameters in real time.

Below is a comprehensive guide on how to set up MIDI mappings for UJAM plugins inside Ableton Live, ensuring you get the most responsive and dynamic performance possible.

 

Step 1: Verify UJAM Plugin Installation and Detection in Ableton Live

Before mapping begins, ensure that Ableton Live properly recognizes your UJAM plugins.

✅ 1.1 Confirm Plugin Installation

• Windows Default Plugin Paths:
  
  
  • 64-bit VST2:
    C:\Program Files\VstPlugins\UJAM\*PluginName*

 

• 64-bit VST3:
  C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\UJAM\*PluginName*

• macOS Default Plugin Paths:

• VST2:
  /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/
• VST3:
  /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/

👉 Ensure the correct format (VST2 or VST3) is installed depending on what version Ableton Live supports or what your workflow requires.

✅ 1.2 Rescan Plugins in Ableton Live

1. Open Ableton Live.
2. Go to Preferences:
   • Windows: Ctrl + ,
   • macOS: Cmd + ,
3. Select the Plug-Ins tab.
4. Make sure the correct plugin folders are enabled:
   • System Folders for VST2 and VST3
   • Add any Custom Folders if your UJAM plugins are installed elsewhere.
5. Click Rescan.
   • For a deep rescan, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) while clicking Rescan.

Once scanned successfully, UJAM plugins should appear in your Ableton Browser under Plug-ins.

 

Step 2: Load the UJAM Plugin Onto a MIDI Track

1. In Ableton's Browser, locate your UJAM plugin under Plug-Ins.
2. Drag the plugin onto a new MIDI track.
3. Open the plugin window to access its interface.

 

Step 3: Reveal and Configure Parameters for MIDI Mapping

By default, not all plugin parameters are immediately available for mapping in Ableton.

✅ 3.1 Access Device Parameters

• Click the small triangle icon to the left of the plugin name on the device strip. This reveals the automation lane where parameters can show up. 

✅ 3.2 Add Parameters Using the Configure Button

1. Click Configure (the green button) on the device interface in Ableton.
2. Adjust any control (knob, slider, switch) inside the UJAM plugin interface that you want to map.
3. Each manipulated parameter will appear in the Ableton device view as a mappable control.

👉 Pro Tip:
You can now rename these parameters in Ableton for clarity (e.g., "Drive," "Reverb Amount").

 

Step 4: Enter MIDI Mapping Mode in Ableton Live

1. Press Ctrl + M (Windows) or Cmd + M (Mac) to enable MIDI mapping mode. 

2. Click on the parameter you wish to map.
3. Move the desired knob, fader, or control on your MIDI keyboard/controller.
   • Ableton will detect the MIDI message and assign it to the parameter.
4. Repeat this process for additional parameters.
5. Exit MIDI mapping mode by pressing Ctrl + M (Windows) or Cmd + M (Mac) again.

👉 Pro Tip:
For more precise control, adjust the Min/Max values for the mapping range in Ableton’s Mapping Browser.

 

Step 5: Test the MIDI Mappings

• Move your MIDI keyboard’s control and confirm the corresponding parameter in the UJAM plugin responds as expected.
• If necessary, fine-tune the response by adjusting:
  • Parameter Ranges (in the Mapping Browser)
  • MIDI Control Settings (on your keyboard or in your MIDI preferences)

 

Step 6: Save Your Mappings as a User Preset (Optional but Recommended)

Once you've configured your mappings:

1. Click the disk icon in the device title bar to save your UJAM plugin as a Device Preset.
2. Name the preset (e.g., "UJAM Virtual Guitarist - Mapped") and save it in your User Library.

Now you can reload your mappings quickly in future sessions!

 

Advanced Tips & Considerations

🎛 Using External MIDI Controllers

• While your MIDI keyboard often has knobs and sliders, you can integrate additional controllers (like Akai MPK, Novation Launch Control, or Arturia Beatstep) for more tactile control.

🎚 Dealing with UJAM Plugins that Don’t Support MIDI Learn Natively

• UJAM plugins don’t always offer MIDI Learn inside the plugin GUI.
• Ableton’s Configure + MIDI Mapping method is the best workaround, as explained in the steps above​.

💡 Maximizing Performance

• If you’re experiencing MIDI latency, ensure your MIDI device has the latest firmware and that your Ableton MIDI Preferences are optimized for low latency.

🎼 Automating UJAM Plugin Parameters in Arrangement View

• Any mapped or configured parameter can also be automated in Ableton’s Arrangement View by enabling automation lanes and drawing or recording movements.

 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

 

Conclusion

MIDI mapping UJAM plugins to your favorite MIDI keyboard in Ableton Live empowers you with hands-on control, bringing your performances and productions to life. Whether tweaking effects live or dialing in parameters while composing, following these steps ensures a smooth and customizable workflow.

Here is a step by step video about it