# Ableton Live MacroPad Launcher
## Overview
https://youtu.be/lm_ZTL-pGts
Launch [Ableton Live](https://www.ableton.com/en/live/) clips with the MacroPad RP2040! Mechanical keyswitch clip launching is now a reality. Sync NeoPixel LEDs with your Live session via USB MIDI.
All coded in CircuitPython and customizable to suit your needs. It's the tiny little Launchpad or Push you've always dreamed of!
The basic code concept can be adapted to [Pure Data](https://puredata.info/) with [r\_cycle](https://novationmusic.com/en/news/create-your-own-rcycle-instrument) or [Max/MSP](https://cycling74.com/).
## Sync with MIDI
One of the coolest things about this project is how you can keep the MacroPad and Ableton in sync so that any clip launched in the software UI will light up the related keyswitch LED. This is accomplished with bi-directional MIDI messages.
For example, when Ableton launches a clip, it sends a MIDI message to the MacroPad to say "hey, turn the LED green, this clip is running!" It doesn't matter if the clip was launched with the hardware or software, Ableton takes care of all the LED MIDI message logic. In fact, it even encodes the LED color in the MIDI message. Clever!
## Parts
### Adafruit MacroPad RP2040 Starter Kit - 3x4 Keys + Encoder + OLED
[Adafruit MacroPad RP2040 Starter Kit - 3x4 Keys + Encoder + OLED](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5128)
Strap yourself in, we're launching in T-minus 10 seconds...Destination? A new Class M planet called MACROPAD! M here stands for Microcontroller because this 3x4 keyboard controller features the newest technology from the Raspberry Pi sector: say hello to the RP2040. It's a speedy...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5128)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5128/guides)
-or-
### Adafruit MACROPAD RP2040 Bare Bones - 3x4 Keys + Encoder + OLED
[Adafruit MACROPAD RP2040 Bare Bones - 3x4 Keys + Encoder + OLED](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5100)
Strap yourself in, we're launching in T-minus 10 seconds...Destination? A new Class M planet called MACROPAD! M here, stands for Microcontroller because this 3x4 keyboard controller features the newest technology from the Raspberry Pi sector: say hello to the RP2040. It's a speedy...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5100)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5100/guides)
### Adafruit MacroPad RP2040 Enclosure + Hardware Add-on Pack
[Adafruit MacroPad RP2040 Enclosure + Hardware Add-on Pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5103)
Dress up your Adafruit Macropad with PaintYourDragon's fabulous decorative silkscreen enclosure and hardware kit. You get the two custom PCBs that are cut to act as a protective bottom plate and and a mechanically-stabilizing keyboard plate.
Use the included M3 screws to attach the...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5103)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5103/guides)
### Kailh Mechanical Key Switches - Linear Red - 12 Pack
[Kailh Mechanical Key Switches - Linear Red - 12 Pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5122)
For crafting your very own custom keyboard, these ** Kailh Red Linear mechanical key switches** are deeee-luxe! With smooth actuation and Cherry MX compatibility, they're lovely when you want a **smooth linear ** keystroke:
- Type...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5122)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5122/guides)
### Clear Keycaps for MX Compatible Switches - 12-pack
[Clear Keycaps for MX Compatible Switches - 12-pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5068)
Here is a **12 pack** of Clear DSA keycaps for your next mechanical keyboard or [NeoKey](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=neokey&sort=BestMatch) project. Snap 'em onto any **Cherry MX or compatible switch ** to turn your
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5068)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5068/guides)
**or**
### Part: Black Windowed Lamp R4 Keycap
quantity: 12
for MX Compatible Switches
[Black Windowed Lamp R4 Keycap](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5112)
### Pink and Purple Woven USB A to USB C Cable - 1 meter long
[Pink and Purple Woven USB A to USB C Cable - 1 meter long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5153)
This cable is not only super-fashionable, with a woven pink and purple Blinka-like pattern, it's also made for USB C for our modernized breakout boards, Feathers, and more. [If you want something just like it but for Micro B, we...](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4111)
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5153)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5153/guides)
### Optional for use with 3D Printed Case
[Macropad RP2040 Case model](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4910369)
### Black Anodized Aluminum Bumper Feet - Pack of 2
[Black Anodized Aluminum Bumper Feet - Pack of 2](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5051)
Keep your electronics from going barefoot, and give them sleek cyberpunk metal feet! These aluminum bumpers are originally designed for keyboard enclosures that are made of anodized aluminum with a black rubber nubbin embedded inside for no-slip support. They're so cool looking we figure...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5051)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5051/guides)
- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/ableton-live-macropad-launcher/circuitpython.md)
## Featured Products
### Adafruit MacroPad RP2040 Enclosure + Hardware Add-on Pack
[Adafruit MacroPad RP2040 Enclosure + Hardware Add-on Pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5103)
Dress up your Adafruit Macropad with PaintYourDragon's fabulous decorative silkscreen enclosure and hardware kit. You get the two custom PCBs that are cut to act as a protective bottom plate and and a mechanically-stabilizing keyboard plate.
Use the included M3 screws to attach the...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5103)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5103/guides)
### Adafruit MACROPAD RP2040 Bare Bones - 3x4 Keys + Encoder + OLED
[Adafruit MACROPAD RP2040 Bare Bones - 3x4 Keys + Encoder + OLED](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5100)
Strap yourself in, we're launching in T-minus 10 seconds...Destination? A new Class M planet called MACROPAD! M here, stands for Microcontroller because this 3x4 keyboard controller features the newest technology from the Raspberry Pi sector: say hello to the RP2040. It's a speedy...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5100)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5100/guides)
### Adafruit MacroPad RP2040 Starter Kit - 3x4 Keys + Encoder + OLED
[Adafruit MacroPad RP2040 Starter Kit - 3x4 Keys + Encoder + OLED](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5128)
Strap yourself in, we're launching in T-minus 10 seconds...Destination? A new Class M planet called MACROPAD! M here stands for Microcontroller because this 3x4 keyboard controller features the newest technology from the Raspberry Pi sector: say hello to the RP2040. It's a speedy...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5128)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5128/guides)
### Black Windowed Lamp R4 Keycap for MX Compatible Switches
[Black Windowed Lamp R4 Keycap for MX Compatible Switches](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5112)
These stark and elegant **Black Windowed Lamp R4 Keycaps** are made of opaque black plastic with a small cutout in the south-center edge that wraps around the top and bottom. The cut-out has a clear plastic window to allow an LED installed under the switch to glow through. They...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5112)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5112/guides)
### Woven USB Cable with USB Type A to Right Angle USB Type C
[Woven USB Cable with USB Type A to Right Angle USB Type C](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5031)
Some days we're feeling extra fancy here at the 'fruit warehouse, and we have a big soft spot for woven fabric cables. Like, peep [this fully reversible pink/purple Blinka-inspired cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4111) or
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5031)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5031/guides)
### Black Anodized Aluminum Bumper Feet - Pack of 2
[Black Anodized Aluminum Bumper Feet - Pack of 2](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5051)
Keep your electronics from going barefoot, and give them sleek cyberpunk metal feet! These aluminum bumpers are originally designed for keyboard enclosures that are made of anodized aluminum with a black rubber nubbin embedded inside for no-slip support. They're so cool looking we figure...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5051)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5051/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Adafruit MacroPad RP2040](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-macropad-rp2040.md)
- [MacroPad Braille Keycaps](https://learn.adafruit.com/macropad-braille-keycaps.md)
- [MP3 Playback on RP2040 with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/mp3-playback-rp2040.md)
- [Keypad and Matrix Scanning in CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/key-pad-matrix-scanning-in-circuitpython.md)
- [MacroPad Summer Olympics Hotkeys](https://learn.adafruit.com/macropad-olympic-hotkeys.md)
- [MacroPad Remote Procedure Calls over USB to Control Home Assistant](https://learn.adafruit.com/macropad-remote-procedure-calls-over-usb-to-control-home-assistant.md)
- [Minecraft Turbopad](https://learn.adafruit.com/minecraft-turbopad.md)
- [MACROPAD Hotkeys](https://learn.adafruit.com/macropad-hotkeys.md)
- [Custom HID Devices in CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/custom-hid-devices-in-circuitpython.md)
- [An Introduction to RP2040 PIO with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/intro-to-rp2040-pio-with-circuitpython.md)
- [Using QMK on RP2040 Microcontrollers](https://learn.adafruit.com/using-qmk-on-rp2040-microcontrollers.md)
- [DIY Decorative Resin Keycaps](https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-decorative-resin-keycaps.md)
- [Zelda Echoes Of Wisdom Tri Rod](https://learn.adafruit.com/zelda-tri-rod.md)
- [Adafruit QT Py and NeoPixel LEDs](https://learn.adafruit.com/qt-py-and-neopixel-leds.md)
- [3D Printed Camera Case for MEMENTO](https://learn.adafruit.com/memento-3d-case.md)