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Set up KnobShift in Ableton Live

Setup2 min read

In Ableton Live, KnobShift connects through a remote script called KnobShiftRemote. It reports the device you currently have selected in Live to KnobShift Companion, and the iPad shows that device's controls.

Before you start

How do you enable KnobShiftRemote?

  1. Quit Ableton Live if it's running, then start it again.
  2. Open Settings → Link, Tempo & MIDI.
  3. In an empty row under Control Surface, select KnobShiftRemote.
  4. Set that row's Input and Output to None.

The script looks for the Companion about every two seconds. If the Companion is already running, it connects right away.

What can you control?

  • Select a track in Live and a device on it. The iPad shows that device's parameters as Live provides them.
  • This works with Ableton's own instruments and effects too.
  • When you change the track or device, the iPad follows automatically.
  • Track name and track color from Live appear in the KnobShift app.
  • The power icon at the top of the app turns the device on or off.

Tip: You can also insert the KnobShift Bridge (VST3 or AU) as a device in Live and load a plugin into it. A bridge reports itself to the Companion, so the remote script skips it.

What if KnobShiftRemote is missing?

The installer only copies the script automatically if an Ableton User Library already exists at ~/Music/Ableton/User Library. If you installed Live after KnobShift, or your library lives somewhere else, copy the script yourself. Open Terminal and enter:

mkdir -p ~/"Music/Ableton/User Library/Remote Scripts"
cp -R "/Library/Application Support/KnobShift/Ableton/KnobShiftRemote" ~/"Music/Ableton/User Library/Remote Scripts/"

Then restart Live and select KnobShiftRemote as described above.

Note: If your User Library is in a different location, adjust the destination path. What matters is the Remote Scripts subfolder.

Dashboards for Ableton Live

KnobShift detects whether a plugin is running in Logic Pro or in Ableton Live. That means you can create a separate dashboard for the same synth that only appears in Live, for example a performance layout. More in Create, share and import dashboards.

If the connection doesn't work, go through the troubleshooting guide or ask in the forum.

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn't KnobShiftRemote show up in the control surface list?

Usually Live wasn't restarted after installation, or the script isn't in the Remote Scripts folder of your Ableton User Library. Copy it there manually and restart Live.

Can KnobShift control Ableton's own instruments?

Yes. The remote script reports any device you select in Live, including Ableton's own instruments and effects.

Which MIDI input and output should I choose for KnobShiftRemote?

None. The script talks directly to KnobShift Companion, so input and output stay set to None.

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