Ben Robison

What is the path for the Multi-Purpose Transport Button for live.path / live.object in an audio or midi track? And what is the message to rec/play/overdub?

I.e. to arm a track one sets the path with "path live_set tracks $1" to live.path then use the message "set arm" to arm the track.

What is the equivilent for the Looper audio effect MPTB.

path-for-audio-effect-looper-multi-purpose-transport-button

I can't remember the parameter number off the top of my head, but there's a parameter for looper state that can be set.

'Set value 0' for stop. 'set value 1' for play, etc

I can't remember the parameter number off  the top of my head, but there's a parameter for looper state that can be set.
'Set value 0' for stop. 'set value 1' for play, etc
The path would be something like
Live_set tracks 0 devices 0 parameters x


As far as I know, the Looper transport button isn't open to the Live API. But yes the Looper state is available.

Here is a device I made recently to control Looper and extend its capabilities. Just place it after a Looper device on any type of track. I will be adding a demonstration video to my website soon.

As far as I know, the Looper transport button isn't open to the Live API. But yes the Looper state is available. 

Here is a device I made recently to control Looper and extend its capabilities. Just place it after a Looper device on any type of track. I will be adding a demonstration video to my website soon.


Made a few tweaks and killed a few bugs. Here is the updated version.

I've found out you use mandatory start_playing on live_set object. It seems, that you made because State parameter change doesn't do anything on Looper Device when Live are stopped. Am I right?

Great work, Ian!
I've found out you use mandatory start_playing on live_set object. It seems, that you made because State parameter change doesn't do anything on Looper Device when Live are stopped. Am I right?

Sorry I didn't see this until now. Yes, you are correct.

Thanks Ian for sharing you’re device ! 

Like Ben, I’m searching to acces the Multi-Purpose Transport Button via M4L : I really like the fonction of the looper that set the tempo automatically in fonction of the lenght of the loop. 

For the moment, my solution (on mac) is to map a ctlin of IAC bus 1, and then send some ctlout from max to IAC bus 1. It work, but you need to map each looper via midi learn which is pretty annoying. 

Does anybody have a solution to acces it via live.path, or via max for live in general ?

Hi ! 

Thanks Ian for sharing you’re device ! 

Like Ben, I’m searching to acces the Multi-Purpose Transport Button via M4L : I really like the fonction of the looper that set the tempo automatically in fonction of the lenght of the loop. 

For the moment, my solution (on mac) is to map a ctlin of IAC bus 1, and then send some ctlout from max to IAC bus 1. It work, but you need to map each looper via midi learn which is pretty annoying. 

Does anybody have a solution to acces it via live.path, or via max for live in general ?


HI @iandicke, thank you so much for sharing!

Do you know if today in newer ableton live versions is possible to map de multifunction button? ( or the clear and undo actions? ) 

Do you know if its possible to avoid forcing loop length as in the original looper with the "x bars" option via your max device?

HI @iandicke, thank you so much for sharing!
Did you improve this device since 2020?
Do you know if today in newer ableton live versions is possible to map de multifunction button? ( or the clear and undo actions? ) 
Do you know if its possible to avoid forcing loop length as in the original looper with the "x bars" option via your max device?
Best regards!


Sorry that I haven't kept up with this little device since 2017! 

It appears the changes made to Looper make my original patch unnecessary, except the greater loop length options (odd numbers of bars, etc.) in my version.

Path for audio effect "looper" Multi-Purpose Transport Button