---
title: How does it works?
description: "Here is a brief description of how the KeySwitch & Expression Map basically works."
url: "https://www.swub.de/software/support/article/keyswitch-expression-map_how-does-it-works/"
updated: "2022-07-26"
category: Manual / Quick Start
tags:
  - Ableton Live
  - Introduction
  - M4L
  - Manual
  - Max For Live
  - Overview
  - Quick Start Guide
  - "Set-Up"
  - Support
  - User Guide
---

# How does it works?

### What can be switched?

The KeySwitch & Expression Map is a [Max For Live](https://www.ableton.com/en/live/max-for-live/) device which allows you to create up to 64 key switches to switch easily between different ...

- **key switches** provided by your **[VST Sound Library](https://www.swub.de/en/software/support/article/keyswitch-expression-map_set-up-with-vst-instruments/)**
- the **chain** of an Ableton Live **[instrument or effect rack](https://www.swub.de/en/software/support/article/keyswitch-expression-map_set-up-with-an-ableton-live-rack/)**
- **sound banks** or **presets** of [**external instruments**](https://www.swub.de/en/software/support/article/keyswitch-expression-map_set-up-with-an-external-instrument/) like **keyboards**, **synthesizers** and **drum pads**

![](https://www.swub.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KeySwitch-and-Expression-Map_KS-Editor_Chart_Connect_VST-plugin_External-Instrument_Ableton-Live-Rack-1024x585.png)

### Which parameters can be defined?

The device offers the possibility to assign different types of parameters to each key switch and to combine them with each other.

![](https://www.swub.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KeySwitch-and-Expression-Map_KS-Editor_Parameters.png)

- **chain value** (for the chain list of Ableton's Live Rack)
- **2 keys** (MIDI notes)
- **bank** (MSB / CC0)
- **sub bank** (LSB / CC32 / UACC)
- **program changes** (Pgm)
- **control changes** (CC#)

All defined parameters will be sent out as soon as a key switch is selected. In the [delay settings](https://www.swub.de/en/software/support/article/keyswitch-expression-map_interface/#4-toc-title) of the device, you can additionally determine whether all values should be sent out simultaneously or delayed in a certain order. This way you can make sure that the MIDI note of your melody is only sent when the rack, your VST plug-in or external instrument has completed all settings.

![](https://www.swub.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KeySwitch-and-Expression-Map_settings_delay.png)

### Four ways to control your key switches

Depending on whether you want to play live or use the KeySwitch & Expression Map for composing, you can switch your created key switches in different ways:

- **[piano](https://www.swub.de/en/software/support/article/keyswitch-expression-map_piano/)**
- **[automation envelopes](https://www.swub.de/en/software/support/article/keyswitch-expression-map_automation-envelopes/)**
- **[MIDI controller](https://www.swub.de/en/software/support/article/keyswitch-expression-map_midi-controller/)**
- **virtual control pad** (computer mouse)

![](https://www.swub.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KeySwitch-and-Expression-Map_Control-Options_Piano_MIDI-Controller_Automation-Envelopes_Virtual-Pads.png)

### MIDI Controls in the Arrangement View

The KeySwitch & Expression Map allows you to additionally choose **[MIDI controls](https://www.swub.de/en/software/support/article/keyswitch-expression-map_automation-envelopes/#6-toc-title)** in order to edit them directly in the Arrangement View by drawing **automation envelopes** with the mouse or to control and record them with a **MIDI controller**.

In the editable **custom bank**, you can distribute your most frequently used MIDI controls across eight device controls for **[instant mapping](https://www.swub.de/en/software/support/article/keyswitch-expression-map_midi-controller/#1-toc-title)**. Additionally, you can label them individually so you always know easily what they control (e.g. vibrato amount, dynamics, etc.).

The **XY controller** in the display allows you to operate two MIDI CCs simultaneously with your computer mouse.

![](https://www.swub.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KeySwitch-and-Expression-Map_4.1_Ableton_Expression_Instant-Mapping_Live-Banks_MIDI-Controls_Arrangement-View-1024x306.png)