Behringer Cmd Dc 1 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Behringer's Cmd Dc 1 is a fantastically adaptable midi DJ controller that is extremely useful when coupled with Ableton Live. This device has a great range of features, making it ideal as an Ableton Live controller.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Behringer Cmd Dc 1 with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Cmd Dc 1.

Article Contents

Does the Behringer Cmd Dc 1 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Behringer Cmd Dc 1 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Cmd Dc 1 to ableton
How to midi map the Behringer Cmd Dc 1 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Cmd Dc 1
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Behringer Cmd Dc 1 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Behringer Cmd Dc 1 is usable with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Cmd Dc 1 to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

All versions of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, standard and suite can be used in conjunction with pretty much any device which sends MIDI data, and it will work with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. As the Cmd Dc 1 is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live's components with your Cmd Dc 1.

Does the Behringer Cmd Dc 1 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not provided with the Cmd Dc 1, so it needs to be purchased separately.

There are three main versions with Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Though Intro and Standard are both comprehensive, Suite offers much more, such as 70GB of library sounds, in comparison to Standard's 10GB.

For those seeking the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we highly suggest purchasing Ableton Live Suite, as it offers significantly more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Cmd Dc 1 to ableton

Linking and configuring the Behringer Cmd Dc 1 to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software's settings from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the Cmd Dc 1 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Cmd Dc 1 and your computer.
2. Launch Ableton Live and open the MIDI preferences.
Double click the Ableton Live icon to launch the software. Then, in the top menu of Ableton, go to the Preferences menu by opening the ‘Live’ menu and clicking ‘Preferences’.
3. Select the Cmd Dc 1 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Cmd Dc 1 are checked.
4. Ensure that the ‘Track’, ‘Remote’ and ‘Sync’ boxes are all checked.
In the ‘MIDI’ section of this tab, make sure the ‘Track’ and ‘Remote’ boxes are checked for both the Input and Output of the Cmd Dc 1 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Cmd Dc 1 is all set and can now be used with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Upon making a successful connection between the Behringer Cmd Dc 1 and Ableton Live using the instructions above, you can now use MIDI mapping to allocate the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their respective functions in Ableton Live like this:

1. Select the MIDI Map Mode button in the top right corner of the Live window. The button should turn orange, indicating that the MIDI Map Mode is enabled.
2. Select the parameter you wish to control in Ableton by clicking it with the cursor, the parameter will become highlighted.
3. Move a control on the Cmd Dc 1, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Cmd Dc 1.
5. Moving the physical control on your Cmd Dc 1 will now move the position of the corresponding parameter in Ableton.
6. Repeat steps 2 - 4 for any other parameters you wish to map.
7. When you’re finished mapping, press the MIDI Map Mode button again to disable it.

The Limitations of midi mapping the Cmd Dc 1

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Cmd Dc 1, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your Cmd Dc 1 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

It is important to note that your mappings are stored with the Ableton session when saving. Consequently, when you create a new session, you will have to remap your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Cmd Dc 1 can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

When using Ableton's internal midi mapping mode, unfortunately now all options are available, controls such as selected track and selected device control aren't currently possible. View a full list of Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Cmd Dc 1, our Ableton Midi Script Creator tool 'Control Surface Studio' is exactly what you need!
With it, you'll be able to:
- save and re-use your Cmd Dc 1's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Cmd Dc 1,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Cmd Dc 1, than Live's internal midi mapping mode allows.

Learn more about Control Surface Studio and see how it can help you by clicking here!

FAQ / Troubleshooting

Why can't I hear my Cmd Dc 1 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Cmd Dc 1 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Cmd Dc 1 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Cmd Dc 1.
4. Make sure that the Cmd Dc 1 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.