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

The Behringer Cmd Dv 1 is a highly versatile midi controller and is a powerful instrument when used in combination with Ableton Live. This midi DJ controller has a great selection of features that make it perfect for your Ableton Live setup.

This tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Behringer Cmd Dv 1 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Cmd Dv 1.

Article Contents

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

Does the Behringer Cmd Dv 1 work with Ableton Live?

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

The lack of a MIDI remote script in Ableton Live does not restrict users from midi mapping the Cmd Dv 1 to multiple functions inside the program.

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 Dv 1 is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Cmd Dv 1.

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

The Cmd Dv 1 doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased separately.

Ableton Live has 3 main versions, Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are very capable pieces of software, the Suite version packs more in, such as over 70GB of library sounds compared to Standard’s 10GB.

If you're looking to make sure you have the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest you go with Ableton Live Suite, as it has far more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Cmd Dv 1 to ableton

Linking the Behringer Cmd Dv 1 to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software's parameters from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the Cmd Dv 1 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Cmd Dv 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 Dv 1 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Cmd Dv 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 Dv 1 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Cmd Dv 1 will now be setup and ready to use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After successfully connecting the Behringer Cmd Dv 1 to Ableton live following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to functionality within Ableton Live by doing the following:

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 Dv 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 Dv 1.
5. Moving the physical control on your Cmd Dv 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 Dv 1

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Cmd Dv 1, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Cmd Dv 1 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Saving your mappings can be a problem as mappings are saved with an Ableton session, so if you start a new session you will need to re-map your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Cmd Dv 1 can only be assigned to a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton's internal midi mapping mode does not include every control options, options such as selected track control and selected device control unfortunately aren't possible. You can view a comprehensive list of all 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 Dv 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 Dv 1's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Cmd Dv 1,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Cmd Dv 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 Dv 1 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Cmd Dv 1 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Cmd Dv 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 Dv 1.
4. Make sure that the Cmd Dv 1 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.