Casio Xw Dj1 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Casio's Xw Dj1 is an exceptionally flexible midi DJ controller and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi DJ controller has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Casio Xw Dj1 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Xw Dj1.

Article Contents

1. Does the Casio Xw Dj1 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Casio Xw Dj1 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Xw Dj1 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Casio Xw Dj1 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Xw Dj1
   1. Saving your Xw Dj1 Midi Mappings is cumbersome
   2. Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one
   3. Limited Ableton parameter options to map to
   4. A great solution to these problems
6. Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Casio Xw Dj1 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Casio Xw Dj1 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Xw Dj1 can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

All editions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, can be used with any device that sends out MIDI data. This is the case for all versions of Live, 9, 10, or 11. Seeing as the Xw Dj1 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

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 Xw Dj1.

Does the Casio Xw Dj1 come with ableton Live included?

The Xw Dj1 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 Xw Dj1 to ableton

Linking and configuring the Casio Xw Dj1 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 Xw Dj1 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Xw Dj1 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 Xw Dj1 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Xw Dj1 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 Xw Dj1 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Xw Dj1 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Casio Xw Dj1 to Ableton Live using the steps provided, you can now assign the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to specific functions within Ableton Live via MIDI mapping as follows:

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 Xw Dj1, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Xw Dj1.
5. Moving the physical control on your Xw Dj1 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 Xw Dj1

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Xw Dj1, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your Xw Dj1 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Be aware that when saving your mappings, they will be stored with the Ableton session. Therefore, starting a new session will require you to re-map your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Xw Dj1 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 Xw Dj1, 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 Xw Dj1's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Xw Dj1,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Xw Dj1, 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 Xw Dj1 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Xw Dj1 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Xw Dj1 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Xw Dj1.
4. Make sure that the Xw Dj1 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.