Denon Djs C2900 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Denon's Djs C2900 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 teach you everything needed in order to use the Denon Djs C2900 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Djs C2900.

Article Contents

Does the Denon Djs C2900 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Denon Djs C2900 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Djs C2900 to ableton
How to midi map the Denon Djs C2900 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Djs C2900
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Denon Djs C2900 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Denon Djs C2900 is usable with Ableton Live.

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Djs C2900 to a variety of functions.

Any edition of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, will be compatible with any device that transmits MIDI data. This works for all editions of Live, for instance 9, 10, and 11. As the Djs C2900 is a MIDI enabled device, it will work with Ableton Live.

Making your own midi mappings is a breeze with Ableton Live, which gives you the ability to control a lot of components of the software with your Djs C2900.

Does the Denon Djs C2900 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Djs C2900, so this must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are highly functional, Suite includes an additional 70GB library of sounds, in comparison to Standard's 10GB.

Ableton Live Suite includes many more Audio and MIDI effects compared to Standard, so if you want to ensure you have everything, we recommend going with Ableton Live Suite.

How to connect the Djs C2900 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Denon Djs C2900 with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they're connected you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the Djs C2900 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Djs C2900 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 Djs C2900 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Djs C2900 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 Djs C2900 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Djs C2900 has been configured and is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Once you have connected the Denon Djs C2900 to Ableton Live by following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to the corresponding functions in 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 Djs C2900, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Djs C2900.
5. Moving the physical control on your Djs C2900 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 Djs C2900

For the fastest way to map your Djs C2900, you can't go wrong with Ableton's midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations...

Saving your Djs C2900 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 Djs C2900 can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode is unfortunately missing many control options. Options such as selected track and selected device control aren’t possible using this method. You can see a list of all available Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Djs C2900, 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 Djs C2900's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Djs C2900,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Djs C2900, 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 Djs C2900 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Djs C2900 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Djs C2900 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Djs C2900.
4. Make sure that the Djs C2900 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.