Denon Dn X300 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Dn X300 from Denon is an incredibly versatile midi DJ controller and is a powerful tool when used in combination with Ableton Live. The Akai MPK Mini has a wealth of features that make it perfect for use with Ableton Live.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Denon Dn X300 with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Dn X300.

Article Contents

1. Does the Denon Dn X300 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Denon Dn X300 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Dn X300 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Denon Dn X300 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Dn X300
   1. Saving your Dn X300 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 Denon Dn X300 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Denon Dn X300 is usable with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Dn X300 to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

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 Dn X300 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 Dn X300.

Does the Denon Dn X300 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not provided with the Dn X300, so it needs to be purchased separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Although Intro and Standard are both powerful, Suite offers extra features, such as 70GB of library sounds, in contrast 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 Dn X300 to ableton

Connecting the Denon Dn X300 with Ableton Live is pretty simple, and when the two are linked you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the Dn X300 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Dn X300 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 Dn X300 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Dn X300 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 Dn X300 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Dn X300 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 Denon Dn X300 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 Dn X300, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Dn X300.
5. Moving the physical control on your Dn X300 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 Dn X300

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Dn X300, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Dn X300 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Mappings are saved along with your Ableton session. Therefore, if a new session is created, you must re-map all of your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Dn X300 can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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 Dn X300, 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 Dn X300's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Dn X300,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Dn X300, 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 Dn X300 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Dn X300 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Dn X300 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Dn X300.
4. Make sure that the Dn X300 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.