Denon Prime Go Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Denon Prime Go is a versatile midi DJ controller and when used alongside Ableton Live, it's an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi DJ controller is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

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

Article Contents

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

Does the Denon Prime Go work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Denon Prime Go is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Prime Go can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.

All forms of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, Standard and Suite, can work with practically any instrument that sends out MIDI data, and it will be compatible with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. Due to this, the Prime Go will be usable with Ableton Live.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Prime Go.

Does the Denon Prime Go come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Prime Go, therefore it must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Even though Intro and Standard are both effective, Suite offers a lot more, including 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 Prime Go to ableton

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

The Prime Go is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Denon Prime Go to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

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

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Prime Go, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Prime Go Midi Mappings is cumbersome

When saving an Ableton session, your mappings will be saved as part of that session. Therefore, if you create a new session, you will need to remap your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Prime Go 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 Prime Go, 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 Prime Go's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Prime Go,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Prime Go, 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 Prime Go in Ableton Live?

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