Denon Sc2000 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Denon's Sc2000 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.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Denon Sc2000 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Sc2000.

Article Contents

1. Does the Denon Sc2000 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Denon Sc2000 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Sc2000 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Denon Sc2000 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Sc2000
   1. Saving your Sc2000 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 Sc2000 work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Denon Sc2000 is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Sc2000 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 Sc2000 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

You can create your own Ableton midi mappings with ease, giving you the power to control many of the features of Ableton Live with your Sc2000.

Does the Denon Sc2000 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Sc2000, 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 Sc2000 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Denon Sc2000 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 Sc2000 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Sc2000 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 Sc2000 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Sc2000 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 Sc2000 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Sc2000 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 Sc2000 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 Sc2000, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Sc2000.
5. Moving the physical control on your Sc2000 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 Sc2000

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Sc2000, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Sc2000 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 control on your Sc2000 can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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 Sc2000, 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 Sc2000's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Sc2000,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Sc2000, 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 Sc2000 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Sc2000 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Sc2000 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Sc2000.
4. Make sure that the Sc2000 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.