Dj Tech Dif S2 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Dj Tech's Dif S2 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 Dj Tech Dif S2 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Dif S2.

Article Contents

Does the Dj Tech Dif S2 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Dj Tech Dif S2 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Dif S2 to ableton
How to midi map the Dj Tech Dif S2 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Dif S2
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Dj Tech Dif S2 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Dj Tech Dif S2 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Dif S2 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 Dif S2 is a MIDI enabled device, it will work with Ableton Live.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Dif S2.

Does the Dj Tech Dif S2 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Dif S2, so this must be bought separately.

There are three main versions with Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Though Intro and Standard are both comprehensive, Suite offers much more, such as 70GB of library sounds, in comparison 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 Dif S2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Dj Tech Dif S2 with Ableton Live is a relatively simple process, once you have the 2 linked together you will be able to control parameters of the software from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the Dif S2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Dif S2 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 Dif S2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Dif S2 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 Dif S2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Dif S2 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 Dj Tech Dif S2 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 Dif S2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Dif S2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Dif S2 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 Dif S2

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Dif S2, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Dif S2 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 Dif S2 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 Dif S2, 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 Dif S2's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Dif S2,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Dif S2, 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 Dif S2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Dif S2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Dif S2 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Dif S2.
4. Make sure that the Dif S2 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.