DJ Tech Tools Midi Fighter 64 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The DJ Tech Tools Midi Fighter 64 is a highly versatile midi controller and is a powerful instrument when used in combination with Ableton Live. This midi controller has a great selection of features that make it perfect for your Ableton Live setup.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the DJ Tech Tools Midi Fighter 64 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Midi Fighter 64.

Article Contents

1. Does the DJ Tech Tools Midi Fighter 64 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the DJ Tech Tools Midi Fighter 64 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Midi Fighter 64 to ableton
4. How to midi map the DJ Tech Tools Midi Fighter 64 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Midi Fighter 64
   1. Saving your Midi Fighter 64 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 DJ Tech Tools Midi Fighter 64 work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the DJ Tech Tools Midi Fighter 64 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Midi Fighter 64 to midi map to numerous functions in 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 Midi Fighter 64 will be usable with Ableton Live.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Midi Fighter 64.

Does the DJ Tech Tools Midi Fighter 64 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Midi Fighter 64, so this must be bought 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 who want to guarantee they have access to the largest selection of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest investing in Ableton Live Suite, as it has a much larger selection than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Midi Fighter 64 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the DJ Tech Tools Midi Fighter 64 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 controller.

1. Connect the Midi Fighter 64 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Midi Fighter 64 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 Midi Fighter 64 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Midi Fighter 64 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 Midi Fighter 64 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Midi Fighter 64 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 DJ Tech Tools Midi Fighter 64 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 Midi Fighter 64, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Midi Fighter 64.
5. Moving the physical control on your Midi Fighter 64 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 Midi Fighter 64

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Midi Fighter 64, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Midi Fighter 64 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 indicates that each control on your Midi Fighter 64 is capable of controlling only one parameter in Ableton Live.

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 Midi Fighter 64, 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 Midi Fighter 64's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Midi Fighter 64,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Midi Fighter 64, 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 Midi Fighter 64 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Midi Fighter 64 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Midi Fighter 64 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Midi Fighter 64.
4. Make sure that the Midi Fighter 64 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.