Faderfox Dj1 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Faderfox Dj1 is a highly versatile midi controller and is a powerful instrument when used in combination with Ableton Live. This midi DJ 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 Faderfox Dj1 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Dj1.

Article Contents

1. Does the Faderfox Dj1 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Faderfox Dj1 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Dj1 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Faderfox Dj1 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Dj1
   1. Saving your Dj1 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 Faderfox Dj1 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Faderfox Dj1 is usable with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Dj1 can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

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 Dj1 will be usable 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 Dj1.

Does the Faderfox Dj1 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Dj1, therefore it 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.

If you prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Dj1 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Faderfox Dj1 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 Dj1 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Dj1 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 Dj1 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Dj1 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 Dj1 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Dj1 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Faderfox Dj1 to Ableton Live using the steps provided, you can now assign the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to specific functions within Ableton Live via MIDI mapping as follows:

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 Dj1, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Dj1.
5. Moving the physical control on your Dj1 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 Dj1

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Dj1, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Dj1 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Saving your mappings can be a problem as mappings are saved with an Ableton session, so if you start a new session you will need to re-map your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Dj1 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 Dj1, 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 Dj1's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Dj1,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Dj1, 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 Dj1 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Dj1 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Dj1 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Dj1.
4. Make sure that the Dj1 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.