Faderfox Dj2 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Faderfox Dj2 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 Faderfox Dj2 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Dj2.

Article Contents

Does the Faderfox Dj2 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Faderfox Dj2 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Dj2 to ableton
How to midi map the Faderfox Dj2 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Dj2
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Faderfox Dj2 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Faderfox Dj2 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Dj2 can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.

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 Dj2 is a MIDI enabled device, it will work 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 Dj2.

Does the Faderfox Dj2 come with ableton Live included?

The Dj2 does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

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.

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 Dj2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Faderfox Dj2 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 Dj2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Dj2 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 Dj2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Dj2 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 Dj2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Dj2 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Faderfox Dj2 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 Dj2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Dj2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Dj2 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 Dj2

For the fastest way to map your Dj2, you can't go wrong with Ableton's midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations...

Saving your Dj2 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Be aware that when saving your mappings, they will be stored with the Ableton session. Therefore, starting a new session will require you to re-map your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Dj2 can only be assigned to 1 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 Dj2, 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 Dj2's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Dj2,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Dj2, 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 Dj2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Dj2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Dj2 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Dj2.
4. Make sure that the Dj2 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.