Faderfox Dj3 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Faderfox's Dj3 is an incredibly multi-faceted midi controller and is a powerful addition to any Ableton Live setup. This midi DJ controller has a wealth of features that make it ideal for use with Ableton Live.

This tutorial will show you the whole process of how to operate the Faderfox Dj3 with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Dj3.

Article Contents

1. Does the Faderfox Dj3 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Faderfox Dj3 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Dj3 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Faderfox Dj3 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Dj3
   1. Saving your Dj3 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 Dj3 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Faderfox Dj3 is usable with Ableton Live.

The lack of a MIDI remote script in Ableton Live does not restrict users from midi mapping the Dj3 to multiple functions inside the program.

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 Dj3 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

Making your own midi mappings is a breeze with Ableton Live, which gives you the ability to control a lot of components of the software with your Dj3.

Does the Faderfox Dj3 come with ableton Live included?

The Dj3 doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased 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.

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 Dj3 to ableton

Linking the Faderfox Dj3 to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software's parameters from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the Dj3 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Dj3 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 Dj3 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Dj3 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 Dj3 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Dj3 will now be setup and ready to use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After successfully connecting the Faderfox Dj3 to Ableton live following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to functionality within 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 Dj3, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Dj3.
5. Moving the physical control on your Dj3 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 Dj3

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Dj3, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Dj3 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

It is important to note that your mappings are stored with the Ableton session when saving. Consequently, when you create a new session, you will have to remap your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Dj3 can only be assigned to a single parameter in Ableton Live.

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 Dj3, 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 Dj3's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Dj3,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Dj3, 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 Dj3 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Dj3 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Dj3 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Dj3.
4. Make sure that the Dj3 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.