Faderfox Dj4 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Faderfox's Dj4 is a fantastically adaptable midi DJ controller that is extremely useful when coupled with Ableton Live. This device has a great range of features, making it ideal as an Ableton Live controller.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Faderfox Dj4 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Dj4.

Article Contents

1. Does the Faderfox Dj4 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Faderfox Dj4 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Dj4 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Faderfox Dj4 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Dj4
   1. Saving your Dj4 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 Dj4 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Faderfox Dj4 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Dj4 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 Dj4 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 Dj4.

Does the Faderfox Dj4 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Dj4, 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.

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 Dj4 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Faderfox Dj4 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 Dj4 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Dj4 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 Dj4 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Dj4 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 Dj4 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Dj4 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Faderfox Dj4 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 Dj4, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Dj4.
5. Moving the physical control on your Dj4 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 Dj4

For the fastest way to map your Dj4, you can't go wrong with Ableton's midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations...

Saving your Dj4 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 Dj4 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 provide every control option, so options such as controlling the selected track or selected device aren't possible. A full list of Ableton midi mapping options can be found here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Dj4, 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 Dj4's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Dj4,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Dj4, 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 Dj4 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Dj4 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Dj4 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Dj4.
4. Make sure that the Dj4 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.