Faderfox Ds3 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Faderfox's Ds3 is an exceptionally flexible midi controller and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi controller has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Faderfox Ds3 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Ds3.

Article Contents

1. Does the Faderfox Ds3 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Faderfox Ds3 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Ds3 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Faderfox Ds3 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Ds3
   1. Saving your Ds3 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 Ds3 work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Faderfox Ds3 is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Ds3 to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

All versions of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, standard and suite can be used in conjunction with pretty much any device which sends MIDI data, and it will work with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. As the Ds3 is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Ds3.

Does the Faderfox Ds3 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Ds3, so this must be bought 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 Ds3 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Faderfox Ds3 with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they're connected you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Ds3 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Ds3 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 Ds3 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Ds3 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 Ds3 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Ds3 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 Faderfox Ds3 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 Ds3, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Ds3.
5. Moving the physical control on your Ds3 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 Ds3

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Ds3, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Ds3 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

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Ds3 can only be assigned to 1 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 Ds3, 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 Ds3's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Ds3,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Ds3, 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 Ds3 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Ds3 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Ds3 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Ds3.
4. Make sure that the Ds3 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.