Gemini Ctrl 7 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Gemini's Ctrl 7 is an exceptionally flexible midi DJ controller and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi DJ controller has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Gemini Ctrl 7 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Ctrl 7.

Article Contents

1. Does the Gemini Ctrl 7 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Gemini Ctrl 7 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Ctrl 7 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Gemini Ctrl 7 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Ctrl 7
   1. Saving your Ctrl 7 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 Gemini Ctrl 7 work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Gemini Ctrl 7 is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Ctrl 7 can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

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 Ctrl 7 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Ctrl 7.

Does the Gemini Ctrl 7 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Ctrl 7, therefore it 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 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 Ctrl 7 to ableton

Linking the Gemini Ctrl 7 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 Ctrl 7 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Ctrl 7 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 Ctrl 7 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Ctrl 7 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 Ctrl 7 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Ctrl 7 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Gemini Ctrl 7 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 Ctrl 7, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Ctrl 7.
5. Moving the physical control on your Ctrl 7 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 Ctrl 7

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Ctrl 7, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Ctrl 7 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

When saving an Ableton session, your mappings will be saved as part of that session. Therefore, if you create a new session, you will need to remap your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Ctrl 7 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 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 Ctrl 7, 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 Ctrl 7's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Ctrl 7,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Ctrl 7, 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 Ctrl 7 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Ctrl 7 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Ctrl 7 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Ctrl 7.
4. Make sure that the Ctrl 7 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.