Gemini Firstmix Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Gemini's Firstmix 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.

This tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Gemini Firstmix with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Firstmix.

Article Contents

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

In summary, the Gemini Firstmix is usable with Ableton Live.

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

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 Firstmix 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 Firstmix.

Does the Gemini Firstmix come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Firstmix, so this must be bought separately.

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 Firstmix to ableton

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

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

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Firstmix, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your Firstmix 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

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your Firstmix is capable of controlling only one 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 Firstmix, 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 Firstmix's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Firstmix,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Firstmix, 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 Firstmix in Ableton Live?

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