Gemini Firstmix Pro Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Firstmix Pro from Gemini is an incredibly versatile midi DJ controller and is a powerful tool when used in combination with Ableton Live. The Akai MPK Mini has a wealth of features that make it perfect for use with Ableton Live.

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

Article Contents

Does the Gemini Firstmix Pro work with Ableton Live?
Does the Gemini Firstmix Pro come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Firstmix Pro to ableton
How to midi map the Gemini Firstmix Pro in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Firstmix Pro
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Gemini Firstmix Pro work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Gemini Firstmix Pro is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

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

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 Firstmix Pro will be usable with Ableton Live.

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

Does the Gemini Firstmix Pro come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not provided with the Firstmix Pro, so it needs 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 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 Firstmix Pro to ableton

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

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

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

Saving your Firstmix Pro Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Saving your mappings can be a problem as mappings are saved with an Ableton session, so if you start a new session you will need to re-map your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Firstmix Pro can only be assigned to control 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 Firstmix Pro, 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 Pro's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Firstmix Pro,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Firstmix Pro, 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 Pro in Ableton Live?

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