Gemini G2v Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Gemini's G2v is an incredibly multi-faceted midi controller and is a powerful addition to any Ableton Live setup. This midi DJ controller has a wealth of features that make it ideal for use with Ableton Live.

This tutorial will show you the whole process of how to operate the Gemini G2v with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the G2v.

Article Contents

1. Does the Gemini G2v work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Gemini G2v come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the G2v to ableton
4. How to midi map the Gemini G2v in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the G2v
   1. Saving your G2v 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 G2v work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Gemini G2v is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the G2v can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

All versions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, are able to be utilized in collaboration with any equipment that sends MIDI data. This is applicable to all releases of Live, such as 9, 10, and 11. As the G2v is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your G2v.

Does the Gemini G2v come with ableton Live included?

The G2v doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased 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 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 G2v to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Gemini G2v with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they're connected you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the G2v to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the G2v 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 G2v from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the G2v 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 G2v (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the G2v with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Gemini G2v 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 G2v, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the G2v.
5. Moving the physical control on your G2v 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 G2v

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your G2v, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your G2v 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

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your G2v can only be assigned to 1 parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode is unfortunately missing many control options. Options such as selected track and selected device control aren’t possible using this method. You can see a list of all available Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your G2v, 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 G2v's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your G2v,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your G2v, 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 G2v in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the G2v is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the G2v is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the G2v.
4. Make sure that the G2v is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.