Gemini G4v Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Gemini's G4v 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.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Gemini G4v with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the G4v.

Article Contents

1. Does the Gemini G4v work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Gemini G4v come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the G4v to ableton
4. How to midi map the Gemini G4v in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the G4v
   1. Saving your G4v 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 G4v work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Gemini G4v is usable with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the G4v can still be midi mapped to many functions within 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 G4v is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live's components with your G4v.

Does the Gemini G4v come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the G4v, therefore it must be bought separately.

Ableton Live has 3 main versions, Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are very capable pieces of software, the Suite version packs more in, such as over 70GB of library sounds compared to Standard’s 10GB.

If you're looking to make sure you have the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest you go with Ableton Live Suite, as it has far more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the G4v to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Gemini G4v 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 G4v to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the G4v 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 G4v from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the G4v 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 G4v (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The G4v is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Gemini G4v to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

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 G4v, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the G4v.
5. Moving the physical control on your G4v 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 G4v

For the fastest way to map your G4v, you can't go wrong with Ableton's midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations...

Saving your G4v 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 indicates that each control on your G4v is capable of controlling only one parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton's internal midi mapping mode does not provide every control option, so options such as controlling the selected track or selected device aren't possible. A full list of Ableton midi mapping options can be found here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your G4v, 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 G4v's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your G4v,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your G4v, 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 G4v in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the G4v is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the G4v is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the G4v.
4. Make sure that the G4v is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.