Gemini Mdj 1000 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Gemini Mdj 1000 is a versatile midi DJ controller and when used alongside Ableton Live, it's an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi DJ controller is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Gemini Mdj 1000 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Mdj 1000.

Article Contents

Does the Gemini Mdj 1000 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Gemini Mdj 1000 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Mdj 1000 to ableton
How to midi map the Gemini Mdj 1000 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Mdj 1000
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Gemini Mdj 1000 work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the Gemini Mdj 1000 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Mdj 1000 to a variety of 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 Mdj 1000 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 Mdj 1000.

Does the Gemini Mdj 1000 come with ableton Live included?

The Mdj 1000 does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

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 Mdj 1000 to ableton

Linking the Gemini Mdj 1000 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 Mdj 1000 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Mdj 1000 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 Mdj 1000 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Mdj 1000 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 Mdj 1000 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Mdj 1000 has been configured and is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Once you have connected the Gemini Mdj 1000 to Ableton Live by following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to the corresponding functions in 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 Mdj 1000, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Mdj 1000.
5. Moving the physical control on your Mdj 1000 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 Mdj 1000

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Mdj 1000, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Mdj 1000 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

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Mdj 1000 can only be assigned to a single 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 Mdj 1000, 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 Mdj 1000's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mdj 1000,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mdj 1000, 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 Mdj 1000 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Mdj 1000 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Mdj 1000 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Mdj 1000.
4. Make sure that the Mdj 1000 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.