Gemini Mix2go Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Mix2go 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.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Gemini Mix2go with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Mix2go.

Article Contents

1. Does the Gemini Mix2go work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Gemini Mix2go come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Mix2go to ableton
4. How to midi map the Gemini Mix2go in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Mix2go
   1. Saving your Mix2go 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 Mix2go work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Gemini Mix2go is usable with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Mix2go can still be midi mapped to many functions within 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 Mix2go is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Mix2go.

Does the Gemini Mix2go come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Mix2go, therefore it must be bought separately.

There are three main versions with Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Though Intro and Standard are both comprehensive, Suite offers much more, such as 70GB of library sounds, in comparison 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 Mix2go to ableton

Connecting the Gemini Mix2go with Ableton Live is pretty simple, and when the two are linked you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the Mix2go to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Mix2go 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 Mix2go from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Mix2go 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 Mix2go (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Mix2go 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 Mix2go 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 Mix2go, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Mix2go.
5. Moving the physical control on your Mix2go 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 Mix2go

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Mix2go, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Mix2go Midi Mappings is cumbersome

It is important to note that your mappings are stored with the Ableton session when saving. Consequently, when you create a new session, you will have to remap your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Mix2go 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 Mix2go, 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 Mix2go's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mix2go,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mix2go, 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 Mix2go in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Mix2go is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Mix2go is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Mix2go.
4. Make sure that the Mix2go is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.