Gemini Pmx 10 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Gemini Pmx 10 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.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Gemini Pmx 10 with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Pmx 10.

Article Contents

Does the Gemini Pmx 10 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Gemini Pmx 10 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Pmx 10 to ableton
How to midi map the Gemini Pmx 10 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Pmx 10
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Gemini Pmx 10 work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Gemini Pmx 10 is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Pmx 10 can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.

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 Pmx 10 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible 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 Pmx 10.

Does the Gemini Pmx 10 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Pmx 10, 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 Pmx 10 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Gemini Pmx 10 with Ableton Live is a relatively simple process, once you have the 2 linked together you will be able to control parameters of the software from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the Pmx 10 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Pmx 10 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 Pmx 10 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Pmx 10 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 Pmx 10 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Pmx 10 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 Pmx 10 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 Pmx 10, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Pmx 10.
5. Moving the physical control on your Pmx 10 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 Pmx 10

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Pmx 10, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Pmx 10 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 means that each button or knob on your Pmx 10 can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

When using Ableton's internal midi mapping mode, unfortunately now all options are available, controls such as selected track and selected device control aren't currently possible. View a full list of Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Pmx 10, 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 Pmx 10's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Pmx 10,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Pmx 10, 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 Pmx 10 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Pmx 10 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Pmx 10 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Pmx 10.
4. Make sure that the Pmx 10 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.