Gemini Pmx 20 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Gemini's Pmx 20 is an exceptionally flexible midi DJ controller and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi DJ controller has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

This tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Gemini Pmx 20 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Pmx 20.

Article Contents

1. Does the Gemini Pmx 20 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Gemini Pmx 20 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Pmx 20 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Gemini Pmx 20 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Pmx 20
   1. Saving your Pmx 20 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 Pmx 20 work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Gemini Pmx 20 is fully 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 Pmx 20 to a variety of functions.

Any edition of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, will be compatible with any device that transmits MIDI data. This works for all editions of Live, for instance 9, 10, and 11. As the Pmx 20 is a MIDI enabled device, it will work with Ableton Live.

Making your own midi mappings is a breeze with Ableton Live, which gives you the ability to control a lot of components of the software with your Pmx 20.

Does the Gemini Pmx 20 come with ableton Live included?

The Pmx 20 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.

Ableton Live Suite includes many more Audio and MIDI effects compared to Standard, so if you want to ensure you have everything, we recommend going with Ableton Live Suite.

How to connect the Pmx 20 to ableton

Linking the Gemini Pmx 20 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 Pmx 20 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Pmx 20 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 20 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Pmx 20 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 20 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Pmx 20 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 Pmx 20 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 Pmx 20, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Pmx 20.
5. Moving the physical control on your Pmx 20 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 20

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Pmx 20, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Pmx 20 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 control on your Pmx 20 can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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 Pmx 20, 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 20's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Pmx 20,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Pmx 20, 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 20 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Pmx 20 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Pmx 20 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 20.
4. Make sure that the Pmx 20 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.