Hercules Dj Control Mix Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Hercules Dj Control Mix 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 guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Hercules Dj Control Mix with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Dj Control Mix.

Article Contents

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

Does the Hercules Dj Control Mix work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Hercules Dj Control Mix is usable with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Dj Control Mix can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

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 Dj Control Mix is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

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

Does the Hercules Dj Control Mix come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Dj Control Mix, 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 prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Dj Control Mix to ableton

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

Set up of the Dj Control Mix with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Hercules Dj Control Mix to Ableton Live using the steps provided, you can now assign the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to specific functions within Ableton Live via MIDI mapping as follows:

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

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Dj Control Mix, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

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

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