Hercules P32 Dj Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Hercules P32 Dj is a versatile midi controller and when used alongside Ableton Live, it's an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi 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 Hercules P32 Dj with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the P32 Dj.

Article Contents

1. Does the Hercules P32 Dj work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Hercules P32 Dj come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the P32 Dj to ableton
4. How to midi map the Hercules P32 Dj in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the P32 Dj
   1. Saving your P32 Dj 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 Hercules P32 Dj work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Hercules P32 Dj is usable with Ableton Live.

The lack of a MIDI remote script in Ableton Live does not restrict users from midi mapping the P32 Dj to multiple functions inside the program.

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 P32 Dj 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 P32 Dj.

Does the Hercules P32 Dj come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not provided with the P32 Dj, so it needs to be purchased separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Although Intro and Standard are both powerful, Suite offers extra features, such as 70GB of library sounds, in contrast 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 P32 Dj to ableton

Linking and configuring the Hercules P32 Dj to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software's settings from your midi controller.

1. Connect the P32 Dj to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the P32 Dj 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 P32 Dj from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the P32 Dj 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 P32 Dj (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The P32 Dj will now be setup and ready to use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After successfully connecting the Hercules P32 Dj to Ableton live following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to functionality within 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 P32 Dj, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the P32 Dj.
5. Moving the physical control on your P32 Dj 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 P32 Dj

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your P32 Dj, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your P32 Dj 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

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your P32 Dj can only be assigned to 1 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 P32 Dj, 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 P32 Dj's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your P32 Dj,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your P32 Dj, 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 P32 Dj in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the P32 Dj is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the P32 Dj is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the P32 Dj.
4. Make sure that the P32 Dj is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.