Hercules Rmx Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Hercules Rmx is a highly versatile midi controller and is a powerful instrument when used in combination with Ableton Live. This midi DJ controller has a great selection of features that make it perfect for your Ableton Live setup.

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

Article Contents

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

In a nutshell, the Hercules Rmx is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Rmx to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

All forms of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, Standard and Suite, can work with practically any instrument that sends out MIDI data, and it will be compatible with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. Due to this, the Rmx will be usable with Ableton Live.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Rmx.

Does the Hercules Rmx come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Rmx, so this must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are highly functional, Suite includes an additional 70GB library of sounds, in comparison 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 Rmx to ableton

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

The Rmx is all set and can now be used with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Upon making a successful connection between the Hercules Rmx and Ableton Live using the instructions above, you can now use MIDI mapping to allocate the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their respective functions in Ableton Live like this:

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

For the fastest way to map your Rmx, you can't go wrong with Ableton's midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations...

Saving your Rmx Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Mappings are saved along with your Ableton session. Therefore, if a new session is created, you must re-map all of your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Rmx can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode is unfortunately missing many control options. Options such as selected track and selected device control aren’t possible using this method. You can see a list of all available Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

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

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