Hercules Rmx2 Dj Console Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Hercules's Rmx2 Dj Console 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 explain all you need to know on using the Hercules Rmx2 Dj Console with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Rmx2 Dj Console.

Article Contents

Does the Hercules Rmx2 Dj Console work with Ableton Live?
Does the Hercules Rmx2 Dj Console come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Rmx2 Dj Console to ableton
How to midi map the Hercules Rmx2 Dj Console in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Rmx2 Dj Console
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Hercules Rmx2 Dj Console work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Hercules Rmx2 Dj Console is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Rmx2 Dj Console can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

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 Rmx2 Dj Console is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live's components with your Rmx2 Dj Console.

Does the Hercules Rmx2 Dj Console come with ableton Live included?

The Rmx2 Dj Console doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased separately.

There are three main versions with Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Though Intro and Standard are both comprehensive, Suite offers much more, such as 70GB of library sounds, in comparison 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 Rmx2 Dj Console to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Hercules Rmx2 Dj Console 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 Rmx2 Dj Console to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Rmx2 Dj Console 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 Rmx2 Dj Console from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Rmx2 Dj Console 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 Rmx2 Dj Console (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Rmx2 Dj Console with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Hercules Rmx2 Dj Console 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 Rmx2 Dj Console, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Rmx2 Dj Console.
5. Moving the physical control on your Rmx2 Dj Console 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 Rmx2 Dj Console

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Rmx2 Dj Console, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Rmx2 Dj Console 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

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Rmx2 Dj Console can only be assigned to 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 Rmx2 Dj Console, 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 Rmx2 Dj Console's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Rmx2 Dj Console,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Rmx2 Dj Console, 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 Rmx2 Dj Console in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Rmx2 Dj Console is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Rmx2 Dj Console is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Rmx2 Dj Console.
4. Make sure that the Rmx2 Dj Console is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.