Ion Idj2go Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Idj2go from Ion is an incredibly versatile midi DJ controller and is a powerful tool when used in combination with Ableton Live. The Akai MPK Mini has a wealth of features that make it perfect for use with Ableton Live.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Ion Idj2go with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Idj2go.

Article Contents

1. Does the Ion Idj2go work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Ion Idj2go come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Idj2go to ableton
4. How to midi map the Ion Idj2go in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Idj2go
   1. Saving your Idj2go 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 Ion Idj2go work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Ion Idj2go is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Idj2go can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

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 Idj2go will be usable 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 Idj2go.

Does the Ion Idj2go come with ableton Live included?

The Idj2go 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 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 Idj2go to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Ion Idj2go 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 Idj2go to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Idj2go 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 Idj2go from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Idj2go 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 Idj2go (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Idj2go with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Ion Idj2go 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 Idj2go, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Idj2go.
5. Moving the physical control on your Idj2go 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 Idj2go

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Idj2go, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Idj2go 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 indicates that each control on your Idj2go is capable of controlling only one 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 Idj2go, 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 Idj2go's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Idj2go,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Idj2go, 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 Idj2go in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Idj2go is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Idj2go is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Idj2go.
4. Make sure that the Idj2go is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.