Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 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 tutorial will show you the whole process of how to operate the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Traktor Kontrol S2.

Article Contents

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Traktor Kontrol S2 to ableton
How to midi map the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Traktor Kontrol S2
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 is usable with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Traktor Kontrol S2 can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

Any edition of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, will be compatible with any device that transmits MIDI data. This works for all editions of Live, for instance 9, 10, and 11. As the Traktor Kontrol S2 is a MIDI enabled device, it will work 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 Traktor Kontrol S2.

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 come with ableton Live included?

The Traktor Kontrol S2 doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased 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.

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 Traktor Kontrol S2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 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 Traktor Kontrol S2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Traktor Kontrol S2 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 Traktor Kontrol S2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Traktor Kontrol S2 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 Traktor Kontrol S2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Traktor Kontrol S2 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 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 Traktor Kontrol S2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Traktor Kontrol S2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Traktor Kontrol S2 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 Traktor Kontrol S2

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Traktor Kontrol S2, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Traktor Kontrol S2 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 Traktor Kontrol S2 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 Traktor Kontrol S2, 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 Traktor Kontrol S2's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Traktor Kontrol S2,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Traktor Kontrol S2, 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 Traktor Kontrol S2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol S2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol S2 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Traktor Kontrol S2.
4. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol S2 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.