Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Native Instruments's Traktor Kontrol S8 is a fantastically adaptable midi dj controller that is extremely useful when coupled with Ableton Live. This device has a great range of features, making it ideal as an Ableton Live controller.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Traktor Kontrol S8.

Article Contents

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Traktor Kontrol S8 to ableton
How to midi map the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Traktor Kontrol S8
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 is usable with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Traktor Kontrol S8 to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

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 Traktor Kontrol S8 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible 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 S8.

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Traktor Kontrol S8, so this must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Even though Intro and Standard are both effective, Suite offers a lot more, including 70GB of library sounds, compared to Standard's 10GB.

For those seeking the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we highly suggest purchasing Ableton Live Suite, as it offers significantly more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Traktor Kontrol S8 to ableton

Connecting the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 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 Traktor Kontrol S8 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Traktor Kontrol S8 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 S8 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Traktor Kontrol S8 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 S8 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Traktor Kontrol S8 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 Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 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 Traktor Kontrol S8, 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 S8.
5. Moving the physical control on your Traktor Kontrol S8 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 S8

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Traktor Kontrol S8, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Traktor Kontrol S8 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

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your Traktor Kontrol S8 is capable of controlling only one 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 Traktor Kontrol S8, 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 S8's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Traktor Kontrol S8,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Traktor Kontrol S8, 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 S8 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol S8 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol S8 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 S8.
4. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol S8 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.