Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Native Instruments's Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 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 Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2.

Article Contents

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 to ableton
How to midi map the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

All editions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, can be used with any device that sends out MIDI data. This is the case for all versions of Live, 9, 10, or 11. Seeing as the Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function 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 Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2.

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 come with ableton Live included?

The Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased 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.

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 X1 Mk2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 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 X1 Mk2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 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 X1 Mk2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 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 X1 Mk2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 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 X1 Mk2 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 X1 Mk2, 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 X1 Mk2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 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 X1 Mk2

For the fastest way to map your Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2, you can't go wrong with Ableton's midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations...

Saving your Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 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 control on your Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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 X1 Mk2, 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 X1 Mk2's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2, 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 X1 Mk2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 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 X1 Mk2.
4. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.