Numark Dj2go Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Numark Dj2go 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 explain all you need to know on using the Numark Dj2go with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Dj2go.

Article Contents

1. Does the Numark Dj2go work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Numark Dj2go come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Dj2go to ableton
4. How to midi map the Numark Dj2go in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Dj2go
   1. Saving your Dj2go 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 Numark Dj2go work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Numark Dj2go is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Dj2go to a variety of functions.

All versions of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, standard and suite can be used in conjunction with pretty much any device which sends MIDI data, and it will work with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. As the Dj2go is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

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 Dj2go.

Does the Numark Dj2go come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Dj2go, 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.

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 Dj2go to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Numark Dj2go 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 Dj2go to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Dj2go 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 Dj2go from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Dj2go 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 Dj2go (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Dj2go has been configured and is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Once you have connected the Numark Dj2go to Ableton Live by following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to the corresponding functions in Ableton Live by doing the following:

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 Dj2go, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Dj2go.
5. Moving the physical control on your Dj2go 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 Dj2go

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Dj2go, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your Dj2go Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Saving your mappings can be a problem as mappings are saved with an Ableton session, so if you start a new session you will need to re-map your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Dj2go can only be assigned to a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton's internal midi mapping mode does not include every control options, options such as selected track control and selected device control unfortunately aren't possible. You can view a comprehensive list of all Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Dj2go, 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 Dj2go's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Dj2go,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Dj2go, 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 Dj2go in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Dj2go is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Dj2go is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Dj2go.
4. Make sure that the Dj2go is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.